Celebreight

I told her they make her look like the late Bob Saget

We've had an action-packed time of it since the events of my last post.

It will take this entry plus another one to bring my beloved readers up to speed.

Let's start with Dagny's eighth birthday last Tuesday.

We'd already had a party on the previous Friday night, but this was the actual day we welcomed our darling Dagny into the world, so we were determined to milk it for all it was worth.

I asked the lady to please turn the g into an 8

The weather forecast was for stifling, sweltering temperatures accompanied by soul-withering humidity.

So we had planned a trip to the mall -- a place I normally avoid.

But I needed some makeup at Dillard's and Dagny wanted to visit the food court and maybe ride the carousel, and spend some of the birthday money she'd already accumulated.

Things didn't turn out quite as planned; however. For one thing, the beastly weather never materialized.

Mine was the first present on the table

The first clue we had that it wasn't going to be as uncomfortable as the meteorological prognosticators had promised, was when thunderstorms rolled in during the mid-morning hours.

Torrential rain fell for about an hour and then tapered off. I was still at home, enjoying it. We weren't set to meet up at the mall until about two o'clock.

It was a voting day for us -- primaries -- so I got ready and tooled down to the polling place at about one o'clock.

By then it was no longer raining. The sky was overcast and the temperature only in the eighties. It was humid, but bearable.

Dagny requested her picture be taken with her adored cousin Rhett

That trend continued throughout the day.

But the die had been cast, as it were, for our outing, and a day indoors was what we had planned.

At Dillard's I noticed that the Clinique counter display cases were populated with approximately one-third (if that) of the product normally arrayed there. It looked like they were moving out.

Adding to that impression was the fact that there was no salesperson to greet or offer to help you. And where a cash register used to be, there was nothing but blank space.

When you're eight, life can be pretty great

The area being all but deserted, I began wondering if anyone would be willing to fill my order.

Lancôme's counter, just a few feet away, had a salesperson on duty. But she was busy talking to someone (not a customer, based on the snatches of their conversation that I could hear), and ignored me.

Just when I was about to start asking questions of the first employee I could find, a young lady sitting behind the Dior counter nearby asked if she could assist me.

I said that she sure could, and eventually she had located the few things I needed at the Clinique counter, and one item at the Lancôme counter.

Outside on the swing, we took a selfie

The Lancôme salesperson continued to act as though I did not exist, and also ignored the young lady helping me.

That's not the way I'd do it. But okay. Post-covid, rudeness seems to rule the day in some quarters.

The helpful young lady employee apologized to me, saying she had a headache from all of the dust.

She had nothing to apologize for -- she'd been the one willing to do her job, after all -- but I commiserated with her nevertheless.

We added hot-pink candles and a moon-and-stars decoration

What is this all about, I asked, motioning to an area a short distance away that was sheathed floor to ceiling in Visqueen and from which banging and drilling and sawing sounds -- and dust -- emanated.

That's going to be a Chanel counter, she said. We're also getting Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone.

I perked up at the mention of a Chanel counter. Many years ago we had one at our Belk store in the same mall, but it has long since been removed.

If you wanted to shop Chanel, you had to go to Charlotte or Charleston. I'd sometimes pick up a few things at the Bloomingdale's in Chicago when we were there in pre-covid days gone by.

Once again, Audrey plied us with scrumptious candy

So I'm surprised that now, when the cosmetic counters are being drastically diminished in terms of both available product and any semblance of customer service, the market can support a Chanel counter.

It will be open by the end of July. We shall investigate further at that time.

I paid for my makeup and as it wasn't quite time to meet the girls, I went back to my car and moved it to the main mall entrance, and left my purchases inside.

A few minutes later I met up with Audrey, Dagny, Erica, and Baby Rhett at the food court. Everybody got either a snack or a beverage.

Our galaxy theme was thoroughly carried out

That pleasant interlude concluded, Dagny expressed a desire to go shopping at Claire's. Perhaps because it was a mere fifty feet away.

At any rate, to Claire's we went. When I'd had my fill of looking at the tweeny accessories that thrill and delight the Dagny-aged set, I suggested to Erica that we go over to Bath and Body Works, just across the way.

Dagny was still dithering over a few selections, one of which turned out to be a pair of "eyeglasses" with clear lenses (because she does not wear glasses), and cute transparent pink frames. For style's sake alone.

She also purchased a fashion ring.

