Monday, November 16, 2009

Ninety Years Ago


Woodrow Wilson was president of the United States of America. World War I was over and the Treaty of Versailles was signed and the Nazi Party was formed in Germany. The sale of alcohol was prohibited. We were still ten years away from the Great Depression. The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series over the Chicago White Sox, taking the series in five games to three. Milk was a whopping 62 cents per gallon, bacon was 55 cents per pound and the average wage was a record $1272 per year. The average price of a new home was $5,626...........and Earl Williamson (my father) was born in Vernon Texas and later moved to Oklahoma as part of a family with 10 kids. Now, only three remain, including my dad.

This past weekend we traveled to Las Vegas and Pahrump Nevada to celebrate my father's 90th birthday. His health is good and his family is grateful. My brother couldn't make it at the last minute, but we did have a nice turnout all the way down to the great grand children. I am so happy that my daughters are able to see and know their grandparents, all four of them. It is more than I ever could have hoped for when we decided upon adoption.

All the rooms in Pahrump were booked Friday night so we stayed at a nice resort hotel in Vegas. We drove through Red Rock Canyon to take a couple of quick pictures on our way to Dad's birthday party. I reserved a dining room at the local winery restaurant and we had an amazing time visiting, swapping stories and enjoying each other's company, plus an amazing 5 course dinner. My sister, the florist, brought a beautiful exotic bouquet of flowers as a centerpiece and a carrot cake which was topped with airplanes in recognition of Dad's lifetime career of working on them and flying them.

As always, Chloe and Pearl had a great time and I lament that I did not get outside to take some great Fall vineyard shots with them. I was just having such a nice time with the family inside. By the time we finished, the sun had set but we were all thankful to have another wonderful memory to add to our collection.
We stopped off at Red Rock Canyon to shoot a couple of pictures before going to the party.
My sister made this beautiful arrangement.
Dad and Mom enjoy the company.
Grandaughter Lisa (my niece) and fiance Brent
Carrot cake with airplane toppers
Dad blows out the candles.
The next day Chloe and Pearl play with rocks at Grandpa and Grandma's house.
Daughter Nancy (my sister on far right) with grandson Brian and great-grandchildren Isabella and Greta.

Mom and Dad

7 comments:

Mamacita said...

You and the girls are all very fortunate. Your dad looks healthy and happy!

Donna said...

What a beautiful tribute to your lovely parents! Your dad and mom look fantastic and that cake looks soooo yummy!

I must admit that I thought milk was rather expensive 90 years ago!

Happy Bday to Chloe and Pearl's Grandpa!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Sharyn said...

What a lovely picture of your parents. What a gift to be able to celebrate his 90th birthday together!

Hannah said...

Happy Birthday to your Daddy!! He does not look 90 in the least little bit! Amazing!

Unknown said...

It is a blessing that your family still has your dad. What amazing times he live through.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

What a beautiful post! Great tribute!!! Loved all your pics!

Mission To Macie said...

Your Dad looks fantastic for 90! Wow! What a beautiful celebration.
My grandmother turned 90 this year and it just made me so proud!

Happy Birthday to your Dad!