Earnie turned 84!  She was having her girlfriend’s getaway with her 99 year old friend in Denver last week on her actual birth date so we had to delay the celebration until yesterday.  We gathered at the sister-in-law’s hive and enjoyed a salad luncheon — chicken caesar salad, bean salad (Miss Bee’s fave), potato salad, and broccoli salad.  Then for dessert, Earnie’s favorite — Strawberry Cake.

This is the recipe using strawberry jello and about 8 cups of oil and a dozen eggs.  But, boy is it worth it.  Miss Bee adorned the cake with candles and we sang.

My mother is beautiful, funny, strong, smart and kind.  While Daddy has always received the laughs and attention over the years, she’s the one that has been the backbone of the family.  One of the things I love about her most is her ability to laugh at herself and not take life too seriously.

She’s also very inquisitive….about everything.  Driving her anywhere is a real treat sometimes…”why do you suppose they are building that facing that direction?”  “That office wasn’t here the last time we were here, what kind of doctor is that?”  “How you think I could get a hold of that glue they put on the back of credit cards they send you…you know the rubbery adhesive that you peal off things?” “I see that person out walking all the time, how far do you think they walk everyday?”  “I could use this box for something.”  And the list goes on, literally, everyday.

And, don’t even get me started on her poor hearing.  That’s made for alot of funny laughs.  Latest installment:  “Do you think Ruthie might like to have a treat?”  — Earnie’s reply — “I didn’t go to a University.”  Okay.

I love you Earnie.  Each day you are with me I am a better person.