Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Happy Birthday, Ellen!




Today is Ellen's birthday--I won't say which one. Ellen is the cousin who is closest in age to me--just a little bit older!!! Ellen is the oldest daughter of my mother's brother, Tom. She grew up in Washington D. C.

I didn't officially meet Ellen until 1965 when I went back to Washington for a national conference. However, we had been writing to each other for several years and I felt as though I knew her very well. This was when writing letters was the best form of communication. Long distance phone calls were expensive, as well as cross country trips.

That summer I was able to stay in Washington for another week or so after the conference and then fly home. I had an incredible time and got to see and do so much in our nation's capital. And I loved getting to know Ellen and her sisters!!

Ellen and her sister, Ann, came to visit us in Arizona in 1967. The three of us then went out to California to Disneyland, etc.

One of the things that I remember about Ellen is how much she liked music. She plays the piano and knows a lot of Irish music. She is also VERY smart!!!

Ellen and her husband, Nick, have five children--four daughters and a son. Two of her daughters are twins. She also has two grandchildren. Ellen and Nick live in Pittsburgh. We don't get to see each other very often and I was so happy to be able to visit with her over the 4th of July weekend.

I hope you have a very happy birthday, Ellen. I also hope that we can get together more often as I always enjoy our visits!!


3 remarks:

N-Search of Peace! said...

There is much to say and reflect upon when it comes to family...even ones of the heart...

Love you sweetie!
N-Peace

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Ellen. Hope it was a great one!
Love, Marion

Anonymous said...

Ellen plays the piano beautifully and has given lessons for years. She makes a delicious chickpea salad that we had at the reunion in Virginia. She has a wonderful witty husband that Phil and I always enjoyed on the times we got together. Happy Birthday Ellen.

Love,
Pat