Today is your birthday and we should have a party for you. What is your favorite flavor for a birthday cake? I love to bake..especially red velvet chocolate cake with white icing ( or cream cheese if you would rather)...I'll toss in the ice cream too and whipping cream for those who would rather that than ice cream..
Now who is going to blow up the balloons? We need a party hat and cool paper plates and matching napkins..and let's see who can bring the funniest birthday card!
We need a clown riding a pony for Phranque's birthday...There is still come cake if anyone wants more but ya gotta ask Pharanque..by the way, where is the birthday boy?
Mimi, red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is what I made for H's birthday...those at Tar-ghet are much better decorated, but I enjoyed doing it anyway and I am really not a baker.
Indeed I am overwhelmed by the birthday wishes, and feel uplifted by all your wonderful comments. I spent my birthday under my car, installing some personal touches and making it "mine". I celebrated at the Outback with my son, daughter, son-in law, two grandkids, and my brother. It was wonderful seeing them all gathered with me in my honor (or dishonor depending on opinion), but I was unusually sad and misty eyed. I felt my dw's presence and wished so much that she could have been with me to share the occasion. I am still amazed that alz still has its devastating effects despite the fact that my dw is gone. It continues to occupy my thoughts and I am fighting it aggressively and trying to build a new future. I am trying to close the door on this chapter of my life, but the doorknob seems to be broken and the door continues to open occasionally. Thank you all for your wonderful birthday wishes, and I thank you all for your wonderful support. Hugs
Pharnaque, How delightful that you spent your birthday doing some things you enjoy and then having dinner with your kids. And your sweet wife was there in spirit for you too.
I know you are trying to push through the grief of her absence but keep in mind this takes time and sometimes a lot of it. I think the more loving the relationship, the harder this is. For that matter, don't be a stranger around here..when you need to vent or just put the thoughts to paper, well that is what this site is for. The one thing I learned when I took Hospice training some years ago is that often the family needs to talk more about their loved one than friends and other family have time or the ability to listen..So this is the perfect place to come.
And I must tell you, while you were celebrating off line, we here had a wonderful virtual birthday party for you..We toasted you and now we all have to diet after my red velvet chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and Neapolitan Ice Cream, all the buffet goodies and alas all the balloon blowing did not work off the calories in advance.
Have a really good year ahead, Dear Phranque..You are loved a lot on this site!!!
Yes though I am a newbie here, I too would miss you Phranque*! I will never forget the advice you gave when I was buying a bed for dh.
By the way, I got him a good bed, not a cheap one. Even so, it took him awhile to adjust, but he is good now. In fact, after I have made sure he has had some outside exercise, he CANNOT WAIT to get in that little bed in his man cave and view...silent...movies.
Phranque: You expressed my sentiments exactly about being with your family absent your DW. I had the same feelings on Christmas day at my daughters house even tho my wife is still living she is not with us. It's hard isn't it? Somebody called it 'alone in a crowd'.
PS: These ladies were to nice to ask your age, but, since I don't claim to have any culture, I will ask the question. How old are you?
Dean...yep alone in a crowd pretty much describes it. And yes, I am proud to say that I celebrated my first anniversary of my social security checks....I am 63, as PrisR figured out... Coco, I am glad you got him a good bed....it will be worth it and you will never regret it. Two things you should never skimp on....beds (8 hours a day), and shoes..the rest of the day....and of course, always skimp on lingerie..... Charlotte...they wanted my age, not my IQ.. and Mimi, how do I the red velvet chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and Neapolitan Ice Cream off my white tuxedo????? Someone popped my balloon when I was taking a bite, and my dog is still licking my face.....
Sorry, I missed the party too.....Just remember 63 is the new 43...and, do get carried away with your new age. Many more and don't stay away too long we love reading your posts.
Happy belated birthday wishes. I missed the party, too and instead of cake and ice cream, I am raising my glass (filled with Irish Mist) and offering a toast: May God grant you many years to live For sure He must be knowing The earth has angels too few And heaven is overflowing. Slainte!
I have many of those alone in a crowd moments, but I keep soldiering on. Phranque, we still need you here--angel on earth with your wisdom and humor.