Rosie Writes!: May 2017

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Best Birthday Ever 2017

Honestly, I do not know where to begin with this blog about my actual birthday, May 20, 2017. Yes, it was a big one so I will simply get that out of the way. However, I look at it not as getting old, but as celebrating 70 years of incredible living. My heart is full of thanksgiving for all of the blessings that my life has been given. God has shown grace in the joyous times and also in the difficult times.

So I will just begin:

The day started with John and I taking a drive over to see Betty, my 91 year young best friend. I could write an entire blog about this incredible human being but will save that for another time. I will say that I love her more than the last number and a visit with her was a perfect way to start the day.

When we returned back to the house, there arrived a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from my niece, Ann Marie and her husband, Alan. She will never know how much receiving those flowers meant to me. It was a perfect addition to my birthday morning.

John and I decided to take Alex for a walk to the lake and back which was so much fun. I always treasure time spent with him because he rarely gets to come home. When we got home, Robert and Mandy arrived from Oklahoma City. Now my heart was truly full of joy. Anytime I have the three of them under the same roof, I am in heaven. A short time later, up walk Sandra Garrett and Kay Allen! They had been here two weeks earlier and I was so touched that they would make the return trip for my party. We began our celebrating with a glass of wine and then everybody decided to go get ready.

The party was held at the home of my daughter by another mother, Deana Eiland, and her husband, David, and son, Chase. They call it Eiland Paradise and it truly is that. They have a beautiful tropical type backyard that is absolutely stunning and perfect for a party. Deana and David graciously share their home with others and I was so humbled that we could have my party there. Weather had initially been a concern but the night could not have been more pleasant.

However, what made this party so perfect were the friends and family who came. In total, there were 42 guests who chose to come celebrate this special birthday with me. Every time a guest walked out into the backyard, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. For you see, each person holds a special part of my heart and part of my life. Some of our friendships are new and some go back more years than I want to mention. :) I hope they know that they helped create one of the happiest nights of my life.

Those who know me are not going to be shocked when I say that the best part was having both my sons there at the same time. They, along with Ron, pulled off this wonderful event for me. For a gift, they gave me a framed piece of writing entitled: 70 reasons why we love you. They together came up with phrases that touched every fiber of my heart. Some made me want to laugh, some made me want to cry and some, well, all I could do was shake my head. It was truly an amazing gift.

So, yes, it was the best birthday ever and one I hope I will always remember. ha I am so excited about life. I have never been at such a good place and look forward to every day that it is ahead. My goal will be to have the most fun possible! Enjoy the pictures! Sorry that some are a little dark due to the fact that we were outside.

My beautiful flowers from my niece, Ann Marie, and her husband, Alan.

I began my birthday with a visit to my dear friend, Betty Tucker, age 91.

Sandra Garrett, Brenda Anderson, me, Cathy Feist, Kay Allen and Brenda Brown

Rosie and sweet friend, Kathy Dixon

We are girlie buds: Mary Ann Yantis and me

My world: Robert and John

Ron with daughter, Lindsay and son in law, Josh

Lindsay and John

Debbie and Dave Sanders and me. Very incredible friends

My "feet" birthday cake

Robert and John framed 70 reasons why they love me.

My angel on earth, Brenda Brown

Always a good time when John and Mary Ann Yantis are around

Diane and Fred Clements: dear friends

Me with my favorite first born son.

Still my favorite first born son

What a group: Gary Johnson, James Feist, Robert and John

Good friends, Joan Curtis and Carol Wickstrom

I love these guys more than the last number!

My long time friend, Evy Briggs

Pure love: Robert, and his wife, Mandy.

My crazy girlfriends from Arkansas, Kay Allen and Sandra Garrett!

One of my favorite guests, Emerson, with both of his grandmothers, Gigi and Lovey.

My good friends, Sandra Garrett and Karen Acuff, the best teacher ever on this planet.

David Eiland and Sandra taking a seat!

Brenda taking down names as I opened my incredible presents.

I have no idea what we are discussing!

The caterer from "Hey, What's for Dinner?"

Steve Grifin talking with Ron.

This sweet boy, Emerson, singing Happy Birthday to me!

My office mate, Lois Knesek, her husband, Gerald, and Carol Wickstrom

Wonderful family brunch the day after!

My boys

Georgia Vacation - May, 2017

Ron and I had a great time on our trip to Tybee Island/Savannah. The beauty of this trip was that Tybee Island is about 30 minutes east from Savannah and is located on the Atlantic Ocean. We chose to stay there first for four days and then move on to Savannah. I personally cannot choose which of the places I liked best because each had its own charm and personality.

We stayed at the DeSoto Beach Hotel which is known for being the only hotel "on the beach". Though it would not have been described as four star, it was comfortable and clean and literally steps from the beach. Ron and I loved early mornings on the beach with coffee in hand as we listened to the bellows of the ocean waves and watched the sun rise to start a new day. During the day was pretty warm, but the hotel had deck chairs under umbrellas where we would go read and enjoy the ocean breeze. Another favorite time was at the end of the day. Of course, we were not facing the sun setting, but it was still a wonderful experience as the day began to come to an end. As in the picture you can see the beautiful pink cast that is always on display, opposite a sunset. However, on three different evenings we were able to make it on the other side of the island as we watched sunsets over dinner. The food was pretty incredible, especially the delectable key lime pie! On Tybee, we ate at The Original Crab Shack where they had live alligators out front for your entertainment. We also ate at Co - Co's and A. J.'s. On Mother's Day we had breakfast before church at a place called The Breakfast Club. That turned out to be a very unfortunate eating experience for us and that is all I will say.

I mentioned church. We attended a First United Methodist Church and enjoyed it very much. We felt very welcome and the sermon/service was a good one. All of us moms were given a red carnation and I thought that was pretty special.

One of the best things about this trip was that I got to reunite with my childhood friend, Jeannie Baker Latture after many years of not seeing each other. We met at her son's restaurant, Sandfly Barbecue, which was originally started by Jeannie and Butch. The food was absolutely delicious and Jeannie and I picked up where we left off years ago. Another nice thing is that I got to meet her son, Keith. Keith is doing very well in Savannah with now two Sandfly BBQ restaurants and about to open number three. He was a delightful young man and I was so glad to get to meet him. After a couple of hours and two or three hugs, we finally brought our visit to an end. Jeannie looked great and holds the beautiful charm of her mother, Mary. I hope to see her again soon.

After four nights on Tybee Island, Ron and I moved on to Savannah and checked in at The Hampton in the Historic District. Now we had already spent one afternoon in Savannah so we rather knew our bearings. Savannah is a really easy town to figure out. It is so laid back with its history, beautiful homes, classic shopping and incredible parks. We walked everywhere we went for the next three days and had great breaks sitting in the parks. Of course, we rode on the ever famous trolly as we were shown all around downtown Savannah. We had dinner on the Savannah Queen which was a lot of fun. The sunset was certainly worth the cost of the dinner. We also ate at Lady & Sons, The Pirate House, and then Alligator Soul for my birthday dinner. Actually the whole week was my birthday week and Ron Alexander spent many dollars without blinking an eye to make sure we had the best time possible.

I think we will be returning to Savannah and Tybee Island. It was a great trip and a fabulous way to turn the big 7-0!