Party time

Yesterday I attended a lovely party for a long term friend who just turned 98! Her real name is Angela, but she is known by all as Lina (abbreviation of Angelina).

She originates from Italy, but has been a resident of the U.S. since she was 9 years old. She is the mother of two, the grandmother of four, and the great grandmother of 10! I consider her like a second mother – she married the same year as mine did, and I met her almost half a century ago, just before mine passed away still young.

For a variety of reasons most of her grand and great grandchildren could not be with us at this party, but close relatives and friends were present, and this gathering turned out to be one of mature participants, more or less within the same age group. The large banquet table was filled with foods and goods of all sorts, lovingly prepared and presented by her daughter and son in law, who hosted, as usual, the celebration. The former has wonderful taste in decorating the settings and the house, while her husband (almost ready for retirement) has taken up experimenting with cooking, which he is great at, enjoys very much and is successfully in doing.

The remarkable woman we celebrated yesterday worked hard throughout, and dedicated her entire life to family and friends, who now are willing to travel long distances to join her in celebrating her birthday. She still displays a sense of humor and such a youthful voice that could be the envy of young people. Right on, dear Lina, I am looking forward to your 100th!