Celebrate Celebrations!!

Bob C. motored from the city of Binghamton to eat dinner with mom and I. We were thrilled to meet him. I accidentally found Bob, when I was calling various lawyers to help me with my insurance woes. The receptionist not knowing what to do with me, sent me off to Bob. I explained my whole situation to Bob and my concerns about who would be primary and who would be secondary for my insurance. Bob being Bob, I know what you are thinking, you just told us, his name is Bob, decided to assist me in determining the order of insurance companies.

On my behalf, he went to the friendly people at Social Security for their interpretation of my plight. Bob called me right back with lots of information. So, I told him that after my double lung transplant that I would drive to Binghamton, if I can remember how to drive, to take him out to lunch. I haven't driven in 2 1/2 years. So, look out. I'll warn you ahead of time. I know that I'll be cruising and not losing any time in the left lane.

At any rate, I think I spoke with Bob on the phone and we made a dinner rendez-vous chez Tiffanys. Bob was and is every thing I thought he would be and more. What a kind, gracious man. He called us the morning of our get together to say it was way too hot to cook and that he would escort mother and I to the Main Street Grill in Afton as a treat. I explained that we were already prepared food wise for his impending visit. I gave him directions and he arrived with a full box of reddish tinged, delicious strawberries.

Mom made her famous potato salad and Bob fell right then and there in love with mom's potato salad. We ate, chatted, ate some more, discussed the main events in our lives, ate some more, planned an outing to the Main Street Grill and ate some more. Are we eaters or what? Needless to say, we were delighted to meet Bob C., who is retiring as of this week from the law firm, where he has worked for the last 14 years. It was his second career and now, he is looking for a third. They are having a clambake in his honor. Mom and I wish him the absolute best in his second retirement and the hope that he will find another passion to fulfill.

Another celebration took us to La Maison Blanche cafe in Norwich. It is a place that j'adore. The French food is divine and the desserts are heavenly. Need I say more??!! Yes, I am a food critic, of sorts.

Celebrations included Ginni's birthday. Her mom, Mrs. Mirabito attended and as always, she is wonderful to see. She told the most heartwarming story of visiting Italy with her husband to meet the Pope and see where her mother grew up. We were thrilled to hear about her idyllic visit to Italy.

My nephew as you know received his Ph D, so we celebrated his awesome accomplishment with one of our favorite drinks, Orangina. If you have not taste tested this, I would highly suggest it. Derrick and I give it two thumbs up.

We also celebrated the retirement of Gary S., who was our computer guru at B-G. He had kept my computers up and running for many, many years, setting up wireless computers in my room, so that each student had the opportunity to learn. He, also, taught me how to do various programs, whereby I then could teach my kids. My kids became very adept at using and producing projects using technology as Gary kept us well connected. My students won a Technology Award based on our stellar projects in all of the Boces districts. Naturally, this would not have been possible without the continued guidance, trouble shooting, constant maintenance of equipment and his thorough understanding of computer. No one can ever replace Gary. We were so fortunate to have him lead, inspire and guide us in technology. He will be missed by his colleagues and all the computing students at B-G. Gary, we wish you well in retirement with your lovely wife, Linda. She is a sweetheart. Our best to you, both.

My dear friend, Jean attended our French luncheon, too. She started at B-G the same year as I did. We have been friends ever since. She is so sweet and kind. She is always helping those in need. She has made me the most delicious coffee cake that melts in your mouth. She says it is an easy recipe. I beg to differ, as my culinary abilities lack a whole lot and then some.

Balloons adorned each seat, that represented something about each individual. You can imagine which balloon I chose for my mom. A thank you balloon. It is still floating about her dining room, reminding her daily that I am most thankful to her. I can't say that enough.

May you celebrate all the celebrations in your life. Live to celebrate!!

Celebrate good times, c'mon.