My mom turned 82 last weekend. I know that some of you are big fans of Charlotte, the elder. She's had a really tough year with fewer bloggable moments to share here. Gratefully though, things are looking up and this birthday warranted a big Grammy-style celebration. Maggie started the festivities with a sweet family party at her house. Cake, hats, streamers! She brought out this old photo of Mom. Wow, right?
On Monday we whisked her away to the historic 1869 Victorian Mohonk Mountain House in the Catskills for a mini-vacay. Downton Abbey style.
For the middle of January, we enjoyed mild weather and maximum fun.
By the fire in the Lake Room where we camped out when the afternoon clouded over, we read, stitched, wrote and talked the day right up to its scrabble tournament finish.
82 and she still comes up with "coyote" off the letter tray.
We explored the historic building and hotel grounds.
Hiked up to the skate house.
Marveled at the layered history and natural beauty all around.
Mohonk mountain is a hiker's paradise. When the sun warmed things up, we managed a little of that even with the wheel chair.
The days at Mohonk finish with a four-course fine dining experience. Mom loved the dress for dinner elegance. She was so happy surrounded by family, tradition, the energetic bustle of life. And all the love in the world.
Happy, happy birthday to the original, matchless Charlotte!
Glam on.
Happy Happy Birthday to the Original Charlotte! She looks FAB. What a great celebration!
Posted by: mary | January 12, 2012 at 01:19 PM
Awww I loved this post!!! Happy Birthday to your dear, sweet mother... you are such a lucky girl to have had such a fine celebration with the ones you love. Best wishes to her for a continued good year!
Hugs! Monica
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | January 12, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Happiest of all birthday wishes to the beautiful Charlotte. Sounds like a wonderful time by all. Thanks for sharing your special celebration with us. Big hugs to you and the birthday girl.
Posted by: Troy Louise | January 12, 2012 at 01:51 PM
You'll never regret having spent this time with your wonderful Mom and family! Memories! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jane B | January 12, 2012 at 03:42 PM
ah, so sweet! what a grand looking lady of 82! and what a way to celebrate! my mom moved into her new little apartment here in oct (she's 80) and we are having a ball! she is spoiling the farmer (my husband) with much baking so even HE is loving it! enjoy all the fun times you have in style! lucky you, lucky her!!
Posted by: sharon from farm and fru fru | January 12, 2012 at 03:57 PM
What a wonderful way to celebrate! You clearly have an awesome family, especially your sweet mom. Happy birthday Charlotte! Cheers to you!
Posted by: jenny b harris | January 12, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Happy Birthday to your Mom,dear Charlotte!
She looks so sweet and happy!
Mohonk is one of our favorite destinations. Rob's Mom who turns 90 next month used to waitress there when she was a student at New Paltz way back in 1942. It is a wonderful place and perfect for this special celebration! Great memories of happy times! :)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | January 12, 2012 at 06:05 PM
what an amazing little vacay, a truly wonderful treat for your mom... god bless her and keep filling her with those wonderful moments. How lucky you all are...
Posted by: connie freedman | January 12, 2012 at 07:00 PM
Such a radiant smile and her beauty shines through! What a lovely way so spend a birthday!
Posted by: Vicki | January 12, 2012 at 07:15 PM
Such a beautiful time with a beautiful Mom! What a blessing. Thanks for sharing the love with us!
Posted by: april | January 12, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Happy Birthday to beautiful Charlotte!
Posted by: Lorrie | January 12, 2012 at 10:32 PM
What a wonderful birthday your mama had! I'm sure she will have a great year with a kick off like that.
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | January 13, 2012 at 03:29 AM
Happy Birthday Sweet Charlotte! You are as beautiful as you were in the 50's. Charlotte, the younger, your photos are beautiful. I love the one with the shadows of the chairs. Wishing you all a beautiful weekend and Charlotte, many of my friends celebrate their birthdays beyond the actual day - one day for each year- you have some partying still to do!
Posted by: Jeannie | January 13, 2012 at 03:35 AM
Hello Charlotte,
What a great post! Happy Birthday!
Gabriela
Posted by: Gabriela | January 13, 2012 at 08:07 AM
What a precious post! Thanks for sharing and Happy, Happy Birthday to the Original Charlotte - a lady of grace, elegance and fun! Wishing you many more lovely memories and special time together. What a treasure! :)
Posted by: Jeanette in Illinois | January 13, 2012 at 09:56 AM
Oh my gosh!! What a fantastic celebration!!
Yay for Charlotte!! Both of them!!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | January 13, 2012 at 01:34 PM
She looks so beautiful. 82 suits her well. And what an epic photo of her poolside. :) A very Happy Birthday to the Original!!!
Posted by: Nandini B | January 13, 2012 at 09:10 PM
What a wonderful celebration! Charlotte "Senior" looks gorgeous as always! Her grace and elegance shows through all she has been through. Give her my love and keep making memories..........
Love, Shirley
Posted by: Shirley O'Keefe | January 13, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Happy Birthday to Charlotte! Looks like a wonderful birthday celebration!
Posted by: Doreen | January 14, 2012 at 09:20 PM
Well, Char-face, You made it! (AS did I a few weeks ago).Your pix are pretty damned good and I think being with Muffie and all her friends has a lot to do with it. Bless you Muffie! What a daughter! Miss you Char-face.
Mary
Posted by: mary king swayzee | January 14, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Love the lichen! What a nice way to celebrate your mom's birthday.
Posted by: Brenda Pinnick | January 15, 2012 at 03:46 PM
Being together-- with people you love- just wonderful! Absolutely gorgeous pictures, and mom in her bathing suit....love it! Happy, happy birthday to " original Charlotte"---xx..
Posted by: Penelope | January 16, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Charlotte, What a wonderful birthday you gave m=your mom! What a wonderful daughter you are. My Momma will turn 88 this May. She lives with my husband and I and rules the family. May you have many more happy times!
Posted by: Yvonne Welty | January 17, 2012 at 09:54 AM