‘Plus a housewarming. All in the same weekend.’
OK, so here’s my other recurring anxiety dream — other than the one involving horses and heights that I shared in ‘My Gramanxiety Attack’ a couple of weeks ago. In this version, I am all set to perform the lead in a Shakespearian play when I inform the director that not only do I not know my lines, but that I never bothered to learn them in the first place.
As you can imagine, this dream is even more night-sweats-and-palpitations-producing than the equine/heights one.
I was sent rummaging for the valium because I was facing a weekend jam-packed with Events. Events requiring lots of organization, and planning. Full of details like how to make sure I could get an Uber to pick us up at 4:30 in the morning from an Airbnb somewhere in unincorporated St. Charles, Ill.
A big ole batch of cousins — plus The Dude — celebrating at the birthday/housewarming bash
Of course, these Events were all Good Events. The first was Middle Younger Brother Roger’s Big Birthday Party slash Housewarming. He’s five years younger, and turning 70. So of course I knit him a sweater. (I knit Oldest Younger Brother Scott one for his 70th three years ago.) I reassured my Youngest Younger Brother that he won’t have to wait that long. By the time he turns 70, I’ll probably be drooling on any knitting I try to do.
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- Roger opens gifts while wearing mine
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- Here’s a closer shot of Birthday Sweater
Needless to say, the party was incredibly fun. One thing the Henrys really know how to do is have a great time. There was a taco bar, for heavens’ sakes! After hours of fun with friends and family, the house was duly warmed, and the Birthday Boy duly celebrated with toasts and gifts.
Stunning Natalie and her Dad walking the aisle on her stunning wedding day
The second Big Event was a wedding. A few weeks ago, since she knew a bunch of her family would be around to attend, Niece Natalie decided to get officially hitched to her awesome mate, Dakota. I don’t know how she did it, but my amazing Favorite Younger Sister Laura pulled off a wedding for the ages in a very short time: chapel, gorgeous dress, attendants, lovely reception — and perfect weather too.
A rare sighting: people actually in a gazebo — or on the steps of one, anyway. (See ‘How Many People Can You Pack Into a Gazebo’ for my Gazebo Theory)
The Proud Parents who pulled off this lovely wedding
The third Big Event? The second birthday of our older grandson, Mr. Baby. He is simply too cute for words. Though of course I’ll try. Here’s an example. He was presented with a birthday crown designed and made by the even-more amazing Laura. It is adorned with felt cutouts of animals and trees and has a centerpiece where you can change the birthday year. (There are numbers you can attach via velcro.)
Mr. Baby tries on his Birthday Crown
He not only shared the wearing of the crown with his dad, but whenever someone would say “Happy Birthday, Alexander!” he would reply with “Happy Birthday, Gamma!” or “Happy Birthday, Dadda!” or whomever happened to be congratulating him.
Sigh.
Maybe I won’t need any valium tonight.
I’ll just think happy thoughts of Mr. Baby — and Baby Too
New York City. October 2026
