A bottle of white, a bottle of red. Great first line of a classic Billy Joel song from a few decades ago. I had my own observations last weekend at an Italian Restaurant that put us together again for a celebration. We were gathering in Kingston, NY for the birthday party of my mother who does not look or act like the octogenarian that she now is. We had been talking about it and planning it for awhile. I was so excited to be there and looked around again at what gifts my life holds for me. Here are some of the highlights.
My sister and dad did a wonderful job on not only the location but the after party. We all ate well and drank just as well and together all raised a glass in Joan's honor. We listened to sentimental and touching words from Aunt Lois who spoke so nicely of a life well lived. Dad made a sweet statement of love. Around the table were the old faces and some new ones, welcome guests who brought more smiles. One nephew and two nieces were there all grown up and beautiful. As much as I loved seeing them I missed those other young men and women who couldn't get there, including my own sons. I do think everyone who was absent called at one point or another, though. Far away from me at the table was the new mom-to-be glowing and "just" popping out who along with her always spirited sister gave a pink princess sash and feathered pointy birthday hat to the guest of honor amid lots of laughs. I am still amazed that it was worn with a smile and pride!! silly is not something my mother often does but it reminded me of the picture of her old friend Kathy wearing a party tiara and a smile.
Our luncheon was held in a city with a past--the first capitol of the state of New York. I loved the riverside scenes including the sculls of Cathy's crew team waiting to be put in again, the bridge overhead and the opportunity to take some quick portraits of Lois. To get to my sister's afterwards required me to follow the leaders up and down streets, over railroad tracks, and zipping though red lights (yellow goes too fast in the city), however, I was assured that all would be fine since if I was stopped the policeman driving the car I was following would be in my corner. No harm no foul...until I refused to follow him the wrong way up the one way street! Crazy I may be, but not stupid. We did get to see some flashing lights that night, my dad got pulled over for a burnt out taillight! Funny thing is one aunt, one sister and one cousin had noticed it and warned him...just a little too late. Again, no harm no foul and no ticket.
Before heading west again and home I had the pleasure of reconnecting with former classmates for brunch. I am so happy that people took time out of their lives to spend a few hours with me. It meant a lot considering it had been over 20 years since I had actually seen 3 of them and 39 years since I had seen the other. (Facebook does not count here). My brother and cousin joined us, too, with their lovely new girlfriends who make them happy guys. Looking at the Tappan Zee Bridge while telling stories of our lives was the icing on the cake to end those quick few days. Along with the events in Lois' town celebrating the people who helped after the hurricane, the time at Cathy's lovely home and the company of my brother and family it comes down to reality...I needed a little give and take, a little New York Times and Daily News...I was in a New York State of mind.
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