I write from the heart, whether it is about topical issues, my many treks all over the world, or just lighthearted fluff. I simply enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences and getting valuable and interesting feedback. (Sri Lanka)
It sure was a great celebration to honor Mrs. Violet Edwards (fondly known as Miss Vie or Aunt Vie) on her 100th birthday.
She does not look a day over 75 and the function celebrating the milestone with a splash, was held in Parkland, Florida on Saturday night.
Channel 10 was there and aired this excellent report.
The you tube link is at:
https://youtu.be/DcS95kqOOkE?si=cgPMlIHQVADN7IE4.
I had a great time and took a ton of pictures as usual.😁
You know what was particularly inspiring? The fact that Miss. Vie got all the well deserved accolades while she was alive. As normally people have to die before you are told of their good works.
And Miss. Vie herself shared some of her secrets to long life and happiness. Laugh a lot, don't worry, maintain a positive outlook on life, be kind and sociable.
She is by far my most impressive role model and am so happy I was invited to share this milestone.
Great memories.
Famous songbird Marcia Griffith, former backup singer to Bob Marley, pays tribute.
Son-in-law attorney Everett, pays tribute.
Daughter Dr. Christine Edwards with husband Everett
Jamaica's Consul General Oliver Mair hails Miss Vie.
In-law Dr. Hope Smith admires the cake with Miss. Vie.
In laws Colin (also leader/founder of Tallawah Mento Band) and wife Anette Smith pose with Miss Vie.
Jamaica's celebrated tenor Steve Higgins serenades Miss Vie.
Consul General Mair
Wayne Armond, (left) former leader of Chalice dance band now plays with Tallawah Mento Band led by Colin Smith.
Tariq Smith, Tallawah's drummer.
There was lots of entertainment throughout including music by Tallawah Mentor Band and a Mentalist/ magician?
The "mentalist" used Shadrach for one of his schemes😊
The dance floor was well used all night.
Drop foot, (Shake a leg) yes Miss. Vie👏👏🎂
Marcia Griffiths in action, members of Tallawah Mentor Band behind.
Carol and Shadrach. The huge venue in the background.
Tenor Steve Higgins with Carol
With my designated driver/friend, Carol.
(Photos by Carol.)
Marcia in action
Happy my grandson came
The guest of honor enjoyed every moment.
When Miss Vie got her Batchelors degree at age 96, (4 years ago: https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2022/06/reflections-on-aging.html?m=1,) she set up a scholarship fund to help needy Jamaicans in her homeland attend the University of the West Indies. For her 100th celebration, Miss Vie requested that invitees contribute to that scholarship fund instead of bringing her gifts.👏👍
Incidentally, we Jamaicans celebrate Senior Citizens Week Sept 24 to 1 October, so Miss Vie outstanding celebration was well timed!
It sure was a great night all round!😊
The food and general catering service was top of the line, the decorations superb, the entertainment appropriate and enjoyable, and the valet service went like clockwork.
Jamaica's Emancipation Day is celebrated on the 1st August each year and I think, this is the first year I celebrated it outside of Jamaica.
I couldn't find anything interesting to attend in Broward, Florida so when my friend Carol told me of a street session in the parking area at a Jamaican restaurant, I told her to pick me up.
Judy, Carol, Joan.
Sure glad I did, for if I didn't, I would never have met some interesting Jamaicans, the phenomenal one being Nesta Leeloo.
Nesta.
Omg, this lady is something else. She is 108 years old.
That's right 108 and her mind in 100% and the body? Well she doesn't even use a walking stick and was so pleasant to boot!
Actually, I had never heard of Butter Flakes Jamaican restaurant before, although in the past, I have visited the strip mall where it is located.
But back to Miss Nesta.
She was born in Mandeville, Jamaica in 1917 and was Nesta Lewis, before getting married to a Trinidadian, hence the name Leeloo. They had eight children and so far, she has outlived three.
Yup, and she still plays the piano and does crossword puzzles everyday.
As she walked outside to where the DJ had set up the music, she started to jig!😊 Several hours later, at 10pm, when we were packing up to go, she looked like she wasn't going anywhere for the next few hours!
Miss Nesta is definitely now my new role model.😊.
It was a nice jam session with oldies reggae music, and we met quite a few other Jamaicans who had come out to eat, listen to good music and socialize.
We even met too ladies, Gail and Diana who drove all the way from West Palm Beach to attend, as they say they always enjoy the food and vibes there.
Gail and Diana.
Yup. It was a nice evening. Not my usual Emancipation style celebration, but I enjoyed it, as variety is indeed the spice of life.
