90 and Not Even a Little Fragmented!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was going to attend the 90th birthday party of a dear family member.  Alice Yasek, my mother's sister, has entered into her ninth decade, with the appearance and energy of a 60 year old!  Alice is an amazing woman who has never let anything or anyone stop her from living her life to the fullest.

Twice a week she swims at the Y.  She used to compete in a Masters Olympics program and has a roomful of medals to show off.  These medals are well-deserved!  Alice was a member of the 1940 Olympic Swim Team...part of US Olympic Team that did not participate that summer as the games were held in Germany...not really a safe place to be at the time.  My heart swells knowing how much disappointment was felt, but the safety of our athletes could not be argued.

In addition to regular exercise, Alice volunteers at her church thrift shop, drives for Meals on Wheels and finds time to stay in touch with many close friends.  Her five children are spread out over the United States (California, Washington, New York and Massachusetts) and she travels to see them as often as possible.  She became grandmother to my children (and mother to me) upon the passing of my mother 30 years ago.  I have been blessed to have her in my life, and so have my children.

My trip was a very fast, but extremely enjoyable, three day visit with Alice in her New York home.  I was able to visit with my cousins, as well as, see many of her friends.  We had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family in the "party room" at her church.

Alice with Friends

What, no pony?

Sustenance!

The Best Part of the Day!

I was told that she slept for a week after everyone went home!  It was a wonderful day AND weekend for all concerned!

Please stop by A Star In My Own Universe and say hello as you read the Friday Fragments of other bloggers like me!  Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a wonderfully Fragmented Weekend!

                                                                           

Swim Little Fishies!

My sweet, sweet Ed loves the water. "Watch me, mommy!" This child has never been afraid to try anything. To this day, she is game for new adventures!

The first few years of Ed & Katya's young lives were spent in Southern California. We knew that water safety was a given for our kids to learn. After Hero flunked his first class at the Y, I thought maybe we would be wearing floaties until the end of high school! Then, we met the Divine Miss Veronica, Master Swimmer and Teacher of Water Safety to Little Ones!

Miss Veronica held classes in her backyard pool, which was a safer and more intimate place to work with the kids. Classes were two weeks long, with a final exam on the last day. During the two weeks, moms worked one on one with their kids as they learned how to float. Floating until they could get to the side of the pool, or floating until another person could navigate them to the side were the lessons learned. On the last day of class, we were told not to dress the kids, but keep them in their street clothes. As I watched my little Katya walking near the pool, the teacher brushed by her and gave her a little push. Into the pool she plopped and immediately came up and floated on her back! Then Miss Veronica jumped in and was never further than five feet from Kat. In order to pass the class, Katya had to float for 10 minutes with no help. She cried and called my name (as my heart slowly made its way to my throat), but dagnabit!! The wee one floated for the full ten minutes!



Then, it was Edwina's turn. She had been playing dolls in the house while Katya was being tested. Ed walk out to the side of the pool and was pushed in by one of the other parents. She assumed the floating position, smiling, and promptly took a ten minute nap. I don't have a picture of her in the dress she wore to the test, which by the way was pulled up over her face, but here's a shot of practice with Miss Veronica.



Watching the girls take their tests was a very heartwrenching experience for me. But I must say, that to this day, I have been completely comfortable sitting on the side of the pool reading trashy magazines while my darlings splash and scream in the water! Below is a picture of all four while swimming on vacation. I can't believe they agreed to pose!



Oop, oop, dittum dattum wattum - choo!