She read every birthday card aloud

At Bath and Body Works we walked around and looked at a lot of stuff, enjoying the absolute glut of soaps and scents and so forth that is stuffed into every corner of that store.

We left without buying anything.

Later we went back to the food court, where there is a massive and beautiful carousel.

It was not running.

So we sat in the floor-to-ceiling windows there and I took some pictures of Erica and Baby Rhett, who was looking pretty spectacular in a blue-and-white striped onesie outfit that matched his eyes.

Beautiful mother and equally beautiful son

Audrey had talked about making her daughter a birthday cake, but she'd gotten behind schedule and said cake did not end up getting made.

She talked about going home to bake it, but it was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon and much too late to start a cake for a party that would begin six-ish. So we decided to go to Publix and buy a ready-made cake.

Once we'd chosen a cake, we wanted Dagny's name on top. I had an idea and, without letting Dagny hear me, I asked the lady behind the bakery counter to put her name in white icing, but to substitute the number 8 for the letter g.

She did that, and it turned out really cute. Dagny tried to pronounce it -- Da-eight-ny -- but I told her it was a visual cue rather than a spoken one.

At last the eight candles were lit

The girls left then to go back home and regroup, and I went home and had some down time while waiting for everyone to return for the party.

For dinner Audrey ordered Hungry Howie's pizza, a perennial favorite at Chez Weber.

Back were the adorable candy dishes containing a fresh supply of Nerd Gummy Clusters and Sour Neon Gummy Bears.

Back were the galaxy-themed paper plates and napkins and so forth.

Maybe you don't want to know how good Nerd Gummy Clusters are

We chowed down on the pizza, then watched as Dagny opened the remainder of her gifts. 

She was overjoyed with the deluxe art set from TG and me, and right away began using her pencils and pens and chalks and whatnot, with the mega-sketchpad we'd given her at the first party.

Many other great presents were opened, and she read each card out loud.

Then it was time for cake. Erica and I placed eight hot-pink birthday candles atop, and Audrey added a goldtone moon-and-stars decoration.

We sang to her

We sang to our Dagny and she blew out her candles. As we munched our dessert, we reminisced about the day of her birth.

Audrey remembered that Dagny did not cry when she was born. She nestled silently near her mother's chin, eyes wide open, and uttered not a sound.

I have a picture of that, but I just remember that she was beautiful.

After cake, we all went outside, lit a candle, and sat around talking in the twilight-to-darkness while Dagny and a few others splashed in the pool.

What with the cost of pool supplies up by about thirty percent -- Thanks, Joe! -- each swim is precious and there needs to be more of them, to justify the expense.

We got all touristy ... click to embiggen

By nine thirty or so, everyone had gone home. It was such a good day.

But it was time to turn my sights to the remainder of the week, which held more special occasions, and a trip, and various exciting adventures.

I'll tell you all about it next time, but as you can see, I have dropped a wee hint for the curious.

Something tells me that the more astute readers have figured it out. But just remember, you don't know the whole story.

Yet.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Tuesday

Comments

[Ginny Hartzler]

I can't waittill we are off to your next adventure! The cake is really beautiful, you would never know it was last minute. All the stores here have very low stock, and staff. The clerk who ignored you should get a good talking-to. But I suppose her shortcomings will be ignored, as it is getting impossible to get employees almost everywhere.

[Bijoux]

Oh, that sweet Dagny. I enjoyed hearing about your mall outing. I thought BBW was having their big semi-annual sale? I remember my girls loving Claire’s. Unfortunately, your makeup counter experience seems to be the modus operandi these days. I bonded with my blogger friend Ron over our disgust with customer service (he and I are both former department store employees). Back in our days, the motto was ‘The Customer is always right.’ Now, it’s The Customer is a bother!

Looking forward to hearing how you survived the Titanic! XO

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... YES we were so happy that there was a nice selection of birthday cakes! This one was a trifle too large for our needs but how can you ever have too much cake? Haahaha ... yes the saleslady needed a talking-to but who's going to do it? As you say, it's nearly impossible to GET employees in the first place, and the warm bodies filling the positions seem to think they're doing everyone a favor! xoxo

