Birthday parties are well celebrated in Portugal. At least they were among the people we knew. Bethy, who was born in August, and other staff kids who had birthdays during camp time, always celebrated their special day at camp. Along with cake, there were other sweets and food. Along with the food there was general pandemonium during the space of a couple of hours.
After Susie’s birth, Bethy began to grow up quickly. She loved being Mother’s Helper. She began by learning how to stir the breakfast oatmeal and followed it up by learning to wash and dry dishes. Once she realized she had power to create peace in her room, she started putting things away. She helped me shop and clean house.
Susie was very different. Her favorite place to be for quite a few years was wherever Mommy was at any given time or place. If I was there, she was fine. If I was not, she would not rest until she found me or until I cam home. Within that factor, she was an explorer of many things. If I was in the kitchen, she was in the kitchen. Eventually, I had to give her some of my plastic kitchen ward in self-defense.
Susie learned to walk and then to run. She was most pleased with her self when she could run back and forth on the varanda. Clearly, she was going places. But, she still stayed close to Mommy.
In spite of that, she did manage to get into her fair share of trouble. One day my friend was helping me clean. She called me to come to the bathroom. I often used my typewriter to write letters to supporters and to family and friends. Normally, I covered it up when I left it, but planned to return soon. Susie took advantage of my absence and decided to explore this machine in which Mommy had so much interest. I found her in the bathroom looking like this:
Between her and the young kitten, things were lively for quite some time. They played together, and they shared a hobby. Long before paper shredders were available, these two were paper terrorists. As soon as Susie was able to get around and grab a book to use for teething we made an executive decision to abandon the room that was our bedroom, move the bed into a different room and make the former bedroom the library. Where we could put the considerable collection of books we had.
Hehe! Great pics! I’d forgotten how beautifully messy old-fashioned typewriters could be! Did you save me a piece of birthday cake?
LikeLike
Of course I did. Chocolate, naturally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those two could get up to trouble! I can tell. Paper terrorists… *laughs* Oh dear me. Fun times, though, I bet. Look how big that cake is!!!
LikeLike
Aww…thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, it was the wonder years for sure. Do you think you could eat all of that cake?
LikeLike
My pleasure! I always love your stories.
Umm…eventually yes! I’d have it for months though. Which is a good thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, there were a LOT of people there. Just sayin’.
LikeLike
Well, you should have cut the cake in half, saved a half for later, see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But Harry was trying to grab the whole thing!
LikeLike
That’s what I would have been doing. We probably would have warred over it.
LikeLike
I will head for the camp site and start a fire for the burgers.
LikeLike
I’m definitely coming!! *hops up*
LikeLike
I would have found the typewriter, as well. Too cute.
LikeLike
She still does it her way.
LikeLike
I remember Susie like that! And I remember birthdays were a thing in Portugal. I miss it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just miss Portugal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful descriptions!! And precious pictures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 😀
LikeLike
Pictures are precious! Not to mention the cake. Loved your entry. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, J. 😀
LikeLike
What adorable girls and sweet memories! How fortunate for you that Beth helped clean and didn’t make messes instead! LOL! Susie is adorable in her “kitchen hat”. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you! Susie still makes messes. Bethy is getting rid of stuff so cleaning is easier. Here is her blog if you would like to see my grown up Bethy. https://thegirlwhocouldnteatanything.wordpress.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY! She’s awesome! And like me, intolerant to every food! I’m going to enjoy following her as well, 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, good. I’m glad.
LikeLike