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Fourteen on the fifteenth
Friday, April 22, 2022 at 02:44PM 
The writing was on the dessert
In our family, we're always on the lookout for the Golden Birthday.
That's when you turn the age number of the day of the month on which you were born.
For our Allissa, that will be next year, when she will turn fifteen on the fifteenth.
For me, it was when I was seven. My family had never heard of the Golden Birthday.
We didn't have the Golden Ticket either.
Festive floating objects are essential for our birthday parties
For TG, it was his twenty-fifth birthday. For our children, eldest to youngest, it was ages nine, twenty-two, thirty, and twenty-nine.
When was your Golden Birthday? Because although I have readers under the age of thirty-one, I'm pretty sure that everyone who comments on this blog has seen that age come and go.
Anyway, last Friday was the fifteenth, and Allissa turned fourteen, and we all turned up to celebrate her.
As we've done for years, we met on the border of South Carolina, where most of us live, and North Carolina, where Stephanie's family live.
The birthday girl posed with her beloved Papaw
It's a Cracker Barrel (at times in the past we have met at a Culver's one hundred yards away) at Exit 90 off of Interstate 77, in the shadow of Carowinds.
(Carowinds is open for the season! The roller coasters were flinging people against the late-day blue sky when we drove past. I have never been there and have no plans to go.)
The last time we met at this Cracker Barrel was six or so weeks ago, when our little Andrew turned ten.
I told you about that pawty here.
The girls: L to R Audrey, Lissy, Stephanie, Melly
On that occasion, the staff -- including the manager -- were reluctant (in fact, at first they refused) to seat us together in a group (we are twelve).
Then, for no reason that was apparent to us, the manager changed his mind and directed that tables be lined up for us to sit at without being separated.
A server named Essie was assigned to us, and she turned out to be a complete treasure.
She learned the names of all of the children, made a fuss over the birthday boy, and insisted on calling me the Queen.
Little Andrew sat near his dad and Papaw, but he was also next to me
I did not argue that I'm the Pirate; I figured that in that place at that time, Queen would do.
Essie shared that her son serves in the United States Air Force, and since that made us both Blue Star Mothers, we had that bond.
When we left the restaurant that night in February, Essie hugged me and we promised to see one another again.
So it was that last Friday night, TG and I were the first to arrive at the venue. I went to the desk where you check in, and told the young lady there that we were a group of twelve.
Baby Rhett had been traveling and was eager for his dinner
I'm not sure if this would have been the same before the events of spring 2020, but she blanched -- all but fainted, if we are being honest -- and a look clouded her face that could be described as a combination of dubious and terrified.
What in the world? Has no one ever showed up with a large party beore?
She shrank away and soon, a manager approached me. Not the same one from February.
I explained that, at least twice a year and sometimes thrice, we gather at the restaurant for birthday parties. I said we'd been there six weeks previous and had been seated at a long lineup of tables.
Uncle Joel and Baby Rhett ... two sets of blue blue eyes
He was super nice and told me to wait as they got a similar setup ready for us.
Ten or fourteen minutes later, we were placing the presents in a corner and attaching Allissa's birthday balloons to stand-up menus so they could bob over our heads as we celebrated.
Someone approached our table and spoke. We all looked up. Essie!
A collective cheer sounded and even a little bit of applause was offered, as we got reacquainted. She remembered the children's names and still insisted that I was the Queen.
Dagny had been missing her Aunt Erica, who'd been on vacation
We commenced with our beverage order and then everybody said what they wanted for supper. You know how it goes.
Later in the evening, Essie was seen chatting animatedly with TG and our son-in-law Joel.
That's because she has a nephew who, in a few days, is expected to be a second-round NFL draft pick.
There is going to be a party for the announcement, and Essie said she will be there and that it's going to be televised on ESPN.
At any rate we will be watching to try and get a glimpse of Essie on TV, and best of luck to Derion, who is going to need it.
Melanie stuck close to her mama
(Y'all know I don't do anything NFL, having long ago said no to football and yes to black lace, but anyone who has "excellent awareness with soft hands to take it away" has my vote, even if he "could get big-boyed by possession receivers.")
And with Aunt Essie in his corner, even with his unfortunate shortcomings as enumerated on his NFL dot com prospects page, the boy is way ahead.
I regret that I did not get a picture of Essie, either with me or with any or all of us. I don't know when we will meet again but it's an omission I'll correct as soon as possible.
Cherica arrived right on time for the party although they'd been on vacation all week in Virginia, visiting the Chesapeake Bay area and Colonial Williamsburg, and that day had driven all the way from Norfolk where they'd spent three nights.
My precious Lissy Belle is growing up
Baby Rhett was longing for a night of rest in his crib, and he lasted until the meal was over, but Allissa opened Cherica's gift first so that they could head home early.