@Bijoux ... Oh my word what is so sad about the cosmetic counters is that I have been shopping in that store for over fifteen years and it's always been such a delight -- pre-covid, that is. The girls behind the counters -- especially at Lancome but at Clinique too -- knew me by sight and we always had a nice time gabbing when I'd go to stock up during gift. Not any more! Now the shelves are nearly empty and hardly anyone is there to be even remotely friendly. That's why I do not understand the addition of a Chanel counter. They'd better get some management in there to start kicking you-know-what about treating people as though their trade is valued or I can't see many ladies parting with that kind of money in a store where you're all but ignored. Yes they were having the sale at BBW but for some reason I couldn't get inspired to buy anything. I think you'll enjoy our Titanic adventure and the events surrounding it! xoxo

[Mari]

I can hardly believe that our sweet Dagny is 8! What a blessing she is and she is growing into a beautiful young lady who will be a blessing to this world. It sounds like it was a fun day, even if the carousel wasn't running. (The last time I took my girlies to the mall, ours wasn't running either)
The cake is so cute, especially with the 8 in it.
Rhett's eyes are as stunning as ever. Erica must hear comments on them frequently.
And now I'll wait to hear about the Titanic.

[betty]

So clever, Jenny, making the "g" into an "8". Such a lovely celebration for such a beautiful young lady that Dagny is!! My husband and me were just talking the other day that we have not been to a mall/the mall in over 2 years since this whole Covid mess hit. It wasn't like we avoided it because of Covid but we just stopped going for some reason (mainly we would just walk around it in the heat of summer). I don't wear makeup so I haven't been to a cosmetic counter in years. I kind of shy away from them when the employees were there enticing one to buy their products.

Rhett is such a handsome young chap!

We have Hungry Howie's pizza places here too! I do like them!

Shame that the carousel wasn't working. Would have been such a lovely part of Dagny's special day!

I'm looking forward to hearing about your Titanic adventure. Hubby and me went to one years ago when we still lived in the San Diego area. I survived the sinking, he did not :(

betty

[Lori]

The birthday cake is so pretty and I love the 8 replacing the g...very clever of you. I used to love going to the mall but not so much any more.
I remember how nice department stores used to be with such helpful people, now you're lucky if you see anyone let alone have someone help you. It's very sad how things have changed in our society. I'm excited to hear about your next adventure my friend. I'm sure it will be spectacular!!

[Jeanette]

Aww look how excited she looks! I love that she read all her cards out loud, and she looks very fashionable with her glasses! The cake was perfect and a nice cake for just one bought over the counter! I love the 8 in place of the g! You are a great grandma for thinking of that! Little Rhett looks dapper in his blue and white striped onesie! We love our blue-eyed boys, don't we? All the malls around here are ghost towns and when we were in SC we went to a mall by the hotel and it was also a ghost town. Well, I'm going to guess you went to the Titanic Museum in Pidgeon Forge?

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... Erica has to build in extra time to go to the store, she gets stopped so many times. Very few people who look Rhett in the face can resist stopping and exclaiming "Those EYES!" And then Erica has to answer questions about whose family the blue eyes "come from," (the answer is both), haahaa! Good times. He certainly is a precious little guy. We dote on him to the extreme! I know you know what I mean! xoxo

@Betty ... Well I have not liked the mall since I worked in one when just out of college. It just feels stifling to me, and so fake. For many years I have only entered the anchor stores like Dillard's and Belk, mainly for cosmetics (I keep them in business, hahaha) and once in a while for the odd garment. But generally speaking I do not venture into the mall itself, so this was a one off and it confirmed all the reasons I do not go to the mall, hahahaha! Yes Hungry Howie's is good -- TG loves the thin and crispy crust (it is quite good) and I like butter crust with extra sauce, fresh tomatoes, and double pepperoni! It's quite a treat. Yes the carousel ride would have been such fun for Dagny. I can only assume that in this post-covid world when people would rather sit home on government benefits than go to work, we're obliged to give up small pleasures such as that. We certainly did get that sinking feeling at the museum, haahaa! Can't wait to tell you all about it! xoxo

@Lori ... Yes the 8 for the g thing came to me just as I started to hand the cake over to the lady. Audrey said, I would never in a million years have thought of that. So it's a good thing I was there, hahaha! I miss the days of busy, bustling department stores that smelled of perfume and leather and were so exciting with salesladies behind every counter asking if they could help you find something. It's like it was another world and I grieve its passing. xoxo

@Jeanette ... Oh she was excited, that's for sure! She loves everything about her birthday! Isn't that sweet though? Yes we LOVE those blue-eyed boys, so precious and handsome! The malls are just sad, that is all. And yes, Pigeon Forge it was, haaha! It was certainly a deviation from our usual routine, but I'll tell you all about it presently! Have a great week my friend! xoxo

[Carla TePaske]

Hello,
What a fun day out on the town and party. I loved the g into an 8 idea. :-) Very clever.. only a pirate could think that one up. Hee Hee!

