Waiting for Company

 

Waiting for people to come

to the party

and talking to

well wishers by phone.

 

Happy Birthday Gary.

 

Happy start to a wonderful

new year.

After the Party

After the Party

This afternoon, I sat outside on the shady swing seat, sheltered from the street by the elm hedge.  It was a perfect July day, true blue sky, cloud puffs, dry heat, quiet except for the occasional birdsong and the sound of the breeze rustling through the lawn and trees, bringing the fragrance of heat-warmed grass and leaves.

Peaceful, quiet!  Wonderful!

I spent a busy morning, cleaning and completing “after party” tasks, sorting which items need to be returned to whom. After hours of tidying, I welcomed the pleasant weariness coming over me as I sat in the swing seat.

Mum enjoyed her birthday party yesterday.  There was enough time and leisure and space in the afternoon and evening to allow her plenty of time to chat and to visit and to enjoy her friends, children and spouses, grandchildren and partners, and great-grandchildren.

Folks from various locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario shared the day with us here.  “Happy Birthday” wishes arrived from this local area, as well as from Long Island in NY, Quebec, Ontario and Mexico.  There were messages, gifts and cards from all over.

It was a great day—perfect weather, great food, music, laughter and stories, as family and friends gathered to honour and to celebrate Mum’s 85^th birthday.

A wonderful happy time!

A Porsche and A Party

A Porsche and A Party

It’s early morning and already the sun has heated the air to 20 degrees centigrade.  The skies are pale blue, nearly cloudless. 

Our kitchen table is located in part of the house that used to be a sun-porch.  When we open all eight windows, it feels like a sun-porch again!  The kitchen floods with light and with birdsong carried on the warm breezes.  Our cats are contented sitting in chairs in front of the windows, peering at the activities at the feeders.

Mornings here are peaceful, quiet except for the birds chirping and twittering, and the cats chattering back at them, or at us, requesting breakfast or pats.

Gary is sitting at the table, intensely searching for pictures of an older Porsche 930 Turbo, maybe 1986 to 1988.  He saw one last night at a friend’s birthday party and has been talking about it ceaselessly ever since.  He’s feeling envy; really just loves everything about fast cars.

I wasn’t able to attend the party last night; Gary took our gift and sandwiches. He tells me that it was wonderful, a large crowd of folks all getting together for a surprise birthday party for WM.  Good food, a beautiful home, stunning backyard, great conversation and lots of people he hadn’t seen for awhile and of course, hugs from the guest of honour on her birthday!

I’m feeling envious too, that I missed a good party last night.  Gary can’t stop talking about it.  Hope it was a surprise and a great time for WM.

Happy Birthday wishes, dear friend!

Wasn't That a Party

Now Wasn’t That a Party?

Last evening we attended a birthday party for a dear friend.  She turns 50 today and she wanted to celebrate her self.  What a great idea!

Her husband sent out email invitations weeks ago, including helpful suggestions about her birthday-gift wishes and wants.  How helpful!  No worrying and guessing about what to give as a birthday remembrance.

We arrived at the Centre at 7 pm; there she was at the door to greet each guest and to receive hugs, cards and gifts. 

“This is a healthy attitude about a birthday,” I realized, easier and more direct than the usual self-effacing, “Please, don’t make a fuss about me for my big day.”

She made the rounds of the tables several times and spoke to each individual, chatting vibrantly.  She was full of life and happy, clearly enjoying herself at her own party.   It was energizing to be around the enthusiasm and merriment.

Her birthday gave me an opportunity to visit with people that I’ve not seen recently.  We talked, caught up and enjoyed the scrumptious food buffets, sang some songs, listened to live guitar and fiddle music, drank some wine and watched videos prepared by her step-children.  Enjoyment and entertainment!

I’m impressed that my friend celebrated her 50^th birthday with such generosity and thoughtfulness, providing the opportunity to celebrate what she means in our lives. 

I learned a lesson.  Sometimes, telling folks what I don’t want for my birthday, then not telling them what I do want, makes life challenging for those who love me.

Aren’t birthdays meant to be celebratory milestones in our lives? Birthdays are the acknowledgement of the years that have made us who and what we are, as well as the forward-looking hopefulness and new beginnings of the year yet to come.

A Happy Birthday!