I know this is a “book” site. But, is it? Or, is it a place where we can share moments of our lives? Those who are regulars here know we do both. I drove home yesterday, after staying up too late the night before to reminisce with Mom. I was up too early in the morning, and then, before leaving, shared a group hug with Mom and my sisters. I had garage door problems when I arrived home, and, as I’m writing this, I’m heading to bed early.

But, we pulled it off. Mom’s 90th birthday went well. As I mentioned, we had cousins come in from all over. Four generations of both sides of the family, some of Mom’s friends, including the Pier Pals that she walks the pier with, somewhere between 70 and 80 people. My college roommate, a professional singer, called just before the party, to sing Happy Birthday. And, we even had a retired choir director, beloved in our hometown, lead everyone in singing Happy Birthday. When I asked over the weekend, we learned Mom had never had a birthday party. We did good. And, one of my nephews wrote in his card to Mom that he hoped we could do it again in 20 years. (I love that guy.)

So, I have just a few pictures to share, although my sisters and a couple friends took others.

This was our theme for Mom’s party, with mints and her picture on all the party favors and the cake on a previous birthday when she had just a streak of green in her hair.

Our “Mint” Mom

Christie made Mom a “family tree” with Dad, her three daughters, her son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mom with her daughters.

Thank you to all of you for your birthday wishes for her, and for putting up with all my comments about the upcoming party. Thank you to all the family who came in, along with Mom’s friends and neighbors.

Most of all, thank you to my sisters, Linda and Christie, and Christie’s daughter, (Elizabeth II – family joke), who all worked on the plans for several months. It was a party full of love.