Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday! We hope you appreciate this ‘birthday blog’ and thought you’d see it as a fitting way to memorialize and celebrate this milestone in the digital age. We hope you enjoy it and the rest of your special day. Maybe you should even get to eat breakfast on that special blue Birthday Plate. Do we still have that on display in the family room?

This first photo I’m attaching is from your trip to South America when you and Dad visited our digs in Uruguay. And the second is of you in Carmel giving Ravenna her bedtime bottle, which she now craves instead of fights. We’ll give you some credit for helping us win that battle.

Lastly, thank you for all the motherly and grandmotherly advice you’ve provided over the past 6 months with Ravenna, and of course over the past 32 years, with me. We wish we could all be there with you in person to celebrate. Have a great day and enjoy!

Love,

Graham

Noah

Karen,

Thanks for always indulging my plant-loving side. The cactus made it back to Bozeman just fine…but I noticed after Kitty took this photo that it needed some water!

I’ve always enjoyed your political discussions and varied reading interests you share with me. Thanks for being the best MIL ever!

Clover says happy birthday and will lick your face as a birthday present next time you come visit!

Noah

from Kitty

Dear Madre,

Happy 70^th birthday! Hope you enjoy your birthday blog along with your morning cup of coffee.

Here are some fun memories I thought of to share!

· When we were all little, you used to make this powdered tea that I thought was AMAZING. Looking back, I think it was crystal light or nestea, but it was the best thing ever as a kid.

· Sticking with the theme of drinks, you used to always have hot apple cider waiting for us after a long day of skiing in Tahoe.

· Driving across country, and going through the Cumberland Gap was quite an adventure. Did you ever tell dad how far out of our way we drove just to get to the town of Evarts, Kentucky?

· You used to put a smiley face on my lunch bag, every day, in elementary school.

· And thanks for always indulging my artsy side and signing me up for art classes throughout childhood.

Happy Birthday!

Kitty

Happy Birthday from Jill

Dear Karen,
Happy Birthday! Today we celebrate you and all you are: an intelligent, strong woman, mother of three, grandmother of soon-to-be three, loving wife and matriarch. Ever since we first met (right around this time, six years ago) you have made me feel so welcome and at ease in your family. I appreciate how honest and open you've always been with me, and I've enjoyed sharing interests in reading, cooking, knitting, photography, and travel. I have always considered myself lucky to have you and Don as my parents-in-law, and now I count Ravenna lucky to have you as her grandparents. I'd also like to thank you for the wonderful job you did of raising your son, whose strength and excellence as a husband and father attest to your and Don's parenting skills. I hope you have a wonderful birthday, full of love and cheer. Love, Jill

Happy Birthday From France

Hello from Paris. This is a wonderful idea. It is Nils writing on behalf of my mother; I'm afraid it is too late to send you pictures, nethertheless, we send you some, even if it don't go to the birthday ebook, you will show them to your mother afterwards.

I would have send some earlier, but mother never told me about this, so I am force to go to emergency procedures.

It just happens that Morten Springborg have been visiting us, so we made some pictures of our dinner. You make your choice. I will send the pictures in separates Emails, as they are too big to be sent in one Email, and I don't have the time to figure out how to reduce them on my mother's computer.

With all our love from the Dobler family (and I think I can speak on behalf of the Springborgs as well).

Nils Dobler

photos: (probably in the wrong order)

Photo 1 : Happy birthday.
With Guillaume Bigot (Birgit's husband), Bibi (Birgit), Nils (Dobler), Morten (Springborg) and Dorte (Dobler)

Photo 2 : dinner at the Dobler
With the same, but in a different order

Photo 3 : Nils
Me at the Piano (I know, I know, I shouldn't send this :-)

Brett Johnstone

Happy birthday from Brett in Dallas!
This is me with my new keyboard.

