The past couple days have been very special. My family celebrated my grandmother’s (mom’s mother) 90th birthday. Grandma Drake is like a mother to me, we’re very close and she’s been a dear friend throughout my life. She’s my inspiration and life line. It’s hard to believe that she’s 90 years; aside from weight loss and slower pace, she still seems like a young 60 year old. She takes no medication and perfect health according to the doctor, her only remedy is chicken soup and a shot of whisky before bed. She claims medicine makes her ill. She’s 100% independent living on her own. She’s one of the wittiest, intelligent people I know. She’s the reason I’m so adventuresome…she’s the mastermind behind my free spirit. I’m blessed for the time that we’ve shared together and looking forward to the next 30 years of memories.
On April 29th, my sister, Jamie, arrived in Branson, MO from Atlanta. Grandma was dolled up as usual, so we headed to the Olive Garden for her pre-birthday celebration. It was a feast; lots of food, wine, and way too much dessert. The waitress brought us a celebration cake and we sang “Happy Birthday!” Neighboring diners sang too, so grandma cut the cake and offered them a piece. That’s grandma, always thinking and doing for others. After dinner, we took her to her favorite show, The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre. Shoji personally wished her a “Happy Birthday” and commented on her young looks…boy, he made her night! She made many friends at the show that evening. The following day, April 30th, was grandma’s 90th! The weather was stormy so we passed on the planned boat ride and stayed at my parents place, Villa Dolca Vita, where we played WII bowling and billiards. Mom cooked a special birthday dinner and grandma opened presents. The best gift of all (my opinion) was the bottle of Henri Verlaet’s Goosberry Champagne. Henri Verlaet is my grandmother’s deceased brother from Belgium. He left behind a recipe for Goosberry Champagne and my grandmother’s been talking about making it for years. So my parents made the sparkling wine, designed a label, and voila, it made for the greatest gift! More bottles are fermenting in the cellar; visit us in MO and you can have a taste!!! Grandma thoroughly enjoyed her birthday celebration, as did the family near and far!
LIVE YOUR BLISS! smiles,C
On April 29th, my sister, Jamie, arrived in Branson, MO from Atlanta. Grandma was dolled up as usual, so we headed to the Olive Garden for her pre-birthday celebration. It was a feast; lots of food, wine, and way too much dessert. The waitress brought us a celebration cake and we sang “Happy Birthday!” Neighboring diners sang too, so grandma cut the cake and offered them a piece. That’s grandma, always thinking and doing for others. After dinner, we took her to her favorite show, The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre. Shoji personally wished her a “Happy Birthday” and commented on her young looks…boy, he made her night! She made many friends at the show that evening. The following day, April 30th, was grandma’s 90th! The weather was stormy so we passed on the planned boat ride and stayed at my parents place, Villa Dolca Vita, where we played WII bowling and billiards. Mom cooked a special birthday dinner and grandma opened presents. The best gift of all (my opinion) was the bottle of Henri Verlaet’s Goosberry Champagne. Henri Verlaet is my grandmother’s deceased brother from Belgium. He left behind a recipe for Goosberry Champagne and my grandmother’s been talking about making it for years. So my parents made the sparkling wine, designed a label, and voila, it made for the greatest gift! More bottles are fermenting in the cellar; visit us in MO and you can have a taste!!! Grandma thoroughly enjoyed her birthday celebration, as did the family near and far!
LIVE YOUR BLISS! smiles,C
It's great to read about the birthday party. We can even feel the love you feel for your grandma. I wish I was there.
ReplyDeleteI made a present for her, something special, don't tell you what. I needed special help to finish it so I'm still waiting for the present to be ready.
Thank you, Kris! Your gift is a secret with me. Grandma will be pleasantly surprised. Love you.
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