Vicky Celebrates Double 9's
While accessing Mimi's (Vicky) 99th birthday celebration was supposed to be a quick 4 hour jaunt, it turned out to be an over 8-hour challenge with (and for our 15th century accountant, Andrew, as many "C" notes) for my jet-set family. The event, however, was most certainly a once in 99 years-type event.
The pre-event rumors were flying. I heard from more than one family member that Mimi was dreading the event, but that couldn't have been further from the truth. It was clear that the opportunity of an extended family event was something that was worth the extended energy. Mimi looked great and never seemed to tire as she moved from exhibit, to casino, to dinner and up early for the send off breakfast.
Here are the notes from my reporter’s notebook:
Kevin observed privately, "Did you ever notice that Mimi has an English accent?" and thus missed his opportunity to rocket into favorite great grandchild position.
David is sort of the Paul McCartney of the family. At times he is a rabble-rouser poised to instigate a commotion, but when it counts has all the class of one of her majesty’s knights. His tribute to the birthday hosts was evidence of that.
I was glad to have avoided assigned seating throughout our trip although I would have preferred a few assigned seats for the airplane.
The Da Vinci exhibit was fascinating, but I quickly discovered there was no place in the building that one couldn’t escape Jeffrey’s lecturing (Jeffrey provided the narration for the movie which was strategically located in the middle of the exhibit.
There were many memorable machines. I liked the room he created that was surrounded by mirrors that allowed me to observe just how big my bald spot is. I came very close to getting a scolding for touching where I wasn’t allowed to touch. I was impressed that my non-handy father was able to lead the grandchildren in a successful bridge building after a group of clever looking teenagers failed.
The Da Vinci movie was well done and, with the exception of one line, seemed flawless. I may have heard it wrong, but I recall hearing, “Da Vinci was a well known homosexual, which may have explained why he got along so well in Milan,” which I guess implies that homosexuals are just happier people than the rest of us. On the same subject, my favorite gift shop item was the wall plate for a light switch that had Da Vinci’s famous “Vitruvian man” where the light switch is strategically placed at the drawing’s anatomical center.
I enjoyed seeing the modern windmills just a few miles away as a contrast to Da Vinci's efforts to harness energy.
We had a rousing game of “HORSE” on the putting green that left Gen 3’s and 4’s laughing hysterically. Despite his bad back, Ken pulled out a clutch win that involved anything but a conventional golf swing.
With all that beef at the Chophouse I felt guilty that Gracie seemed to have missed out on all the scraps despite her close proximity.
Last time in Palm Springs we stayed at the other Marriott property which features an indoor/outdoor lake just a couple of blocks down the road from our Courtyard variety. I vote we stay there for the 100th celebration.
Kevin has already indicated that the next Harris Cup event will be a Texas Hold ‘Em tourney—maybe as part of the 100th celebration.
After spending three years of my life trying to protect San Carlos from plastic grass, fighting the sports community who lusts after plastic grass and fighting City Hall who can't figure out how to grow real grass in California, I was disappointed to see that the exhibit was, in part, sponsored by a plastic grass company. I'm convinced that Da Vinci would not have approved of plastic grass and even in his museum exhibit! I would clearly have turned down this sponsor.
November 16, 2006
© Greg Harris, 2006