Autumn Memories surround the annual celebration of my October birthday. It’s also two of my best friends’ birthdays, so autumn memories of those times we celebrated together rank high on my memory ladder.
Libra Birthdays
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That’s Pat on the far right helping the three October birthday girls celebrate. Unfortunately, Pat left us nine years ago, a hard hole to fill. She fought a great battle with Ovarian cancer for over 5 years, but cancer won in the end. Pat was always the most easy-going with such a positive attitude. I never heard her complain, even during the roughest days of chemo treatments.
Then there’s Ellen in the pink hat. Ellen, whom I call “my rock,” is the quintessential Jersey Shore person; she hosted most birthdays and many New Year’s at her home at the Jersey Shore. In retirement, Ellen now lives in her beach house year-round. Next is Judy who now lives in Illinois but made it East for the big 60. Judy might be the most fun; she has the best laugh!
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It’s too bad we won’t be together for our upcoming 75th. I am first on October 5th, Judy is next on October 18th, and Ellen finishes the month on October 30th. I’ll post more of my feelings about turning 75 in my next blog.
Disney World Birthday
For my 67th Birthday, my dear friend Kathleen Herron and I created Autumn Memories at Disney World. Kathleen, a Disney Vacation Club member for years, treated me to the most wonderful time. She is the best tour guide you can imagine, and, although we love our husbands, this was a special trip for just the two of us. We had my birthday dinner at the California Grill, one of the best restaurants in Disney. This past April, Bill and I met Kathleen at Disney World and again dined at the California Grill; it was just as good as I remembered.
Fall Festivals and Jazz Fests
October is my favorite month for reasons other than my Birthday. Every year while I lived in Delaware, October meant the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival. Jazz is everywhere throughout the town of Rehoboth Beach, from the Convention Center to hotel ballrooms and restaurants. The October 2000 Jazz Festival will always stand out. It was there I met my husband, Bill Bell.
My friend Sandy Poppiti and I were listening to music by Alfie Moss and Dexter Koonce at Sir Guys, now Fins. If you follow me, you’ve heard the story many times. Bill came up behind me, tapped me on the shoulder, and asked if he could buy me a drink. We had made eye contact at another restaurant where Tim Eyermann and East Coast Offering kicked off our evening, but I had no idea I would see him again! Talk about my lucky day! This coming January, we will celebrate 20 years of memories.
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Kathleen Herron visited us in Delaware during the 2017 Jazz Festival, the perfect time of year to introduce her to our favorite places. October weather in Delaware is typically perfect, with warm days and chilly nights. Kathleen enjoyed the music, but she loved our wanderings around Rehoboth and Lewes the best.
Barcelona Birthday
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Another memorable birthday was spent in Barcelona in October 2018 with my friends Sophie Krezel and Linda Gaskill. We were on a Yoga Retreat with our favorite yoga instructor, Erin Shivone, at a lovely villa in the hills outside Barcelona. Linda and I were able to go several days ahead and explored Barcelona. I can’t say enough good things about the food, the people, the weather, and the city itself. During the retreat, we took several side trips to Sitges; Linda and Sophie treated me to the most incredible birthday lunch! Cheers!
So many memories that I am happy to share this Autumn. In future blogs, I will entertain you with other memories. Have you noticed that we remember the good times more than the painful ones?