California Birthday Surprise

December 2024

For my mom’s Birthday we all met in the San Francisco area (mom’s wish) because we used to live there and our son’s live there.

Well what mom was NOT aware of was, that we arranged for her sister in law Elfie from Austria to surprise her. Elfie is afraid of flying but made the 13 hour flight from Zurich to San Francisco because she really wanted to be with mom. Elfie married mom’s brother Willi (who sadly passed away several years ago) From day one when they met 65 years ago they were like sisters and best of friends.

Paul and I arrived ahead of Elfie then waited for her arrival. We organized a Wheel Chair so Elfie did not have to walk the long terminal and she would be assisted through the immigration formalities.

After a good nights rest we picked up my mom at the airport. (anyone recognize the dress and hat??) I remembered to bring her “Surprise disguise” with me and we dressed up Elfie to surprise mom. :) (must be an Austrian thing to do)

Mom surprised us at Thanksgiving!! (see our Michael below)

We surprised her for her Birthday!! My Aunt Elfie using the same disguise as my mom.

These ladies are so happy to see each other. It’s so darn sweet. My sister and her husband also flew in from Europe for the occasion. Once everyone arrived we met up with our Son PJ and Fiancé Kristi at their place in San Jose CA.

The following day we were invited for lunch by our son Michael and girlfriend Julianna in San Francisco. “Chef Michael” whipped up a delicious Italian dish from scratch.

San Francisco is just such a beautiful city. View of Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz from Krissy Field. Each year the Golden Gate Bridge attracts more than 10 million visitors to take in its tremendous 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color and Art Deco styling.

United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, also known simply as Alcatraz or The Rock, was a maximum security federal prison on Alcatraz Island, 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. Alcatraz housed some of America's most notorious offenders from 1934 to 1963. They were held under the most secure and regimented conditions, in the virtually escape-proof environment on “The Rock”

These two ladies found them selves at a SantaCon party!! ha ha SantaCon is an annual pub crawl in which people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters parade in hundreds of cities around the world.

Next up the Waymo experience. Waymo—formerly the Google self-driving car project—is developing fully autonomous vehicles with the goal of making it easier and safer for people to get around. So of course our son Michael encouraged us all to try it out.

Waymo—formerly the Google self-driving car project—is developing fully autonomous vehicles with the goal of making it easier and safer for people to get around ..

My mom and Aunt Elfie could not get over this new technology. This is entertaining.

We also made our way to Carmel. Situated on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel is a tourist destination, known for its natural scenery and artistic history. Carmel-by-the-Sea's one-square mile village is as unique in charm as it is in fun facts. No high heels law, no street addresses, Clint Eastwood was once mayor, and Doris Day helped make Carmel dog heaven on Earth are a few of the most popular ice breakers when meeting locals and visitors in this European-style town.

When building The Links at Spanish Bay, five-time British Open champion Tom Watson remarked: "Spanish Bay is so much like Scotland, you can almost hear the bagpipes." From that quote, a tradition was born. The daily bagpiper performance begins on the first tee at The Links at Spanish Bay in front of STICKS, and finishes 45 minutes later at the Spanish Bay fire pits by the second green.

The Birthday party!! To have the family all in one place is so incredible. My mom loved every minute of it and so did we all. Special moments which are cherished.

Lots of wonderful meals were shared by everyone, lots of laughs and good times were the norm. The memories made by spending time together as a family is invaluable.

Happy Birthday mom!! You make 85 years look really good. Keep the party going for many more years. We love you!! xoxoxo

“Family means having someone to love you unconditionally in spite of you and your shortcomings. Family is loving and supporting one another even when it's not easy to do so. It's being the best person you could be so that you may inspire your love ones. Family doesn't see color, race, creed not culture it sees heart.