When one lives in an over 55-year old complex (especially a small one) we find new friends who provide a reason to celebrate.

When I first arrived, it was close to Chanukah, and Mary said that if one did not volunteer, they paid for a special dinner being prepared by the few Jews who could make goodies. So she came to my Condo and plunked down a huge load of blue cut materials and had me make fringe on each by pulling threads out of each end. WHAT A JOB! But I sat with the them at the volunteer table and we had a buffet of some of the most delicious food I had ever eaten. There were older folks there from New York who knew the great recipes. It was so funny, since Mary is NOT Jewish, but always was in charge until too many passed away and Mary had moved, even though the entire community were always invited. No more Chanukah celebrations here although the Community provided a large electric Menorah in the same room as the Christmas Tree.

One of the men then told the story of Chanukah, and those of us who had a Menorah brought them as centerpieces. The first candle was lit, small glasses of wine were drank, and pieces of home made cake ended a super evening. That was my first "celebration" of any kind.

A wonderful woman who volunteered at that time as an activity director was also one of the four of us who started the gift shop. At Christmas when others were having a hay ride, she had sent out invitations to all of us of the Jewish Faith (she was not) for a party at her home. I found out she did that every year. Unfortunately, not a well woman, she passed away the second year our gift shop was opened.

Her husband, a man much younger than she was who took excellent care of her, told us she did not want a "funeral" as such but a party to celebrate her life. Everyone who lived here at that time went. We each brought a fresh flower to put into a vase, and the music started as her husband asked us all to dance and enjoy the refreshments. At first it was difficult, but different people spoke about her on the microphone telling funny experiences. Soon, IT WAS A CELEBRATION!

Then came the first 50th wedding anniversary party (one of many to come). It was for Angie and Mike and took place at her oldest daughter's beautiful home. I never saw one that had such a huge dining room (she had five chldren) and kitchen and living room on the first floor. There was a staircase going down where all the bedrooms for the children were. What a great idea. Tables were set up in the large backyard beside a large swimming pool. They had a dance floor set up and the place was filled, the food fabulous and Angie's younger daughter, a very good singer and performer, entertained us.

Almost the same group of people were invited to Mike's surprise 80th birthday party at Roseanne's. (The name of the older daughter). Again, a wonderful time. A year or so later it was Angie's turn for a surprise 80th birthday party, and again we went to Roseanne's home. Each party was just fabulous, and a great excuse to "great dressed up"!

There were other parties as well: one couple made their marriage vows again. This one was rather special since she had recovered from Lupus(much younger than her husband) and he was 80 years old - a double celebration and since they were very religious held the ceremony at the Community Church here at the village for Protestants of all denominations. Again, another nice party.

Mary's best friend was married to a very nice man who could hardly see, but kept going to all of the events. Suddenly , he passed away, and I still could not go to a funeral but stayed back to help with the buffet which followed. They told me I missed a "FUN" time, and they all came back laughing. I think you get the idea of what a special group this was.

More 50th anniversaries came and went and I was invited to all. Each one had a different theme, with their children and grandchildren there to entertain us. The couple who lived behind me put on a show since the father was a singer and his children were ever so proud.

Sadly, many of these wonderful people who filled my life with friendship and joy, passed away, one at a time. The widow behind me kept playing her late husband singing over and over ( I could hear it through the walls). She took it so bad she dropped to 80 pounds, and her children moved her out to be with them. As each person met their "reward", our group of friends started to diminish.

We had a great plan of celebrating the birthday of each one in our "birthday club" We would all pay for the birthday girl and have lunch at one of the wonderful Phoenix Hotels.Slowly, the numbers started to dwindle since we started with 16 gals.

But the ones celebrating their 80th kept going on.I was next to the youngest and when it was my turn, I had only three friends I could invite. My son came with his wife and the six of us celebrated at Black Angus. Angie was there - happily for me since my son took photographs. The one in Clay's Official Site is the one taken of me on that day.

Now, we still have a birthday lunch, each paying for ourselves, and added another friend so for now we have a foursome.

In 2006, my son was to become 50 on Thanksgiving Day.Shama (his wife) has MANY friends, and each brought a dish of something. It was the first time I went on a plane for a very long time, and with the airport changes, it was a nightmare. But I was determined to see my son on this special day. We had turkey and all the fixings, and their home was filled with people I did not know. California is known for people a little different than I am used to, but they all knew and loved each other which is rare. It was the first time I went to their home, and I was glad in spite of that airplane ride.

As you all know, my last "celebration" was when I went to Ca. to celebrate my 82nd birthday, (and Mother's Day,and any other one you can think of) and see Clay on 8/04/07 at the Greek Theatre.

Yes, there were those awful days I had in between these celebrations, but I felt I owed you all a HAPPY Chapter before I continue where I left off in my last one. It is hard to believe that this is my 47th CHAPTER since I first began my story at age 4. Aren't I the lucky one to be able to relate all of this to you. You see, LIFE DOES GO ON! Each of us have great times and happenings we wish never came to interrupt our happiness. Maybe it is the way we look at life and appreciate the fact that those of us who DO have problems are still here. GOD IS GOOD!

My story continues in the next chapter as I aged. I am so grateful that you all are still reading the events of my life and yes, they kept coming.

Your support is beyond description.

Marian