The 70th Celebration or The Partay! August 10, 2014

This is the year that those of us born in 1944 turn 70, much to the chagrin of many of us. How can this milestone happen so soon? It’s sort of bothersome to be this old, but I guess it’s just a number and you’re only as old as you feel. I certainly don’t feel 70. I hope this feeling continues for a long time.

Jerri and Jolee decided this birthday was worthy of a bigger celebration than our usual tradition of a small family dinner. So, together, they concocted a small list of friends and relatives to get them to the celebration. They wanted to make it a surprise, but I’m glad they ended up telling me because it was really fun to anticipate the event.

Shirley and Connie from Colorado (Don’t forget to click on the image if you wish to enlarge it)

My Colorado buddies, Shirley and Connie, flew in Thursday and after touring Virginia City, we attended a Boogie Woogie concert that evening. That got our feet tapping! I think that concert is the only time we weren’t talking, discussing, making puns and/or laughing. Such great conversations about all kinds of topics!

We went on a hike around a portion of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lake Tahoe on Friday. All of us are in pretty good shape, so there wasn’t any panting when we tromped up a hill. Pretty good for 70 year-old folks! It was such a pretty day with a slight breeze that kept us from getting too hot. Of course we got to horsing around as evidenced by the following picture.

Do you think the pine cone helps to balance Connie?

We drove through Genoa on the way home and saw some of their trademark deer that over run the town. I love to see them but wouldn’t like them eating my flowers and tromping all over my yard.

There was a strange cloud formation that afternoon that made me think of pictures I’d seen of approaching sandstorms. This was just clouds that arced over the horizon. There was no storm (at least over us) and it went away by sunset. But I’ve never seen anything like that formation.

Do you think it’s an omen?

That night, we sat outside, sipping a glass of wine while the moon rose. It was the beginning of a super moon that got brighter for the next couple of days. It was the first night in a long time without bugs attacking me. It was lovely!

It’s sort of blurry, but you get the idea about the colors

Saturday morning, we toured the Nevada State Museum and now they know more than they ever wanted to know about Nevada.   They liked the museum a lot, but I think I added too many details as I often get carried away with my stories.

Connie spent the afternoon with Jolee buying flowers and making centerpieces and various floral decorations for the party. They did a great job and everything was beautiful. Connie even made a floral Snoopy that still looks like new 7 days later. Her imagination and creativity run amok sometimes and she creates many wonderful, original floral displays.

Also Saturday afternoon, our Uncle Bev flew in from Colorado. What an honor to have him at the party. He’s our dad’s youngest brother and looks, sounds, and acts quite a bit like him. He’s fun to be with and I love hearing his stories.

A happy Uncle Bev

Sunday, the actual birthday, Connie and Shirley spent quite a bit of time plotting and scheming to perfect their act (or was it a roast?) for that evening. Curiosity almost got the best of me, but I didn’t sneak up on them to overhear what they were dreaming up. I was saving my laughter for later on. And laugh I did.

Finally, it was time to go to Jolee’s, site of the festivities. The first thing I saw was a 1944 price list.   Who would guess that gas was only 15 cents per gallon and that a gallon of milk was 62 cents? Amazing! I don’t imagine that we’ll ever see that again. But then annual wages were only $2400.

Can you believe these prices?

I was so honored that folks would want to come to celebrate. What a fine day to savor every moment. I tried to soak up every second along with every comment and was sorry that I couldn’t listen in on every conversation. It was just a great day!

Jerri and Jolee worked many hours to make prepare appetizers, homemade rolls, potato salad, beans, fruit salad and birthday cakes. I appreciate all their effort and the TLC they used to make it a special fiesta.

Jerri resting after all her work.

Jolee taking a time out in her own way

A special thanks to Allan, my brother-in-law, (who is more like a brother than an in-law) for getting a day off work, making homemade ice cream and also cooking the tri-tip on his trusty barbie. He did a fantastic job and I scarfed up more than my share.

Cutting up!

I had mentioned that the presence of the attendees was present enough, but I found that there were many cards and gifts on the table. Of course, many of them were pretty good jokes and jabs at old age. I’ve probably dished out much more than I received, so turn about is fair play. We celebrated buzzards, quail, Donate Life, Mended hearts,  being 70, Snoopy, gardening, wine, pictures, flowers, Jacobs Berry Farm berries, and so many comments, gestures and puns that I couldn’t keep track. All I know is that my mouth muscles were tired from laughing so much.  I wanted to make this blog as funny as the event was, but many of the things mentioned above don’t translate into the printed word.  So I think that I’ll share some pictures of this part of the festivity rather than describe it all.

Vintage, is the word of the night, I think. A 1969 picture along with a new coffee cup and a good glass of wine.

A photo book from the wonderful people at the Donate Life Office where I used to volunteer. I miss them, too.

It’s true. It’s a Buzzard Thing

A touching moment for me was a large print containing many quotes from so many people who wrote a few words about me or how I’d influenced them.  Note the centerpiece flowers that survived to be moved to my house.

Jerri and the torch.

The plotters/ roasters/entertainers

The audience

I would also like to thank my good friends, Dick Schmidt and Jan Haag for documenting the evening.  Dick and Jan no ka oi.  Wrong verb, but I don’t know the Hawaiian word for “are.”

Jan showing Connie the ropes

Getting every possible angle

Dalan and I looking at a documentary of 70 years worth of photos. Oh my goodness!

The party sort of broke up after the roast/comments but there was still another event to happen. Several of us climbed the stairs to the attic where there just happens to be an exercise pole.   Some folks heard about this and wanted to try it. Jolee gave us a few pointers and then we tried our hand/foot or body. However you want to put it. I’m only going to share one photo from this escapade.

The three of us before the grand experiment.

This party was the best ever and I am blessed to have family and friends who love and support me and give me so much joy. You are all too cool!  Thanks to all who contributed to the celebration.  With that I am closing this episode with the following picture.