During the last two weekends, we have had the opportunity to celebrate a major birthday and help support a fundraiser for the Keokuk Homeless Alliance by attending a Masquerade Ball. Food, drinks, music, and dance are all wonderful ways to celebrate. Partying is always fun, but I needed to remember to be a bit more moderate at last week’s birthday bash as I definitely needed some aspirin at 4:00 a.m., but at 8:30 p.m., the party was just starting and who was counting? Not me!

This video features a little clip of Trystan Grisham who was a former student of mine. He is always a delight to listen to.

Jan is in between his wife and daughter on the left. His son Shaine is giving a birthday salute to celebrate his father’s 75th birthday. My husband celebrated his 75th with little fanfare two days before. Ugh. I did not do a good job; Teri, Jan’s wife, on the other hand, had a very successful party!
The band from last night’s masquerade ball. I can’t remember their name. (Old age!)

The couple on the left is R.V. and his wife. We enjoyed meeting them for the second time. Michelle is their niece, and they had great advice about going to various supper clubs in their area. I really love visiting Dubuque and can’t wait to make another trip there, especially now that I know about all the supper clubs. The second photo features Ann and two of her daughters in their masquerade masks. Michelle is in the third photo. She’s taking my position over on April 1st and was one of the many volunteers who helped create a successful ball and fundraiser for our homeless community. The last photo is from Germany. Mark and I were raising a toast in Munich.

Hope you have had the opportunity to celebrate something during the month of March in 2025.

Barb Edler Avatar

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13 responses to “Celebrations”

  1. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs

    Barb, you are an inspiration to take joy in celebrations and parties! We are having a party for my husband’s 70th birthday. (I need to consider some more ideas for making it a winner!) I’m definitely not the celebrating type. I loved seeing all the photos and reading the captions; it’s like I got to join in a bit of the party. And to make more for the Homeless Alliance is icing on the cake.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Barb Edler Avatar

      We have a home for them that is still not available. Ugh! We have a large population of homeless people

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Glenda Funk Avatar

    Barb,

    Of all the people I know, you are the star of gathering. You know how to suck the marrow out of life’s bone, to paraphrase Thoreau. I think this has much to do with/ living in Iowa where community isn’t defined so much by religion as it is here. I love seeing all your celebrations, and you should give yourself a break about Mark’s 75th birthday. You’ve been busy hosting and traveling and organizing and celebrating. And when you toast too much next time, Advil and lots of water before hitting the hay is an excellent curative. Also, love the clip w/ your former student. And you win best post from this slice of time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Barb Edler Avatar

      Ahhh! I thank you for the compliment but your post was pure genius.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. jodimahoney Avatar

    So much fun celebrated in this one slice. You captured the hectic schedule and celebrations beautifully! Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    “…a fundraiser for the Keokuk Homeless Alliance.” A good cause. Thank you for celebrating! Birthdays and generous giving. I like that Glenda calls you the “star of gathering.” High praise. I have a friend who holds this status in my mind. It’s a real gift to possess this trait. 

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Barb Edler Avatar

      Thank you, Stephanie!

      Like

  5. kimhaynesjohnson Avatar

    That is a great idea to have a fundraiser to benefit homeless. I love all the photos you included today – seeing the people helps tell the story of this fun evening and these celebrations. My most recent celebration was an anniversary banana split with two spoons. That’s the way we roll! Thanks for reminding us to take the time to celebrate.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Barb Edler Avatar

      Well a shared ice cream treat would be delightful. You can keep the bananas elsewhere though!

      Like

  6. Melanie Meehan Avatar

    Lots of fun inspired this post! Birthday parties are often a struggle for me, but I try to let the people know that I really do celebrate them! Sounds like the people in your world know they’re celebrated! The pictures are great!

    Like

  7. Fran Haley Avatar

    So much to celebrate here – friends, loved ones, a former student, helping others – and a masquerade ball, how FUN! I sometimes feel you have cloned yourself, the way you accomplish and take part in so much. I am awed by it. I have had many things to celebrate in March – you are one of these!- and I saved a biggie for tomorrow 🙂 Thank you for always sharing from the heart and for being so gracious. I appreciate you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Barb Edler Avatar

      I look forward to reading your post, Fran! Thanks!

      Like

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