We left New York, cold and damp, to arrive in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, May 24th. The weather in Florida was hot and damp - clouds and rain for most of the five days we were there. But no matter, we were there to celebrate the 69th anniversary of my mother's sister, Bea and her husband, Walter. And what a great time we had!
These two are the model of a long and succesful marriage. Sweet, loving and respectful to each other - there's still a strong spark of romance as well. Bea will turn 91 and Walter 92, this August.
An added bonus this year was cousin Peter's presence. He flew down from Detroit with son Sloan. Staying with Sloan's mom, Riki, in Miami, they drove up to us in Deerfield Beach for a nice visit on Thursday. Sloan, the good grandson, even got up on a ladder to clean out the roof gutters. The house was in good shape but last year's hurricanes left their mark -- trees that used to provide shade and beauty were down and gone and the house stood a bit naked as we drove up.
On Friday night, Peter, Stacey and I took Bea and Walter out to the Sage restaurant in Fort Lauderdale for an anniversary dinner and we had a great time. Afterwards, we drove Peter back to Miami and then returned the long drive home to Deefield with a very tired uncle, aunt and nephew and niece.
Saturday night, Bea made dinner for all of us again. Added guests were Mardi and her boyfriend, Joel. Mardi, a registered nurse and sister of Lori Press (Peter's wife), had performed above and beyond the call of duty during the hurricane, delivering water and checking on Bea and Walter who were without power for 7 days during the storm. Appetizers and cocktails were served and we sat around and chatted. Bea made her signature spareribs and dinner was a wonderful affair.
We spent Sunday, our last day and the one day with beautiful sun and sky, at the pool. But first, Stacey and I ran over to Costco and Circuit City. We were on a buying spree for Bea and Walter. It seems that a lightining strike on Friday had blown out all three televisions. We picked up two new TV's and surge protectors (to prevent a reoccurence), shlepped them back to their house and installed them (a not-too-easy process). That left us a few hours at the pool and then a leisurely (and early) dinner. Then off to the airport and a smooth and quick ride back to LaGuardia and home.
We both felt that this had been a remarkable visit. My uncle's memory has been deteriorating in recent years. But he is as pleasant and sweet a man as you're likely to ever meet. Bea is quite amazing - at 91 she is physically and mentally fit. We spent a lot of time in interesting conversation. We never felt like we were guests - just family members dropping by for a visit and a chat. We're looking forward to next year's big 70th anniversary celebration. My aunt, in her modesty, thinks it's "nothing special to celebrate." We don't agree and look forward to many more visits to this very special couple.
My Aunt and Uncle - Bea and Walter Schaffer.
Stacey, Bea and Walter looking at old family photos -- a pastime that Walter really enjoys.
Beautiful Stacey catches a Florida sunset.
The four of us in front of the Schaffer house in Deerfield Beach. We've taken many of these family shots over the years.
Bea with two of her favorite men! This was taken at the Sage Cafe in Ft. Lauderdale where we celebrate Bea and Walters's 69th Anniversary.
Peter and Stacey at Sage Cafe.
An anniversary cake - courtesy of the Sage Cafe!
The 69th anniversary kiss! Not bad, ay?
2 comments:
I really respect what you are doing. Peace
ditto to what Raemius said.
great seeing the folks - nice photos. Welcome back home. See you soon. Duba
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