The Birthday Party

Just got through scrubbing icing off of the linen cloth. The cake was wonderful and so was the party. The evening began with the family enjoying a meal in Sturbridge. Nate is tall enough to sit at the table now. He was well behaved. We started with appetizers and drinks, followed by our main course.

Back at our house, coffee and dessert was served with lots of conversation and laughs. Then it was time to open gifts. Nathan got a real charge out of the card, one of the funny musical-types, something about karate. Looked like two bunny characters on the front. His mom, Angie picked out that one, knowing how much he liked it, for his Uncle. He just giggled and giggled, making us giggle too. Playing it over and over and over. Steve left it here for him to play with, when he comes over.

Bill and Steve were looking at the printed and second edition of cartoon characters that were done and featured in our local newspaper. I don't know where they inherited their sense of humor. They are the "characters," and it looks like Nate is following in their footsteps.

It was a wonderful celebration, as they all are. But this grandma is going to put herself to bed, satisfied that Steven had a wonderful party. It appeared that he appreciated the Dunk'n donuts coffee gift certificate, (John's idea), and liked the cookbook on grilling that we picked up for him. Last year he and Jean bought a oversized grill and cooked some impressive dishes for us at their lake house. Later we sat by the dock and, sitting by the fire we enjoyed watching the boats go by.

Jean was telling me about the fishing event they had recently on the "frozen lake". The money raised went to the Worcester Food Bank.

It amazed me that conversations centered around jobs and work slowdowns, even by people close by at the restaurant. It will be good to keep food supplies for the needy available as this may be a hard year for some folk.

Like in generations past, we will cling to each other, laugh as much as we can, remembering that our greatest gift is each other.

Just think, my baby is now in his early thirties. Where did all the years go? It doesn't seem possible.

May God Grant him many years!