July 30, 2004

We had a gathering of children and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren for my 90th birthday. We all enjoyed seeing each other all together and getting caught up on our news. Susan and Dale Vuyovich drove up from Saucier, Mississippi to be with us. They stayed at her brother Joe's home in Theodosia, MO. Jerry and Linda Stillman from Kennett, Missouri celebrated with us. All of my children were able to come. Bill and Helen flew in from California and Bill was our master of ceremonies at my birthday dinner. We all enjoyed Bill's giant tasty pancakes. Ann and Fred flew in from Virginia and met up with their children Holli and Nathan and Holli's daughter Abby. They were all a big help with the tasks of the large group. Margie, Paul, and Perry Shuman drove up from Atlanta and they helped keep us fed and organized. Paul made a video of my birthday party and also scanned in many photos on my computer. Helen and Richard and sons Toby and Will were in and out since they live around me. Toby and Terra and son RJ live next door to me. Will lives across town. RJ and Abby enjoyed playing together and entertained us.

We met at Ryans for dinner where Susan, Ann, Margie, and Helen had reserved a room and decorated the tables with cups from my travels. In addition to those already mentioned, Helen's friend Kathy Campbell also joined us for dinner. After visiting and eating, we came back to my home to visit more and rest. Later in the day we had ice-cream cake with a photo on it of me on a riding lawnmower and were all given cups with my photo on them from Ann and Fred. I gave everyone a booklet of pictures with memories of my 90 years. The front cover of the booklet has a photo of me taken by Fred on their front porch in Virginia.