Monday, January 11, 2010

99


Saturday was my Grandma Taylor's birthday (Verna Pauline Oswald Taylor, just in case there is somebody out there googling her). She was born January 9, 1911.

She is 99.
I'm not lying.
Here's the cake to prove it.
Nobody lies on Cathy's Rum cake.

We had a party on Friday. Had some chicken salad croissants, that broccoli/bacon salad, fruit and punch. There is a reason they are classic lady lunch foods. It is because they are delicious.


We used my snack trays. Did you know I collect 50s/60s/70s snack trays? They are all pressed glass, but in all shapes and patterns. Rectangles, ovals, round, fans, apples. Most have tiny matching punch cups, and some even have a little ashtray included. (I know, is awesome.) I have about 70 or so. If you are ever throwing a wedding or baby shower, you can borrow them. I'm totally serious. I have an entire buffet cabinet full of them, and they need to get some use. And we used Grandma's own wedding silver, Towle Candlelight. I like to visit sets of it on Ebay, cause someday I want some, too.

One of the tables. That's grandpa on the left. Hubba. See that little empty bowl? It used to have chocolate covered raisins in it. I ate them all.


We all tried to match each woman with her baby picture. That's my mom (#1), and me (#14)

Opening gifts


Daughters and granddaughters (who live here in Phoenix).

Grandma, Mom, Me, and Jane

Grandma's parents, Ludwig Friederich Oswald, and Mary Christine Klingler Oswald. (Both were born in Germany, but were married in Logan, Utah, 1897.) When I looked on familysearch.org just now to make sure I spelled their names correctly, I noticed one of the submitters was Gerald Lund. So maybe he's an Oswald cousin? Maybe I should finally read his books?

Last night, Grandma saw this (above) photo at my parents' house and said: That picture makes me homesick.

To read more about Grandma, go here.


In other news, Jake's birthday was last week, too. Jake isn't 99. As a matter of fact, from now until July 19, Jake must refrain from calling me his 'old lady,' since we are both 36.

Totally stole it from his sister Jane's blog. I also made it my computer wallpaper.

26 comments:

Brett and Shireen Olsen said...

Awesome picture of Jake. I think you should get that one blown up to lifesize to put up in your house.

I can't imagine being 99 years old. I will stop complaining (only for a few minutes, though) about being almost 34.

Love your snack trays, next time I throw a shower I'm going to take you up on your offer.

Bee said...

Verna looks elegant and feisty, and she has REALLY kept her looks. That bodes well for you, so-not-an-old lady.

Age is so relative, isn't it? I was completely freaked out to discover (this week) that Elvis was only 42 when he died. I remember thinking he was plenty old when he died. I am 43 today. Older than Elvis!!

Your grandma Verna, Elvis and me. Interesting crowd.

I could really use those snack trays tonight because we are having a TV dinner in front of Glee. Because it is my birthday, and I don't feel like cooking.

p.s. I will look you up on Goodreads.

SBrooks said...

So fabulous! Wow.... 99 and looking super foxy still. Really, truly is remarkable. Kind of gives you something to look forward to really. I want to have a party just to use your cute trays! Haooy birthday to Jake. Awesome photo on the potty.

La Yen said...

I love grandmothers. They are the best.

And I collect the snack trays, too--but I have a special love for the ones with the last supper on them. I don't know why. But I am glad someone else shares my madness...

jt said...

#14 looks like Tommy! Your grandma is beautiful and I love the 4 generation photo!

Jenni said...

Oh, she is just the cutest thing! She doesn't look a day over 90! =) We're coming down to visit in April...excited to see her! And you guys too hopefully!

erin said...

What a fun birthday party for cute grandma Taylor! 99 is amazing.

Anonymous said...

You look so much like her! She is such a gorgeous woman- I can't believe she is 99! That has to make you feel good to see how well you'll age. :)
It made me a little sad that she was homesick. I never thought of that before, but I guess that one would be. What a sweet gal.

acte gratuit said...

Grandma is a fox! Then, and now! Lucky you for inheriting such great genes!

Also: while in Rhode Island, I found three of those glass trays with matching glasses at an old lady garage sale. I snapped them up picturing serving little cucumber sandwiches on them. I love them and after hearing you actually use yours, I'm going to have to try to acquire a few more so I can use mine too!

Gini said...

Hmmm.. did you see the pink box of kotex in the photo with the dirty faced little boy? And the diaper pail to the side AND the catalog on the toilet? Jake was probably reading it. I'm thinking that brown pail could have been another diaper pail too...had 3 in diapers at that time and they weren't disposables way back then.

Claire said...

Woot woot! Your grandma looks fabulous!

I'd like some of those good looking genes, delivered to me in a smashproof vial, that I might partake in the beauty.

Barbaloot said...

That first picture of your grandma is fabulous. I love the classic pictures of my grandparents that I've been able to collect.

Happy Birthday to her---and I love your four generation picture.

Hailey said...

My grandma's birthday is January 9 as well! I love the first picture of her. Great pictures--sounds like a classy event for a classy gal!

mandi said...

I can't get over how beautiful your grandma is! Or your amazing collection of snack trays!

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Is that seriously your grandma in the first pic?!?! She looks like a model and SO instyle! What a gorgeous gal! How proud you must be to descend from an awesome lady like her!

Unknown said...

Ok, You look exactly like your grandmother. (about 70 years ago) What a wonderful post and wonderful family. I enjoyed your blog.

kacy faulconer said...

I recently found a set of 10 snack trays at DI. Awesome.

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