Brian Carnell's Birthday Celebration

Ed and I arrived back in Connecticut just in time to be with my Dad as we celebrated his 80th birthday on May 2. Dad received quite a number of cards. My sister and her in-laws each sent a big bouquet of flowers, including miniature sunflowers and yellow lilies.



The red rose flag outside Dad's condo flies in honor of the memory of my mother every year at this time. The red rose represents Lancashire county in England, where she was from.



Off we went to Dakota's Steakhouse in Avon, CT for a small family gathering. The celebration with my sister, Marguerite, and her family, was our first reunion since last October, when we left CT. Here I am with Catherine, who turns five years old in June.



David and Ed, Dad's two sons-in-law.



Marguerite and Meredith, 2 1/2 yrs., and David's father, Rob.



We all enjoyed not only a delicious dinner but, most of all, being together after a seven-month separation. Dad is opening a gift from our friend, Karen. It was a huge box of See's Candies, which Dad generously passed around for us to share.



Being with family is the reason we come back to Connecticut each summer and it feels wonderful!