Our parties go like this: We eat and we talk and talk and talk and talk and talk. And not just me! Everyone talks the whole time. It's great.
When it's a birthday party, there's always cake and presents after the meal, accompanied by lots more talking.
Once the supper dishes were semi-cleared, Essie wondered if we needed plates for the cake. But Stephanie always brings themed paper plates and napkins, and soon we were enjoying the chocolate sheet cake with whipped buttercream icing.
These cousins could not be any closer
Essie was given a big piece, just like last time. She loves her cake.
The flashing candle numbers from last year when Allissa turned thirteen had been replaced with a chunky gold one and four.
After cake, Allissa opened the rest of her presents. She has recently grown out of her wardrobe, prompting a flood of my-baby-is-growing-up-too-fast tears from her mother and open-wallet support from her father.
We added to her new duds. TG and I gave her two tops and a dress. Cherica contributed a beautiful frock and Audrey gave her clothes too. I had also picked out some age-appropriate makeup, and she got lots of other nice things.
Eventually it was time to go home, but when we get up from the table at one of our Cracker Barrel parties, the party is not in fact over.
Birthdays are a numbers game
We go outside and stand around for at least half an hour, talking some more near our cars. The weather almost always cooperates.
Piper had made the trip and was hanging out in her crate in back of the family van. She was let free (leashed) to romp in the grassy medians of the parking lot.
I held her for a few minutes but she wiggles like a worm in hot ashes while making every attempt to lick your face off, and I had to let go. Still a puppy.
It's sad when we all realize that someone has to make the first move. Get into their vehicle and drive away. But we bit the bullet and did it, and were soon on the road south.
As I told you earlier this week, Dagny came with us to spend the night at our house. She was asleep by the time we'd covered thirty of the ninety miles.
Dagny spent the next day with us. Here, she's all business.
We stayed up late-ish although it was already eleven o'clock when we got home. One must have time to unwind. The next day was set to be rainy anyway, and we had no plans.
Are there any parties in your immediate future, birthday or otherwise?
I've got a big one coming up. You'll never guess what it is, so don't try! You know I'll tell you all about it, pithy pirate-palaver style. With plenty of pictures. I hope it will be worth the wait.
And that is all for now.
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Happy Friday :: Happy Weekend
Reader Comments (20)
The first thing that strikes me about this post is how much LOVE there is in your family! Alissa is truly so beautiful. And the cake is gorgeous. Dagny is growing so fast!!
The Birthday Girl is becoming a lovely young lady..... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
🌱🌼🌱🌼🌱
Well Happy Birthday to that sweet girl! Look how adorable all those little grandkids are! I'm sure you will be doing it up big next year for her golden birthday! Mine golden birthday was on the 12 and Rich's was on the 4th. Chris and Shauna are 27 and 11 respectively! I am looking forward to celebrating Maxwells golden birthday in 3 years when he turns 8. Our Levi's isn't until he turns 27! Good luck to Essie's nephew!
That is amazing that you had Essie again! Woot woot! How much fun did you all have? My golden birthday was when I was 17. It was indeed special. My parents took me to the Tangier. It sadly is no longer there (Lebron James bought it and is doing something for his school with it), but it was the fanciest restaurant in Akron, Ohio with a middle eastern theme. I even remember what I had: Steak Diane. Four years later, my boyfriend, now husband, took me there on a date. It was very romantic.
Your family gatherings and photos are always a treat! Have a fabulous weekend! XO
@Ginny ... I get the same feeling when I see your family photos! We are all certainly attached to one another. I love it when we all get together. Dagny's golden birthday will be when SHE is fourteen, and she acts like she's already attained that age, haaaha! xoxo
@Mari-Nanci ... Isn't she just? It's bittersweet. xoxo
@Jeanette ... ooooh yes that will be fun when Maxwell turns eight! Golden Birthdays are such fun. And yes I feel like I know a real star, being buddies with the auntie of an NFL draft pick! We wish Derion the best. xoxo
@Bijoux ... What a wonderful story, about your Golden Birthday and other memories at the Tangier! I love it that your parents took you somewhere special on that day. Sad that the restaurant is gone; I hate to see a favorite restaurant pass off the scene! I don't like change. Thanks for reading and yes, we had a fabulous time! xoxo
What in the world is happening to Alissa? She is looking so old! (And beautiful too!) And then I scroll down and think Miss Dagny is also changing all of a sudden! I always enjoy the photos of your beautiful family. These gathering may be full of cake, and gifts, and talking, but the love shines through. Such a blessing...
Glad you got to see Essie again. And also glad they let you all sit together!
