Just too much going on to go into detail, so here's a synopsis:
Yesterday's birthday party was wonderful. All my children hosted and all were there except P. and N. and they called on Skype from Tokyo. Had all the grandchildren and great-grands, and lots of good friends.
Family gave me a new computer, which is wonderful. Has a big screen--well, I guess it's a monitor--high def and so bright and easy to see. The Skype picture is great--like a good t.v.
Today: We just got home from Manhattan; we had left the house at 7:30 am. We went to the American Girl store where Vivian got a doll she named Kate and Violet got boy and girl twins she named--get this: Zara and Zack. After they bought the extremely high-priced dresses and p.j.'s, we ate in the cafe. Food was actually very good. They served a platter of appetizers first of carrots, tiny chicken cups, grapes, "pretzel bread," and other stuff. Paula and I got a salad that contained chicken, greens, dried cranberries and grapes, dressed with a good oil and vinegar. I actually had a beer--Brooklyn Beer, as I like local beers--and they had wine on the menu, too.
After, we walked to Rockefeller Center and saw the ice skaters, then to Central Park, quite a hike. We took a horse and carriage ride--so silly and touristy, but so much fun--then went to the Plaza Hotel, just to see it. Used the facilities, then Paula got a call from American Girl to the effect Mike had been given a wrong package! He got on the phone and insisted they meet us at the parking garage--far away. We took a cab back, they met us with abject apologies, and gave V. and V. gifts to compensate for the inconvenience.
Got a call from Ellen, who had taken a train into Manhattan to meet her cousin, Joan R. They were at St. Patrick's Cathedral and on their way to MOMA. Wish we could have met them, but it was already 3:30 and we wanted to get home.
Stopped at Acme for flounder, which Mike is now cooking. Got phone calls from several people with birthday wishes. Talked to Betty, who's having a fabulous time in Palm Springs with her family.
Whew! More happening tomorrow and it isn't even Christmas yet!