Family Party: Sunshine, Cake, and Little Kids

Memorial Day weekend was very busy and one highlight was the Sunday party my sister-in-law Lynn and her husband Rod had for their newest grandson, Carriag, and his parents Rod and Emily.  Carriag is two months old and was born in Chicago.  They were barely home from the hospital when they packed up everything and moved to their new home in Ohio, one that Rod bought on his own (Emily had only seen photos!).  Em was happy though, and praised Rod's house-shopping skills! 

The party was planned for a while.  My contribution was the cake.  Rod is a devoted Mets fan.  Grandma Lynn asked if I could make a cake to welcome the baby, something with Mets colors and images of baby feet.  I went one better.  I looked up the Mets insignia on-line and pretty much duplicated it in frosting, using Carriag's name where "Mets" would normally go.  I actually loved this cake when it was done, and it was not a sure thing, at all.  I had reservations about using navy blue and orange, didn't think it would feel like a baby cake.  I was wrong.  It worked out well.

The party to welcome Carriag was filled with happiness.  There was a lot of great food, many friends and relatives, and lots of little kids (Henry, above, rockin' the kiddie pool). Our Eddy matriarch, Mary Lou, was there overseeing all that started with her family of seven boys.  It's now grown to a huge generational gathering of five of her seven sons (sadly, she lost two), their children, and their children's children. I once said to her, "See what you started?!" and she responded, with a smile, saying something about what she had "wrought."  She's a smart woman (her high school class's Valedictorian), in her 80s, and has had more than her share of sad times, but you  never see that.  You see a woman who looks out over her small dynasty with a knowing and satisfied smile, aware enough of what her children and grandchildren are up to, and wondering how in the world to keep track of so many great-grandchildren (numbers 16 and 17 due soon -- including Henry's little brother in October).  Eventhough her son and I were divorced years ago, she is precious to me, and I am grateful she has continued to keep room for me in her life. 

Sunday was a beautiful day for a party.  The sun was shining.  The kids really enjoyed each other, especially time spent in the pool.  Dads had a great time, too (Bill with Henry, left). It was one of 'those' days that stays with you, long after it's over.  Days later, I find myself returning to the conversations, the food, and the activity of that day.  Just loved it.


Photos:  Me

One year ago today: It's Raining Cakes!

Memorial Day 2010

This morning started out with an unexpected twist.  I couldn't get in to the Skidmore gym, which was supposed to be open despite the fact that the college is closed for the day.  So, plan B. I decided to drive over to the Saratoga Spa State Park and walk the loop that encirlces the Avenue of the Pines and the Gideon Putnam Hotel.  I parked in the hotel parking lot and, for the heck of it, decided to bring my camera along for the walk.  I thought I might see some pretty flowers to try the macro setting on, or some squirrels playing, who knows...  Anyway, the light was just beautiful this morning.  I walked at a quick pace (I thought, until I heard "behind  you" by a woman who quickly left me in her dust) but stopped every now and then when I was inspired to shoot. 

The walk along the Avenue was just beautiful.  The sun was pouring through the pines in ribbons of light, and I realized how glad I was that the gym doors were locked this morning.  I heard a lot of barking as I rounded the South Broadway end of the paved walkway, and wondered if I was coming upon a dog show.  Nope.  Today it was X-games for dogs.  There were many breeds, but Border Collies seemed to be cleaning up.  Vans were lined all along the walkway, all the doors open, as dogs waited in crates for their turn to compete. 

Headed back toward the Gideon Putnam Hotel, along the old Avenue of the Pines, couples on bikes passed by.  I think the hotel must rent out bikes because there were many.  I stopped to admire the golf course, and further up I was reminded of one of my first jobs as I passed the entrance to the Saratoga Tree Nursery.  I spent one spring break there pulling up and bundling pine tree yearlings.  It was as close to working in the fields as I ever want to get (probably because of that unfortunate fall off the back of a pick-up onto the gravel road).  Not my fondest memory. 

What I did enjoy about being out this morning was how friendly people are.  Most said "hello" or "good-morning" with a smile.  Compared to how much of my life is indoors -- at work, at home baking, even inside at the gym -- it just felt good to be outdoors and aware of how beautiful this area of the world is in the summer.  One such friendly walker was someone I recognized, not a friend, but a long-established anchor woman on local TV.  I've seen her out shopping on occasion and she is sometimes bothered by "fans" but today, she beamed a warm and welcoming smile.  I took her picture from behind but decided I wouldn't want anyone to post one of me, so I'm not posting it.

When I left the park, I stopped by St. Peter's Cemetary to visit my parents and to remember my dad for his service in the Army from 1941-1945.  As usual, I had a little conversation with my parents, telling them how much I miss them, how much I admire them and my gratitude for my father's service but more for his unabashed love for his wife and children, and overflowing adoration of his grandchildren.  I told them how much they'd have loved their great-grandchildren.  

 It's always emotional, my visit to the cemetary.  Selfishly, I asked for help with specific life challenges, saying "I know you have connections up there (I guarantee they are "up there").  I left telling them I love them.  The cemetary was really beautiful this morning, with Veterans' flags waving in the bright sunshine.  I'm so glad it is such a lovely day,  and that my camera came along with me.