@Mari ... I know ... compared to pictures of Allissa just one year ago, she has become such a grown-up young lady. And Dagny's legs are nine feet long so she looks older too! I cannot believe that Dagny Clare will turn eight years old in about seven weeks. She wants a fruit-themed party, haahaha! xoxo
You are a tease, Jenny! I'll be waiting for when you post about that special celebration that none of us will be able to guess!
Happy belated birthday to Alissa! Lovely young woman! Glad you could connect again with Essie!
It is neat that all of you make an effort to get together to celebrate special days and occasions! So much love there I do believe!
betty
@betty ... the best kind of prize is a SURprise! Haahaa ... yes Lissy is a sweetheart. Thanks for stopping by! Love to Winslow xoxo
Happy Birthday ~ my oh my what a lovely young lady.
I always enjoy reading about your parties. I love that Essie was at this party too.
xx oo
Carla
@Carla ... Essie was the highlight of the party, haahaaha! xoxo
My golden birthday was 25. A LONG time ago.
Your family is all gorgeous and you can see the love. I can't believe you had Essie again, that is wonderful. And how awesome about her nephew. I always enjoy your photos.
The next birthday for us is mine next month. I'm wanting a day trip but haven't decided where yet.
Have a wonderful week my friend!!
Well darn! I could have sworn I'd left a comment here! I must be losing it...
14 is such a sweet age...she's beautiful as are All the females in your clan...
Ready for the surprise post Lady!!lol
hughugs
Donna
@Lori ... Well in case I forget, happy birthday in advance and go someplace that just really makes you happy! Yes it was a huge treat to see our Essie again, and I WILL get a picture of her next time. You have a great week too! xoxo
@Donna ... I don't think so my love, but I do believe you commented on the post before this one! At any rate, yes you're going to have to wait another week because the special occasion is this coming Saturday! But I will report fully, with lots of pics! Be patient, haaahha xoxo
Happy belated 14th birthday, Allissa! My goodness, what absolute fun all of that looks like it was! And to have Essie for your group - again! Of course, I passed my birth age on birth day years ago lol - 22 on 22nd. All I remember is I was about three months pregnant with my first son, Jeff, at that time.
I must ask, and since I'm late to the game of reading your blog, I may have missed a long ago post about it ... did you do the top of your table yourself? It looks like you laid the photos and then maybe brushed on a varnish. Or is it all under glass? I love things like that! What a perfect conversation piece that would be!
I saw your reply to Mari about Dagny wanting a fruit-themed party. LOL! That sounds like great fun! I await that post with excitement! Haha!
Hugs and blessings, my friend!
@Diana ... haahaha yes we are hoping to make Dagny wear a Carmen Miranda inspired hat! She and I were fantasizing about huge platters of strawberries and green grapes and pineapple and watermelon and any other fruit we can get our hands on! We shall see what develops. I will pass your birthday greeting along to Allissa! And 22 -- what a nice age to have had your Golden Birthday! Yes we have blogged a lot about what I call my time table ... It is a seven-foot long trestle table that I got at a second-hand store in Knoxville in the early '90s. For the last many years it has been covered with a black tablecloth, then 150-200 pictures of our family -- most of which were taken by me, but not all because some are reprints of very old photos -- all under the glass, which we have had for all these years too and which we've moved and stored and switched and taken off and put back on, with never so much as a crack, knock on wood. I switch the pictures out about every four years; the last time was this past Christmas season! The kids never fail to walk around that table and look at the pictures, no matter how many times they've seen them! It's a perpetual source of joy. xoxo
What a great birthday. Yep. I turned 29 a day or so ago. At that time I hadn't heard of the golden birthday either! You, dear Jenny, are the Pirate Queen! That's all there is to it. I'm glad you were able to have this party. Memories in the making although I don't like to experience an event with any thoughts that I'm making a memory... it upsets the time/space contiuum! [I looked up the spelling but Google doesn't like it! Lol] Have a lovely week!
@Gayla ... I think the internets favor the term space/time continuum but I've always heard it the other way too! I love knowing that we are making memories, though; I guess it lets me know that we are living life to the fullest, as they say, whomever they may be. To each his own! Thank you mate, for dubbing me pirate royalty, haaahaha! xoxo
Happy Birthday (belated) to Allissa! Another party and another scrumptious-looking cake. I remember Essie, and I know she remembered your family! I must say I love that Dagny is wearing pearls with her jean shorts in the last photo. She's got the fashionista gene!
@Barb ... oh that Dagny when it comes to clothes! She puts together her own outfits and yes, pearls with a jean skirt is just her speed, haahaha! I hope we see Essie again! We are going up a week from Friday to celebrate Dagny's impending 8th birthday and I'm praying Essie is there. I will not forget to take her picture this time! xoxo