65 years, 7 continents

New character arrives in our blog. Actually Orly and Eli joined in the last posting and weren’t suitably welcomed. Trying to keep their presence to a minimum given that this is the mom and bram roadtrip blog. But alas that part of the trip is now over and we are into the next phase. A week at the shore (NJ/LBI) and a week at the beach (Viriginia Beach). Note that it is the same Atlantic coastline (give or take 300 miles) but one is definitely the shore and the other the beach.

Before the beach, however, enter Ross aka Dad (that’s for Orly who seems to be speaking in text these days, btw, lol, etc) Ross came up for the weekend specifically for mom’s 65^th birthday party. The party was not a surprise but the theme, Around the World with Lenore, was. What fun we had with the theme – how could we not given the guest of honor and the great material. Trips to all seven continents in 65 years! Here is a picture of the Memory Lane picture that we had created for mom on the theme and the great centerpieces that we put together. Creative inspiration compliments of Nancy Joffre who is my creative inspiration in life! Not easy though to find postcards of places far and near. Vintage ones yes but not new ones. Need to make a plug for cafépress.com which is where I was able to search and find examples of the places mom has been. Implementation flawlessly executed by my partner-in-crime, sister-in-law Amy who worked closely with the venue and catering team to put together an original tastings menu with food from or representative of the places mom has been. Check out this photo of the menu card. Not easy to find indigenous Antarctic cuisine so the team came up with milkshakes as a dessert and a snowy looking cauliflower panna cotta (milkshakes were the more successful item but both great ideas)

The other dynamic duo behind this great party was Andy Fisher, family friend who owns Astor wine, and my dad of course. We’re all so happy to see Andy’s enthusiasm for the new space that he built above the wine store. The tasting room and demo kitchen are also phenomenal event spaces. Amy has already hinted strongly about where she wants her next birthday celebration. But first thanks Andy. I know how much Dad values your friendship and I only wish that I were in NY/NJ more to see more of you as well. And, Dad. Thanks for giving Amy and I carte-blanche to work on the party for mom. I know you wanted to do something special for mom and I think we pulled if off. I knew you’d never make it through that toast without crying:) and I love you for it.

Special thanks to all of mom’s terrific friends and family who made it to New York during a busy summer (especially the Cohens and Benders who traveled the farthest) and for all of your wonderful toasts and kind messages!