Centennial activities

This year is flying away.....the fall was really brief and the first snow has lightly blanketed New York a couple of times this month. The holiday preparations, exchange of greetings, and events participation started early and are ongoing.

On November 28th I went to Washington to attend the celebration of Albania's 95th birthday at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel at the invitation of the Albanian Embassy. It was a crowded, stand-up affair with exquisite foods and drinks, where it was a pleasure meeting more involved Albanians and also speaking with various US and Albanian personalities, including Albania's young Deputy Prime Minister Oketa. I was so busy talking that my camera never came out of my bag, unfortunately.

Yesterday, instead, I was able to snap a few pictures at a private party for the 100th birthday of a very good friend of mine. As blogged last year, at her 99th birthday, I was amazed by her stamina in meeting and speaking for hours with everyone, and I can say that the same happened this year. Notwithstanding the bad weather, there was an incredible turnout of relatives and friends some of whom traveled more than 3 hours to reach her residence. She was chipper as usual, and greatly enjoyed the company.

She is a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma, who originally emigrated from Italy at the age of 12. Happy 100th, dear Lina, and onward to 101!