Opa Turns 86!

We began celebrating Opa's birthday at 4:00 p.m. on August 13th.

As Opa'd requested, there were rouladen and spaetzle, followed by cake and coffee. But what Opa seemed to enjoy the most, besides the presents, were the Elder Flower Martinis that we had before dinner.

Since Opa had eaten more than usual earlier that day, I didn't expect the martinis to have the effect that they did. Oops! And I worried that Opa might not make it to dinner, but I underestimated his stamina.

Opa was in great spirits for the entire day, laughing, joking and celebrating as one does when it's someone's birthday. Whose birthday it was, Opa wasn't sure. But it didn't matter to him in the least.

There was only one little glitch and that was when I decided to ask our tipsy Opa how he felt about turning 86.

It was just a momentary glitch. Memory loss was a definite advantage for Opa who quickly recovered from the shock and continued celebrating until midnight when his "63rd" birthday officially came to an end.

Happy 86th birthday, Opa, our dear father, grandfather, uncle and friend! Sto Lat!

Opa being normal...

On Father's Day, Opa was in great spirits. He was also a little tipsy. So he gleefully went along with my niece when she suggested he play a little dress up. 

 

 

When she asked Opa if he had any advice for her, he said, "Yes, you should always be normal!"

 

Of course, we laughed because Opa wasn't exactly following his own advice that evening. But then he added, "By normal, I mean always be yourself. Never try to be someone you are not."

Sage advice as usual, Opa.