My Grandmother's birthday

This is my grandmother last October (2008) on her 100th birthday. My Uncle Robert is next to her- her youngest son. This year she will be 101!

I used to spend lots of time at my grandparent's house when I was little. I was the first grand daughter and the first girl born into the family in 50 years! My grandparents used to take me out to dinner quite often! My favorite place was a place called the Hawaiian Cottage. I think part of the restaurant was shaped like a pineapple! They had Hawaiian hula dancers and a neat gift shop. I usually would buy the plastic Buddas with their hands up in the air, hands clasped over their heads. I have many many happy childhood memories growing up on the farm. My grandparents close by and also aunts and uncles and cousins. We never usually had friends over to play, because there were 5 of us cousins there to play with.

We loved to play with the tape recorders and walkie talkies that we got for Christmas. One year I got a pony for Christmas. It was from my Grandfather. My grandmother was so excited that she told me ahead of time and told me not to tell anyone. --I promptly went home and told my mother.She told me that if I got a pony, I would have to share with my little sister. -- Christmas day came and my grandfather was so excited. He was about to burst. He said "I have a surprise for you- I bet you can't guess what it is!"

And a little voice (my little sister ) said--"I know- a pony!"

My grandfather's face  fell! I almost cried! How could she have said that?? -- But that was my first pony. Topaz. -- He turned out not liking me very much. He always tried to bite my feet. --I probably held the reins way too tight! I remember giving him a kick and saying "Giddy up!" and he bucked and I almost fell off!

Those were the days. And this year Nana will be 101! Her short term memory is fading, but otherwise she is in pretty good shape.She lives with her dog. (My cousins live next door.) And she has a companion come in everyday! -- Just imagine all the things she has lived through..... in the last 101 years!!!