Happy Birthday Michealette

Today is my friend Michealette's birthday up in Cape Breton. But her two daughters Michealette (Jr.) and Frances gave her a birthday party back in September when we were in Marble Mountain so we had the privilege of attending the party which was great fun.

Michealette with her girls.  Frances on left and Michealette Jr. on right. (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

It was a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed sitting outdoors with music provided by Michealette (Jr.) and Norman (Frances' husband).

Michaelette (Jr.) and Norman provided music for the afternoon.

It was great to see lots of friends and family.

Michealette, the birthday lady, with her grandson Matthew.

Michealette and her grandson John. (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

Friends and family.  Standing Christene, seated right Theresa next to Grant and on left Alice.

Lawrence arrives to wish Michealette a happy birthday. (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

Wendy and her grandson Blake.  (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

Michealette with Dan, Laura, and Anthony. (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

Frances greeting Alice and me on our arrival. (Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

Donna (left) and Linda (right) wishing the birthday lady a happy birthday.(Photo by Jack Ronalds.)

 Our neighbor Maggie arrived with a lovely bouquet of flowers from her garden.

Maggie bringing home-grown flowers for the birthday lady.

There was a spread of scrumptious finger food and a chilled pink punch.

Beautiful and delicious finger food.

Chilled pink punch.

One of the highlights of the party was Alice, our friend and caretaker who accompanied us to Canada last summer, dancing to her own beat--dancing without music yet musical with her rhythm. 

Alice making "music" with her feet. 

I'm glad the girls decided to give their Mom a party in the summer, because it is much too cold in Port Hastings today to enjoy the outdoors as we did in September.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN MICHEALETTE. This time on the actual day of your birthday.

 (Jack Ronalds' photos courtesy of Michealette Jr.)

Birthday Party Marble Mountain Style

A wonderful birthday.

Saturday was my birthday and I went to a fabulous birthday party at the Marble Mountain Hall.  These folks really know how to throw a birthday party.  There must have been more than a hundred folks from the village and surrounding area at the party, and there was live music.  A covered dish supper was provided by the women of Marble Mountain.

A lot of people.

Alice sitting on the left at our table.

The food.

Lots of good food brought in by the Marble Mountain neighbors.

The music.

Local musicians provided Cape Breton music.

The cake.

A huge sheet cake that was pretty and delicious. 

Actually you probably have guessed by now that this party was NOT for me but for Russell who lives in the village and who turned 85.  I quietly pretended that it was my birthday party too.

Russell dancing at his birthday party.

It really was a wonderful way to spend my birthday.. And many happy returns to Russell on his 85th.

A Surprise Non-Birthday, Birthday Party

Well, I'm certainly not counting!

I've been known to pull off a number of surprise birthday parties in the past, but this time the tables were turned on me, and boy was I surprised.  With the help of her daughters I had surprised my sister, Martha, with a party on her 70th birthday.

My sister Martha at her Surprise Birthday Party that I arranged.

But now Martha with the help of her daughters took the opportunity of my recent visit in Shelby to surprise me with an early birthday party (my birthday is actually in August).

I was definitely surprised. (Photo by Kelly Snellings).

Dan was surprised as well and enjoying it. (Photo by Martha Cabaniss)

My niece CeCe and her husband Louie had asked Dan and me to go to the Smoke on the Square with them for dinner on Monday night.  Smoke on the Square is a favorite place of mine, and Dan and I assumed the four of us were just out for a quiet dinner. When we walked in to be seated I noticed there seemed to be a group of folks in one room, and then when I got closer I saw my sister. and the "group" turned out to be my whole extended Cleveland County family (except Ally who was in Charlotte and had to work) including little Cason, the first great grand child in the family.

My sister Martha and brother-in-law Hal and me enjoying the party. (Photo by Laura Grigg.)

My niece CeCe with Cason. (Photo by Martha Cabaniss).

My niece Kelly with me. ( Photo by Laura Grigg.)

My niece, Leslie. (Photo by Martha Cabaniss)

Cute little Cason ready to eat. (Photo by Martha Cabaniss)

There were gifts and a birthday cake.

My birthday cake.

A photo of me at my first Easter with my mother and Aunt Betsey. What a nice gift. (Photo by Laura Grigg.)

This is the first surprise birthday I ever had and it was so much fun, and it was so good to see the whole family.  We don't get to Shelby often, and rarely do we get together with all the family and one time.

Thanks to all of my family.  I love you all !!!!