On my 93rd birthday, which fell on election day Nov. 8 2016, we had a dinner party here. All was lovely until after dessert, when we turned on the news and got the election results. A pall not unlike our summer smoke descended immediately and has never lifted. This year my 95th birthday day was two days after the election and we could all enjoy knowing that sanity showed signs of a return to our national scene. Lolly arrived the day before and the birthday celebration was to be dinner out with Jackie and Jack, but first we were invited up to their house for drinks. They live high on the hill south of me and have challenging stairs, so Lolly drove up to their garage where I could climb the inside stairway. Jack was there when I disembarked and came up behind me to catch me if I dropped, as he knew what was coming. I reached the top, chattering all the way as usual, and there in the kitchen was a host of my friends yelling ‘surprise’!
Jackie nailed the moment in this photo, and went on to make a
video. Here’s the link to the video of me greeting friends around
the kitchen table. https://youtu.be/jXyyezyqfss
In order of hugs – Becky Snow, Sooney Viani,
Nick Viani, Pepper Trail, Jim Chamberlain, Terence Philippe,
and Martin Majkut. End of video but not of participants. Everyone
already had a glass in hand and were in the livingroom.
There was wine and champagne and a gorgeous spread on the dining table with many home-made dishes from Jackie and Sooney. Wine was via communication between son-in-law Keith in Irvine ( a wine afficionado) and the sommolier at our Market of Choice. There was enough champagne left for another occasion, like Christmas. It took many skilled hands to put this surprise event together, and Jackie and Lolly led the way.
After toasts we ate and drank and laughed and talked non-stop. I asked everyone to play musical chairs and get acquainted with anyone they didn’t know, as there were friends from all my different interests – classical music, painting and mosaic, birding and bird-related projects, books, MahJongg, etc. The food was delectable and mostly homemade by Jackie and Sooney. The conversation was rich and varied, and never pausing. It was SO MEMORABLE.
Pepper had written a poem, and read it. A beautiful, moving creation that spoke directly to me. You can read it at the end of this post. Then Lolly stood up with a packet of loving notes from our family. And what an articulate group they are, each reminiscing about an incident with me that was memorable for them. All who could write were represented and I was so moved I kept swallowing tears. The rest can be told in snapshots. Jackie and Lolly took most of them, and they certainly caught the upbeat mood of the gathering. I was too busy talking (witness the many photos with my mouth open) between sips of wine and laughter.
Pepper wrote a most moving poem for me and then Lolly
We ended the evening with a chocolate-lovers-delight cake and when faced with candles to blow out I couldn’t really think of a wish; there was nothing in my cherished life to wish for, and World Peace seemed too far out of reach, so I just blew. One candle didn’t quit; symbolic of something I was missing?
This was a party of friends, with Lolly representing the family, because 17 of the 21 current family members will be here for Christmas. And we will do more celebrating. Then life will return to normal, with some very great memories added. Thanks to my wonderful friends and family for creating such a memorable 95th birthday. I am truly blessed. It can still be a great life in your mid-nineties. I wish the same for all of you.
Pepper’s poem:
MOSAIC
– for Barbara Massey
Begin with pieces, and see the whole
Who does that? Who assembles the world?
The scientist, and the artist
Science is in the asking
Art, in the seeing
The work must be given time
With care, much can be done
Begin with pieces, and see the whole
A mosaic is made of glass
Music is made of notes
Birds are made of feathers and bone
A family is made of love and labor
Choose carefully, this bit of green, of blue
The work will draw blood, that is understood
Stand back, look hard, alter, mend
There: the vision complete
The scientist and the artist
At rest, with all in place
Begin with the pieces, and see the whole