Jackie & Linda Hoyt, daughters of Owen & Laura (Olson) Hoyt's, aunt had 3 Special Birthday Celebrations in Plymouth, MI.
Email about Aunt Betty's 100th BD Party's from Jackie & George Saito;
Party #1; Today was picked to accommodate out-of-towners. Her daughter, Pat, is here from W. VA. Only cousins Harold and wife Kathy, and cousin, Tim are coming from T.C. area. All the rest are reluctant to plan long drives at this time of yr. They could have a good, dry trip one way, then run into all kinds of problems on return - or vice versa. Even cousins from Troy, Royal Oak, and Owasso are doubtful - illness, out of town.
Party #2; We've been partying with the party, "Queen" again, today was a more impromptu party. George and I told her we'd like to take her to lunch on her real birthday - today. We suggested her favorite Coney Island restaurant in Plymouth. Then I e-mailed cousins (who live in Detroit area) who couldn't make it last Sat. - This was a surprise - but all showed up, her daughter, Shar, knew about it, so she had kids and grandkids there too - didn't count but there was a gang and we took over backroom seating area in restaurant.
Betty was delighted to see all and enjoyed every minute, eating what she always eats: broccoli omelet and whole wheat toast. So many cameras clicking away so more pics. All the restaurant staff came back to sing Happy Birthday. And the birthday cake was really creative. Cook put together a lot of little pancakes that formed the base. Next a cherry topping, then sparkly candles. Betty blew out the three candles and a glow hung over the people and place and especially Betty.
Party #3; took place at the Kroger store across the way from the restaurant. She has shopped there - with Shar's help - these past 6-7 yrs. She knows many of the store's employees. So when Shar ordered her birthday cake (for Sat. party) the manager got involved. Kroger party followed Coney Island's. The manager met all of us at the front door - and del'd a huge bunch of helium balloons (well anchored) a large arrangement of flowers - and made a little speech over the PA system, telling customers about Betty's birthday. So as they checked out, so many came to Betty's Bench and wished her Happy Birthday. One little girl gave Betty a Snickers Bar and another customer gave her a bouquet of yellow flowers. Then out came the Birthday Cake - and so many employees, family, and customers all sang Happy Birthday to Betty. She was so sweet and gracious throughout - and seemed to enjoy it all. We drove her home afterward, and saw the stack of birthday cards she'd already received in the mail and that neighbors and friends in her bldg. had fastened to her apt. door. She is a much loved lady.