[Mari-NanciI]

I hope this gets published, without all my info in the fill-in-the-blanks. -smile- Just have to do this, here on my tablet, which cooperates with me. Unlike my computer, which doesn't. -sigh-

Super wonderful to do these grrrrrrrrrrreat Birthday celebrations. Just look at her, to see, how wonderfull it was for her, to have Her (2) Days!!!!

Everything was gorgeous! But of course, your Dear Readers expect nothing less!!!! From your celebrations!!! -smile-

Again, the "Grands" are the cutest!!!!

Looking forward to your "Titanic sinking feeling".

Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
🎂💐🌸🎂🌸💐

[Jennifer]

@Carla ... I know, right? It's handy to have a pirate around, haaahhaa xoxo

@Mari-Nanci ... you're in good shape! Yes she got every last drop out of that birthday, I think. She was so excited the whole time! And now in just one month, Baby Rhett will turn one! We think we're having a Mister One-derful party! Haaahaha stay tuned for Titanic goings-on! xoxo

[Liberty Belle]

Dagny's cake was pretty. Glad the mall is getting Jo Malone and Chanel. Hopefully, they will also get in more workers like the lady that was at the Dior counter, who actually don't mind doing their job. Have a wonderful week. :)

[Jennifer]

@Liberty ... I know, right? Just do your job! That's all we ask. Dagny's cake was pretty and tasted good too! Hope you're having a good week and staying cool. xoxo

[Debbi]

Loved reading all about the birthday celebration!! Miss Dagny looks so cute in her glasses! What kind of ring did she choose? Wow, y'all get the MOST BEAUTIFUL birthday cakes there.....I think I remember you saying Publix??---but my goodness, our Publix doesn't HAVE ANY CAKES like the masterpieces I've seen on your tables!!?? Anywy, she looks so happy with her cake and I bet she loved all her presents. Little Rhett.....that picture of him and his Mommy......he is the cutest little blue eyed baby boy!!! And tell her I do love her pretty pink lipstick!! Well, the heat has now arrived.....are y 'all using your pool much? I so enjoyed the post about Essie as well....she looks/seems exactly how you described her! That looked like a great supper too. We haven't been there in a long time. And I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED the bowls of candy on the table......that's my favorite right there, that stuff is addictive, LOVE IT. ha ha Love those Nerds. Cant wait to see what your Titanic adventure is/was!!! You know how I love history! Hope your summer has started off great my friend, stay cool!!!

[Debbi]

P.S.....forgot to say.........nope nope NOPE.....you DO NOT look like the Nanny lady Fran......YOU MY FRIEND ARE MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL than her!! More beautiful, more glamourous, more friendly, more FUN!!!

[Jennifer]

@Debbi ... well first of all HELLO my friend, and thank you for the generous and sweet compliments! I always thought Fran the Nanny was super gorgeous and glamorous, so seriously, thank you!!! Yes we had a wonderful time celebrating Dagny's eighth birthday. She is so much fun to be around and she enjoys everything so much! Essie is an added delight to any party, as is the Nerds candy, hahahaha! Yes it's been pretty hot, although this week it's more moderate because of rain, but UGH so humid! And we sure have been using the pool. We'll be splashing around on the 4th of July during our barbecue, if the rain stays away! xoxo

[Barb]

Happy belated 8th to Dagny. Sam will turn 10 in September. It seems like just yesterday that they were toddlers. Claire's - that brings back memories of my 2 granddaughters shopping for their trinkets and seeming to take forever. I'd lure them out with a promise of a treat at the nearby Starbucks. Your Publix makes fantastic cakes - and I like the "8" for the "g" which made it even more special. That photo of Erica and Rhett is just fantastic! Those eyes! Speaking of eyes - how adorable that Dagny needed "fake" glasses as a fashion accessory....

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... Yes it was only yesterday that they were toddlers, and if we think about it too much we get misty-eyed! Claire's is just as frou-frou-frou as ever and my limit is reached after about four minutes, haaha! Yes Rhett's eyes are the eighth wonder of the world, or so I like to say! Publix cakes are truly delicious ... they even made Erica's wedding cake! It was scrumptious with raspberry filling! Dagny is something with those pink fake glasses. She wears them at church, haahaha! xoxo