It was pouring down rain when we left 1432 Medway Road on 15 November for our early morning flight to LA. We arrived and went directly to Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock for the rehearsal. And, it was so much fun to see all--the Gailiunas family, Jake and Wyatt, Paul and Lecie, and the Bar Mitzvah boy himself.
Here are the two grand boys practicing with the talented Hebrew teacher, Ye'ela Rosenfeld. The Cantor was also a woman, Noa Dori --she had a beautiful voice. It was nice to see FPG between the two women mentors.
We practiced and then rode to South Pasadena where we checked into the lovely Arroyo Vista Inn. Kevin and I unpacked and then walked down to the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain where we had a delicious dinner, then over to FPG's high school where we watched him in a soccer game. He didn't see much action as goalie because his team was so much better and kept making goals at the other side of the field (15 to 0, I think).
Friday--after a lovely breakfast, Kevin and I made our way over to Pasadena on the train where we met our friends from Amman, Jordan, Gita and Aron, and Ellie Lee at Lunasia Dim Sum. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, great conversation, and reconnecting with the dearest friends.
We returned to the Inn and met the Williams family (Jane and Elliot, Bob and Jean) who were all staying there. Soon Miriam arrived. Later we met the Gailiunas family at the Yard House in Pasadena for a fun dinner. It was Marci's birthday weekend so we had an early celebration there.
On Saturday, another beautiful day, we enjoyed another delicious breakfast cooked by housekeeper who is the ex-wife of Kevin who dates Janice who owns the Arroyo Vista--all gracious hosts! Miriam and I did some shopping in South Pasadena and ended up delivering four flower bouquets from Trader Joes to 1043 Adelaine where exciting preparations were going on for the Bar Mitzvah party.
We returned to Arroyo Vista, dressed, and drove over with Jake and Wyatt to the Temple. The Bar Mitzvah was just perfect and so much fun. FPG was the star of the night and an excellent Hebrew student, reciting the prayers and reading from the Torah perfectly. Ye'ela from Israel, praised him as the best of her students! He read an essay based on the story of Jacob and Esau and Leah and Rachel. He called Jacob a trickster. Afterwards I asked him if he chose that story as it made him think of his Uncle Joke!
Temple Beth Israel (that is Noa, the cantor, leading the group).
Temple Beth Israel (that is Noa, the cantor, leading the group).
The early evening service was lovely, letting the light in through the windows and then when the candle was lit and the lights turned off creating a serene space. There was beautiful music in addition to the Hebrew chants.
Proud Parents and Grandparents
Extremely Proud Parents!
Extremely Proud Grandparents!
My Big Boys look so handsome!
And a Candy Table welcomed us!
Outside, the tent and tables with white table cloths and autumn flowers were very festive. The food was Mexican and so delicious
With lots of good conversations among the guests, proud friends, and family of FPG
A nice token of remembrance to our Helen was the cotton candy machine!
Cousin Zola at the cotton candy machine!
Cousin Wyatt at the Cotton Candy Machine!
Nice portrait of cousin, Henry
FPG's school buddies filled the last row in the synagogue and hung out in FPG's room during the party. I hope they enjoyed some cotton candy!
Helen's dear friends--Elijah and Miriam (who took a lot of these photos!)
And, of course, the Hava Nagila (Let us Rejoice!) with FPG carried around the big circle in a chair! What a Happy Time for so many!
On Sunday, we enjoyed another delicious breakfast. We headed over to Amy and Cory's beautiful apartment in North Hollywood for a lunch party for Marci's 75th birthday. Another great gathering and we enjoyed it so much. The best part was listening to the Galiunas and Wendy Sue making music.
Proud Marci with her four!
Always nice to have a minute with Paul!
That night we had another dinner at Lunasia-- I love this photo of Ellie Lee and myself with FPG in the middle. I think we were remembering a funny time with FPG at Buca di Beppo a long time ago!
And home again welcomed by my father's (the original POP) Camellias.
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