Genie decided her week-long birthday bash in honor of her three-quarters of a century birthday plus one (Aug. 12) would start Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Following was her week-long celebration (It got to be the same principle as a baker’s dozen – more than a week!).
Thursday: Applebee’s in Albert Lea for lunch with another birthday gal (Gale Nelson). Kathy Paulsen, Star Eagle columnist, honored Genie’s birthday Aug. 12.
Friday: Lunch at the Albert Lea Medical Center with fellow worker Dorothy after working 2 1/2-hour shift as an Auxilian in the coffee shop.
Saturday: We attended the Relay for Life celebration at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds including eating from Nelson’s concession stand. (The lighting of the candles to spell “Hope” was awesome.”
Sunday: The actual day of Genie’s birthday. Genie, along with same-day birthday gal, Gale Nelson, served goodies to fellow church members attending the coffee hour after church at Central Freeborn Lutheran. From church, Gale, Genie and I enjoyed the Sunday brunch at the Heritage restaurant in the Ramada Inn of Albert Lea. The highlight of the meal was when their lady employees (Melissa, Debra and Delta) sang Happy Birthday to Gale and Genie as they presented triple chocolate tiger cake dessert to Gale and Genie. (Genie described it as “super yummy.)
Monday: To Rochester with friend Mary and Culver’s in Austin for the evening meal on the way back.
Tuesday: Breakfast at Perkins in Albert Lea with friend Jody. Voted in primary election. Ladies coffee 2 p.m. at Green Lea Golf Course in Albert Lea.
Wednesday: Lunch at Trumble’s in Albert Lea with “the gang.”
Thursday: Genie and I went to Steele County Fair in Owatonna. We ate a pork stuffed potato with all the other trimmings at “Piggy Blues” concession stand. Afterward, we danced the night away to the “White Sidewalls” in front of the United Prairie Bank Fair Square Stage.
Friday: Genie purchased a roll top desk as a birthday present to herself.
Saturday: The baker’s dozen week ended with Genie and Julie Ehlers going on a bus trip for gals only to Door County, Wisconsin.
In summary, Genie received cards, e-mails, telephone calls, in-person best wishes, birthday money, a happy birthday balloon, a happy face balloon and a picture collage from birthday well wishers from six states and Canada.
In case you want to say hi, Genie will be working the big bash Monday evening, Sept. 24 at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church (the soup and pie supper).
P.S. Genie, “The Hat Lady,” is recognized as the best thing to come out of Iowa on I-35.
———
Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.