Celebrations

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Last night, I hosted a White Elephant Party at The Bungalow for The Mermaids. The evening was a time for many celebrations - the approaching holiday, my recent birthday and, most especially, the newest addition to my family.

Finally, after hearing me chat on the phone about him for weeks, my dog-loving friends got to meet Dickens, my adorable four-month-old mini Labradoodle. And, I’m happy to report, the little guy behaved perfectly; he didn’t mind at all being held all night long by his newly acquired, adoring fans.

The Mermaids, per tradition, celebrate each other’s birthdays in grand style, so I knew all would show up at The Bungalow bearing gifts. This go-round, I requested any and all gifts be for Dickens, instead of me. (I didn’t need a thing; and Dickens still needed everything!) The Mermaids paid attention and took my advice! Now, thanks to them, Dickens has a new blanket, a Christmas sweater, a crystal water bowl and lots of new toys. Dickens and I couldn’t be happier!

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Having a beautiful, home-made birthday cake at our parties is another Mermaid tradition - one I didn’t want to mess with. Barbara, the ace baker in our group, always bakes the birthday cake for the birthday girl - and, always, in the flavor of her choice. Thankfully, tonight was no exception!

So, after enjoying a hearty buffet dinner, the White Elephant Gift Exchange, a couple of glasses of wine, lots of laughs and the opening of Dickens’ presents, I finally cut the birthday cake. It was, as requested, Red Velvet with Sour Cream Icing - and incredibly delicious!

Celebrating a special event with The Mermaids is always fun. Celebrating a variety of special events with The Mermaids - all at the same time - was even more fun!


96th Birthday

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Today is the one-year anniversary of my purchase of The Bungalow and, to celebrate, I hosted an open house for my old friends in Houston and my new friends in Galveston. At the same, I wanted to mark ceremoniously the 96th birthday of my sweet little property on the island.

Though rain threatened to dampen our spirits this afternoon, it never came; and more than 50 invited guests traveled from near and far to get here. (I love my friends!)

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Among those on hand for the festivities was my son, Matt, who got into the spirit of things by showing up in 1920s-style beachwear. He knew I planned to wear my own 1920s-inspired ensemble and would so appreciate (and be amused by) his efforts!

Matt also brought his Echo to the party and instructed Alexa to “play 1920s music.” She did as instructed, and the background sounds could not have been more perfect.

Among my many guests was Gay Paratore, a well-known Texas artist, who now lives nearby, in Santa Fe, Texas. Gay grew up in The Bungalow, but she had not been back to the house since selling it in 2009. I had spoken to her on the phone a couple of times, but had not yet met her. I was delighted she accepted my invitation to come back to her family home and be part of the celebration!

While she was here, we toured The Bungalow together, going from room to room. In each, Gay remembered something special about the space, like the wall scones in the back bedroom (her old bedroom). She confirmed they were original to the house, but noted that she believed they were now hung upside down! (Gotta blame this misstep on the last person to paint that room.)

She also pointed to The Bungalow’s wooden rocker. After studying it for awhile, she said it had, indeed, belonged to her mother. She said, “I didn’t recognize it at first. Mom always had that rocking chair sitting out there on the front porch.”

I asked if Gay if she would now like to take back that rocker. She said, “No, it belongs here!”

Since then, though, that sweet rocker has been repositioned out on the front porch - exactly where it really belongs!

Gay also told me there used to be a garage and a huge pecan tree out int he back yard. Sadly, both are gone now.

What a bummer; I would have enjoyed the benefits of each of them!