A Splendid Birthday

Just a quick update to say that I was escorted very well into my 7th decade. There was a wonderful spa afternoon (facial and hot stone massage) followed by drinks with daughters and sister and husband and even a son-in-love. Then Paul took me to an Italian restaurant we’ve been wanting to try, and the day ended perfectly.  My birthday was over, and I was well and truly 60.

And then I woke as an experienced 60-year old Saturday morning and managed a run with Paul and thought, Okay, I can manage this 60s gig. . . I can do this. . .

So we headed over to my daughter’s to cuddle Harriet after her travels, and I must admit that thanks to something Nola had said weeks earlier about a party with pizza and sushi, I did suspect my other daughters and their families/partners might be there as well to surprise me. But I did not expect to open the door to a roomful and hear that classic Surprise!

And there was no sushi and pizza, but there was a lovely catered buffet and a beautiful cake and wine and gifts and clever cards and happy granddaughters and fabulous sisters and nieces (even a niece’s boyfriend made time in his schedule to come celebrate an almost-aunt’s old age!). It was a glorious afternoon of feeling very special and well loved and I think everyone should have one of those from time to time.

We’re off today on a much sadder task, visiting my rapidly declining father-in-law. It feels much too soon to be doing this again, but at least we will be able to expedite visits between our younger generation and their grandparents. ..

Thanks for all the comments that helped make my birthday so special. May your next birthday make you feel older in as lovely a manner as did mine!

And by the way, I wrote most of this post on my new miniIpad (thank you Pater!) — so frustrated with the hostilities between Google and Apple that make some features of both close to unusable on the other . . . Anyone have any good tricks for getting my iPad photos to Blogger?

21 Comments

  1. mette
    19 May 2013 / 5:55 pm

    What a wonderful birthday you had!
    It must be great to have so much family, so many relatives around. And this time everyone was there for You!

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:32 am

      They were, all there just for little old me! 😉

  2. hostess of the humble bungalow
    19 May 2013 / 5:56 pm

    No hints or tricks on the mini…I only read blogs on mine.
    Happy to hear that you were celebrated in such a wonderful fashion…

    I do love children's art…those are worth framing.

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:33 am

      I love children's art as well and this card was really precious — she was so pleased to be giving it.

  3. pomomama
    19 May 2013 / 6:00 pm

    Happy birthday.
    Android – that is all. Possibly Dropbox?

    • Rubi
      20 May 2013 / 1:59 pm

      Secondig Dropbox. I use it all the time and love it!

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:34 am

      I've been using and appreciating Dropbox for a while and am Android on my Smartphone. I'm happy to try out the mini iPad though, as so many of my students work in an Apple environment and it seems time for me to give that a whirl. And I'm finding lots to love. . . too bad we can't get the chocolate and the peanut butter together, 'cause we all love Reese's peanut butter cups, right?

  4. Duchesse
    19 May 2013 / 6:08 pm

    What a splendid surprise, and such an able rendering from your young artist! The best way to glide over a big, bumpy birthday is basking in the love of one's family.

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:32 am

      Absolutely! Glide and bump and bask, not necessarily in that order. . .

  5. K.Line
    19 May 2013 / 6:41 pm

    I suspected you might have a fun surprise! So sorry to hear about Pater's father. Lord, it's been a rough year for y'all. Please tell him I'm thinking about him.xo

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:35 am

      It's tough. I've loved Paul's parents as a second mom and dad for 40 years now and getting ready to lose one of them so soon after losing my mom is really tough. I'll pass on your message with gratitude.

  6. Madame LĂ -bas
    19 May 2013 / 6:50 pm

    It is wonderful that your family showed you so much love and attention. I love your curly picture with the red shoes. Do they have high heels?

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:36 am

      They do indeed have high heels — Nana in red high heels, with curls, Gotta love it!

  7. Anonymous
    19 May 2013 / 9:50 pm

    The artwork is precious! I love the wide-legged stance in both drawings!! I knew it would be a better birthday than you first thought.

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:30 am

      You're right about that stance — I love knowing that she sees women as so full of attitude! 😉

  8. LPC
    20 May 2013 / 1:55 am

    Ah. Sounds like the family came through. Good for them. More happies from California, also smooches.

    As for technology – well, we're not a loving family and I recommend you switch to WordPress.

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:31 am

      I'm been quite content with Blogger and it's free, but folks do keep recommending WordPress. . . I think I'd have to be retired to make time for that switch. Not ruling it out, someday

  9. Catherine
    20 May 2013 / 2:59 pm

    If only it stopped there! The years just carry on turning… Glad you had a very special birthday

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:31 am

      Don't they just!

  10. Lorrie
    21 May 2013 / 5:26 am

    Belated Happy Birthday, Mater! What a wonderful family you have to put on such happy celebrations!

    • materfamilias
      22 May 2013 / 5:31 am

      I am truly blessed in family, Lorrie, and I do know it.

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