cMom and Aunt Claire's
Birthday
July 27-28, 2002
The sisters celebrate a significant birthday for them both.
The family came in from far and wide for a night at Jackie's and brunch at the
Wisch Family Estate in Winnetka. It was an appropriate tribute to the two
women who most shaped our world. No child or grandchild in our family has
escaped their scrutiny, concern, advice, training or molding. Auntie Claire and
Mom have set a high bar for everyone.
The weekend had been in the making for a few decades. I had it
on my calendar five years ago and got everyone in for the occasion. Everyone who
wanted to be here, got here. The nice part of being in this family is that you
always get to meet new cousins you never knew existed. Considering how many of
us Mom and Auntie Claire have to keep track of, it's amazing that neither one
uses a computer very well.
(I only have two kids and need a computer, cell phone
and palm pilot to find their addresses and phone numbers.)
A great time was had by all. The festivities started on Friday
night when we took Mom to dinner at O'Neills in Winnetka. Saturday night we all
congregated at Jackie's house and only had one carpet incident!
(Everyone check the bottom of your shoes, please.)
As usual, click on the small
photo to get the big picture.
The sisters look good no matter how many candles were on the birthday
cake. I think there were six. It was a small cake but the candles were
just right, and Jackie's explanation was just right, too.
I'll say for the record that I love my Mom and my Auntie Claire. I'm
not sure how life might have gone without them. I'm grateful that I've had
the chance to know them. I want to celebrate many more birthdays with
them.
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You know how much I like group pictures. This is one of my favorites
for obvious reasons.
Auntie Claire and Diana... yea!
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During readings from "The Books of Life" Glorya started to
get dramatic.
Auntie Gail looks amused, as she should.
Wait. It gets worse... in just a second, Gail gets squashed as Glorya
warms to the recitation.
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No, Glorya is not beating up Auntie Claire, she's just being
expressive.
If my darned camera was not so slow you would have seen what happens
when she really warms to her presentation.
It was quite a sight.
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Auntie, Auntie and Glorya. |
Four of my five favorite women. I was tempted to Photoshop Jeannine
into the picture but that will have to wait for a while. You can catch
Jeannine in the next panel. |
A fine batch of cousins don't you think! |
Jackie reads from "The Books of Life". Family and friends
submitted essays about Mom and Aunt Claire. Everyone got in but it wasn't
easy. The competition was fierce!
I think you had to choose between "Humorous Stories and
Memories" or "Schmaltz and Pathos". Some entries included
both, and if you could make Mom cry, the judges awarded you fifty extra
points.
Val won in a walk.
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Best friends forever. |
This was the young persons table.
I remember sitting at the young persons table until I was 50.
Young is a relative term with my relatives!
I must say that I am very impressed with the next, and the next
generation of our family. They are going to uphold the traditions that
started with doctors and lawyers like Mom and Auntie Claire.
(They can also uphold the tradition of salesmen
started by me!)
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Mom, Auntie Claire and Teresa. |
"OK Mommy, I'll be good even though I'm very tired and cranky.
Just give me some attention please!"
Alex was very well behaved for a normal, overactive 3 year old. He was
expected to wow the crowd, which he did.
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Alex plays with the Etch-A-Sketch. I want to teach him to use a credit
card like Glorya's granddaughter does.
(Long story. Ask Neal.) |
Teresa
and her family. Good lookin' group, don'tcha think! |
Jeannine's boyfriend Aaron with Auntie. He really is that tall.
Don't you think he looks good with the family? Perhaps he wants a
membership card?
(It's OK, Aaron. U R welcome. Don't be bashful.
Propose already!)
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Aaron even takes care of the little guy. This is especially good
since the last time I saw Aaron on Saturday, he was flat on his back and
unable to walk. He got over two days of dizziness to come to the party.
I understand. His girlfriend often makes me dizzy, too.
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Dinner with a candle at O'Neills in Hubbard Woods. |
Mom gets the candle on the first try. |
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