Dad's 90th Birthday!

The evening ended with the traditional chocolate cake. Dad blew out his candles, and we talked about the celebration we will have next year!!!

Dad was surrounded by friends like this the entire two hours! He had a very good time!

Mardi and her longtime friend visited together here. One of their topics was whether or not Mardi should move with Dad. He is about to move from his house, and she doesn't feel up to the move. Her friend was cute, telling her to move with him. We'll see what happens!

Tom tended the bar throughout the party. He always had someone to visit with!

John and Libby Watson joined us, too. They became good friends of Mom and Dad after they moved to Medford. Libby pulled me aside to tell me how much she had admired Mom. We miss you, Mom!

Ann and Seymour are Dad's wonderful neighbors. They have always helped when Dad needed support. Lately, Ann has helped Dad when he has bumped his leg with the car door and has had trouble getting the bleeding to stop. In the past, they have gotten him to and from the hospital. Today, they were helpful again when one of our guests walked out the front door and was waiting for his wife to drive him home. His wife hadn't driven them to the party. Ann came back inside to tell me he was outside. Then, she and Seymour volunteered to drive the couple home. Dad is blessed to have such wonderful neighbors.

In the first picture, they are talking with Mardi, Dad's girlfriend. We were thrilled that Mardi was able to join us. Her son, Peter was in town, and he was able to join us, too.

Dad was pleased to see an old friend from Thousand Oaks arrive to help him celebrate. Milt Baldridge and his daughter Susan drove down from Roseburg just to be with Dad. The Baldridges attended St. Patrick's Episcopal Church with us for years. After they moved to Roseburg, Mom and Dad would stop in Roseburg to have breakfast with Milt and Patty. They have enjoyed renewing their friendship! Thank you for joining us!!!

Tom and I had to decide how to arrange for snacks for this open house when both of us live so far away. We tried three different caterers, but each was booked for May 5th. Finally, I went online to determine other options. Albertson's was wonderful!!! They had the greatest selection of appetizers, and everything was delicious!!! I selected the items online, verified with Tom the amount (what a task when we invited the entire church), and called in the order. They didn't require any payment until I picked it up. We were called to verify the order as we drove north, and all was ready when we arrived! Doesn't it look good!

The lovely floral arrangement was a gift from Judy Nixon and her girls. Judy lives in Torrance and wasn't able to join us. Judy is Bill's widow. Aren't the flowers beautiful? Thank you, Judy!

In addition to Judy's contribution, Dad's cousin, Chuck, who lives in Atlanta, wanted to participate. He supported us with the financing. We were very touched by your generosity and best wishes, Chuck! Thank you!

When we had leftovers, we packed them up and took them to the local Gospel Mission. Everyone benefitted.

Dad's birthday weekend began with dinner at the Rogue River Lodge on Friday evening. We had a delicious dinner overlooking the Rogue River. We changed our traditional restaurant because Bel Di's had changed owners last year and served a disappointing meal. This year that particular venue was closed. We were delighted to find a new venue! Here are Tom and Dad after dinner.