Looking Back: November 2015

The month of November began as it always does, with Granddad's birthday.

He celebrated 96 with balloons and company,

and complete disbelief that he was that old.

And he enjoyed the company and the celebration,

but the candy really got his attention!

Then there was the traditional Guy Fawkes bonfire,

with spectacular sparks flying high over our heads.

In fact, November is a month of traditional celebrations, isn't it?

We celebrated the Beaujolais Nouveau with a wine party,

a taste of the brash new wine and a glass of good old wine.

It's good to have traditions.

HoosierKitty added a new one to Thanksgiving: cranberry cordial.

It was a lovely addition to the usual feast,

which we enjoyed all the more for the Indy Duo who shared it with us.

There was even more storytelling, with PC at the IU Art Museum.

and snow, actual cold wet snow, made a very brief appearance.

But mostly November was bright and clear,

so busy and so full of parties and events and work

that I made little record of it beyond a few photos.

The celebration ends...

I just have to accept it.

My birthday is over.

 The lovely roses have faded.

 The lovely chocolates are eaten.

 Birthday cards have given way to Halloween decorations.

 The traditional picnic has been enjoyed.

 Presents have been opened and put to use.

Oh wait...there's one more!

It isn't over yet!

Amazon.com, here I come.

Company

The old house had been sitting quietly in the summer sun, while weeds grew up around it and the only sound was the chip of the chipmunk and the call of the birds. 

The people had been away visiting.

Even when they were home, the house was quiet.

Then came August.

 Company came from clear across the country!

The old house woke up!

 There were people having breakfast in the kitchen,

 there was the sound of the old piano in the dining room.

 The old red rooster was rocking again!

The pretty ponies were prancing again!

Umbrellas were opened!

There were people around the picnic table,

there were cousins in the pool,

and the pool was full of splashes and action again.

There was the excitement of getting ready for a wedding

and a birthday.

Thank you to our company!

You brought the old house to life again!

March forth

To my Long-time Love on His Birthday

Live long and prosper.

The 95th

It is not everyday that someone turns 95.

Granddad could hardly believe it himself.

He spent the week before his birthday asking:

 "Now, how old will I be on my birthday?"

"How old do you think you are?" I'd ask.

He always answered, "16!"

The event was marked in style - starting with a crown for the King of the Day.

Mimi brought a square balloon to tie on the wheelchair.

Granddad was amused and pleased to have so many Skype calls.

He really felt as if you all were right with him.

He enjoyed hugs,

and birthday cake,

and company,

and presents.

It was a fine Birthday Eve party!

On the actual Birthday Day, there was a candlelit dinner with soft music, more presents, deeply appreciated company -- and a tasty tender STEAK.  

Now the crown is put away for the next birthday,

but Granddad has a new hat to wear all year.

Thanks to everyone who made his 95th a great occasion!

Another Year Older

If it's October, it's time for a picnic with Mimi.

This year we went to Lake Monroe, and there really was more on that table than you see in this picture!

Only the first leaves were turning and falling, but it felt like fall anyway.

If it's October, it's time for a get-together with Hoosier Kitty -

(there was a sumptious breakfast involved but not pictured)

If it's October, it's time to visit the lake

and hike with a friend, even if it was pouring down rain.

If it's October, it's time for the Romantic Man 

to bring roses and take me out to dinner.

If it's October, it's time for a few unexpected treats --

flowers, visits, phone calls..

If it's October, it must be time for my birthday!

Happy Birthday Little Brother

Well, I am feeling a bit nostalgic today,

thinking about my little brother on his birthday.

 After all, we've celebrated a lot of birthdays together.

 And a lot of other things as well.

 It doesn't seem all that long ago,

 when we were young together.

And those places don't seem all that far away. 

It's good to have someone whose memories go way back with me,

and I'm glad we are still making memories to share.

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!