You Are Invited!
Join the birthday bash where we will celebrate Irene's ninety years on this planet.
The party has been in the planning process for months with Vicky being the prime mover with assistance from Robin and Maria. Mary and Paul requested Chuck and Lisa of Armstrong Event Planning to come to California from North Carolina to put on the event.
Oh my, Irene has grown a bit since this picture was taken.
Oh My! What a beautiful baby!!
So, here is the lady of the day circa 1941!
Did You Know? - You know you are old when you get to second base with a TSA screener.
Click on the arrow and go directly to the party skipping the preparations!
Preparations Get Underway
To make sure everything was fresh, Chuck, Lisa, and Mary reviewed the garden so they can use veggies fresh at the party!
Chuck and Lisa now they have an idea for the meal on Saturday!
The tomatoes are looking great and are as sweet as sugar.
Watch out for these little critters and the day progresses
Work began on Friday with the delivery of the equipment needed for the shindig. We have seating for 64 people.
It looks bare but after a few hours, magic occurs.
Irene is going to be here, so we must construct a dance floor immediately! Spontaneous dancing is not to be taken lightly, after all.
We can see the feet already moving!
Now it's looking like it is ready to receive our guests!
Wait until the table cloths and table decorations are added.
The bar is ready to rock and roll thanks to Jan Mongel!
Polished up and ready to go!
The A-Team arrives just in the nick of time.
Now it all gets silly!! Maria, Robin (hiding) and Vicky!
Chuck needed fresh citrus for the bar... right next door!
Grab it and run!
Did You Know? - You know you are old when the candles cost more than the cake.
We are officially ready for the onslaught!
It is dusk and time to rest!
Preparations Continue On Saturday!
The day began with "Oh No! I left the sprinklers on!!!" Lying in bed I heard water and looked outside, the table and chairs were getting a bath. It's 5:00 am, so I figured out everyone would be asleep. I mean, who in their right mind is awake at that ungodly hour? Oh, wait…, me! Me and my birthday suit scooted through the house with iPhone in hand to shut off the water.
In the final analysis, I did turn off the sprinklers for August 2nd, not the 3rd so the system worked flawlessly; we had an operator error!
We were water skating to remove the layer of water on the floor!
Happy 90th birthday! You're like a fine cheese – you just keep getting better with age.
Wally was coming tonight so we measured the width of the pathway to the back yard. With a little help, we can scoot right on through.
We measured everything to make sure Wally could get through the side of the house using his new scooter.
Vicky had the name tags ready to go!
The table cloths were folded and ready to be placed.
Batteries are installed and ready to go!
The stores are ready to be processed! Just kidding, the stores are actually doing yoga and meditation to prepare for their big day.
Happy 90th! You're so old, your first pet was a dinosaur.
Fresh tomatoes from the garden will be a hit!
Warning: Serious BBQing beyond this point!
We put out all our chairs and arranged them!
The fire pit was not needed but it added to the decor!
Hoses ready for any emergency!
Meanwhile, inside the house, work was at a fever pitch!
Armstrong Event Planning people working as a team!
They operated like a well oiled machine!
Vicky came early with Jim to make sure all was going well!
Robin and Maggie put up the birthday sign.
Oh my, the salads are looking great! Love the FRESH Basil!
Almost too pretty to eat! The caprese salad will go fast! Caprese salad is an Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt, and olive oil.
Happy 90th birthday! You're like a rare gem – precious and valuable.
Chuck poses with the Hostess With The Mostess
Paul comes in to help and was promptly sent out!
We are ready to entertain.
"I am keeping my eye on you!"
Who? Me?
One last check as 5:00 pm is approaching!
Yep, no misspellings!
Seats covered and covers put away!
No ducks or other uninvited guests!
The signs are hung by the spa with care hoping St. Irene will be be there!
Happy 90th! You're so old, you remember when the Dead Sea was just sick.
Chaffing dishes placed and fire extinguishers are at the ready.
You know you are old when getting "lucky" means you found your car in the parking lot.
All signs in their proper places!
Flags up and warning signs in place!
Did You Know? - You know you are old when the twinkle in your eye is merely a reflection from the sun on your bifocals.
Click and proceed to the party!