Among my vast audience of readers I count you, Mary, as one whether or not you are.  Although you left us half my life ago I still sometimes think of you with a warm heart.   Now I wish you could have been with me at my last birthday party.  Actually it was the only one that I remember other than your birthday cakes.  You would have enjoyed seeing most of your grand children whom you never met. 

The event took place at our son David’s house in Reston, Va.  Things were happening and people filtered in most of the day until we had quite a crew on hand.  Alisa the only grandchild you met and whom I had not seen in several years was there to my surprise.  She is a lawyer and still single.  She still remembers me as Grandpa Pickenberry from the time I went hunting back berries.  I don’t believe she likes her job very well.  She does foreclosure stuff   but would rather do something more pleasant. 

Our son Stephen brought his second two boys to the party.  I didn’t see much of Matthew because of the young folks’ gathering.  But I saw Beau and he did a sample of his singing.  He composes songs and tunes on his computer.  I suppose it all makes sense to his peers. 

Our first grandson Ben and his two blond boys didn’t make it, but Stephen brought the cake, an orange chiffon cake that he made.  I understand it took two tries but it turned out good.  I was disappointed that I got only one piece. 

Catherine and her husband Sarwar were there on their way to Denver next day; I went with them.  They travel to buy beads and stuff for their store.  Their son Shawn who lives in Washington was there.  He and a friend have a new business.  It involves cell phones to transmit finger prints to keep track of children’s vaccinations. All it needs is lots of money from somebody. 

Susanna’s family was represented by her husband Dick and daughter Emily. They flew up from Florida to be at the party.  You probably know more about Susanna than we do.  She died a little more than a year ago.   The other daughter Rachel stayed home to look after the three children.  I think Dick will get married again before long.  His girls may not be happy about that. 

Of course David’s family was there.  Katyna took the day off from her athletic activities to join the party.  Andre their firstborn who lives in the vicinity was present.  He is taller than his dad and skinnier than me.   His sister Ursula who lives most anywhere in the world was there.  She announced that she was going to get married soon.  I told her it’s a good deal for her and that it’s about time, and reminded her that she’s almost 30 years old. 

The party ended with the meal that David had spent the day preparing, and a few speeches and kind words directed at me.  I think most everybody had a good time and I believe that you would have too.