Mom’s in the back, second from left

Last week we held a 90th birthday party for my mother. Just family, but I have never entertained 20 people at my house before. My 3 siblings came from Toronto and Halifax, along with 10 of our 12 children (Mom’s grandchildren), plus a few spouses and significant others, the first great-grandchild, and 2 dogs. The only missing members Skypted in for the party.

If I had hours to work on a post and make sure it was written to entertain everyone but offend no one, I could write more detail. Suffice it to say that ten people stayed a week in my house, and several others stayed with my mother, although most of the time was spent at my place. A good time was had by all and we managed to avoid all histrionics and feuds, but a week together was plenty. We are even thinking of doing it again! Sicily has been suggested for next time – in a villa by the beach with a hired cook and a neighbourhood vineyard. (I choose not to take offense at the suggestion that we change venues!)

Late night discussions – never a dull moment

The weather was perfect, the Olympics were on TV (viewable from a stunning sofa), which provided good background entertainment and we were all reasonably well behaved.

One excursion was a hike up The Chief at Squamish, about a 2 hour drive from our house. I came up with some excuse for not going couldn’t go because I had to drive daughter N to the airport for her return to Australia. I wouldn’t mind doing the hike, but not under pressure.

As you can see, it’s a bit of a climb, but the view is nice.