Short Pump, Virginia

Allan Mitchell, right, came to town to visit his mother and is surprised by a gathering of friends at the Daily Grind. Allan moved to Florida a few years ago after living in the community and pastoring Cambridge church for 22 years. Dianne, left, fixes a black 60th birthday pin to his shirt, his birthday excuse enough for a party and a surprise.

Carolyn, center foreground, greets Allan's mother Erie, right, during the party as others mill about Allan and his wife Ann.

A carrot cake for Allan's birthday is a must. It is his favorite — and a 60th is reason enough for favorites — both friends and cakes.

Among the swag is an invitation to the "Old as Hell" Angels Motorcycle Club.

All photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II