Happy Birthday Richard

Elke Visits for RC's Birthday
August 14th. The day little Dick Cramer was born 84 years ago in Appleton, Wisconsin. Subsequent to that, the boy grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin, living on a 14-acre plot of land with a few cows, chickens, cats and a dog. The young boy built a seat around an apple tree in the yard. He played in the nearby swamp with his brother, Ed.

Dick Cramer attended the Lakeview Country Day School and then Neenah High. By his own admission, he did nothing in high school except play ping pong with his friend Buckles Byer. When he was a senior, a new art teacher told him to go to art school. The young man had found his calling.

We had a lovely party for Richard, as we now call him. My friend, Elke Kuhn, was visiting us in Orient, New York, making the party even more festive.

Elke at Beall and Bell in Greenport, NY.

Beall and Bell has an expertly edited collection

of antiques, furniture and art.

Decor.

Gladiolas from the

Surrey Lane Farm Stand in

Southold.

 Guests toast Richard.

Left to right:

Chris Wedge, Elke, Jack Wedge 

and Jeanne Markel.

David Markel

Balloons in the Crepe Myrtle.

My birthday drawing for Richard.

 The cake makes an entrance.

 The delectable cake from the Blue Duck Bakery.

Richard wished to be 48 instead of 84.

 Jack made some drawings for Richard.

 A drawing of Polly, Sarah Wedge's dog.

Jeanne drew this self-portrait for Richard.

She really captured the polka-dot dress to perfection.

David gave Richard some puzzles, including

this one of quirky animals.

Two cards from Richard's daughter, Dianna,

and son-in-law, Michael.

I see an animal theme developing.

Elke and I had fun antiquing.

Here is Elke with a find from North Fork Found in Peconic.

Adding to her flower-pin collection,

Elke bought the red and white pin and

the green flower at the

Old Orchard Farm Store in Orient.

 Elke and I indulged in some green-tea pie

from Four & Twenty Blackbirds.

It was all about the texture, and not

about the taste.

 At Beall and Bell, Greenport.

 Gaga for gingham in the sunroom

of our rented house in Orient.

Thank you, Elke, for your photos.

We so enjoyed your visit.

À Bientot!