Happy Birthday from Iryne

What an amazing event...I had the idea you were at least 10 years younger!!You made me feel younger just with your ideas and your great spirit and literaryknowledge. One of the best things that has happened to me in Newport Beach wasto meet up with you all and you brought youth and your vibrancy to us. Keep upthe inspiration--with love from the oldest living member (I believe) Iryne

Happy Birthday from Tricia

Best wishes for a very happy birthday from Tricia and thanks for keeping the book lists!

From Cousin Charlie

Karen, I can't believe you're actually 70 years old. I remember you very well as the little blonde kid who was always hanging around whenever I went to visit my cousin Jon at Aunt Gladys and Uncle Frank's place in Van Nuys when we were both little guys. I didn't pay much attention to girls in those days, so I had no idea you'd grow up as well as you did. I'm just sorry that so many years went by when we didn't have any contact. I'm wishing you many more Happy Birthdays! Loads of love, "cousin Charlie"

(photos below are from Charlie)

Photos from Cousin Charlie

Duncan and Chris

Hey #1 Mother-in-Law - Duncan and I are so excited about your 70th B-day that we can't contain ourselves! Happy Birthday!

Thanks again for coming up when we brought the little man home. Your help around the house (including great meals) and experience were invaluable! Dunc and I are both looking forward to the next visit (and more free daycare) from Grammie Karen!

Congrats on "wearing" 70 so well- you look great!

Chris

Jon and Kathy

Give your Mom all our best! We wish her a very happy, healthy year ahead and many many more!

XXOO
Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jon

Aunt Pat and Uncle Fay

One remembrance: Frank was so happy to have a daughter of his own, that in his excitement he hit the cat in the driveway of our (17th.St.) house. Luckily, the cat survived!

At some point, Karen became "FAVORITE" niece to Fay. He with three female progeny @ the time.

Last, but not least, her friendship w her Uncle Bill is difficult to applaud enough.

From Aunt Pat

And, P.S.: her communication w me sometimes daily, discussing everything from films, books, politics,( w a thoughtful, moderate approach,) to health issues, family gossip, jokes, food,cats, and her parents, kept me sane during our cold winters & hot summers.

Genevieve

Dear Madre,

Happy 70th Birthday!! I hope you and dad celebrate the big day in style and I wish we could all be there. What a year it has been with the arrival of your first two grandchildren! I feel so lucky that we've been able to spend a lot more time together in the past few months and hope that continues in the months and years ahead.

I know this isn't supposed to be a Mother's Day message, but being a new mom, I can't help but want to say "thank you" now that I am part of the club. Chris' mom said that having a child gives new meaning to the phrase "labor of love," which I now understand and Duncan is only 2 months old! How on earth did you survive with three of us and make it look easy and fun? I loved these photos of you with all three of us and hope you know how much we appreciate all you did for us while we were growing up. I think we all turned out pretty great and we have you to thank for that!

So, enjoy the birthday and I hope you enjoy your virtual birthday e-book as well! Duncan and I will be coming down to see you very soon.

Love,
Gen

Sarah Elizabathroom

My Sister Karen

Karen was always a serious, intellectual girl. Here at the age of 7 or so, you can see that she displays the WALKER LOWER LIP while reading serious, intellectual literature.

In sharp contrast, I was a ditzy frizzy blonde who became known NOT for serious or intellectual accomplishments but for being . . . well, frizzy and ditzy. Very irritating, I’m sure, to her older sisters and brother. The evidence for this descriptive statement can be seen below:

One of my favorite memories of Karen was at the Haskell house in the mid-50’s. Karen was in the laundry room ironing, or that was her story. She did indeed have the iron on and a shirt on the board, but in actuality she was conducting a symphony. Her eyes were closed, her look was intense and full of emotion, and both arms were methodically waving in the air as she brought in the violins at one point and hushed the brass in another. She never heard me come into the room and I didn’t make a sound; but I realized immediately how intensely she was into the music emotionally and how vivid the situation was in her imagination. I always knew I would tease her about it . . . but I also knew how important classical music was to her from early on. I have no idea if a radio was playing the symphony on that day in the laundry room or not, but it really doesn’t make a difference.

Another memory involved a series of ongoing “notes” that we left each other in the bathroom (which had seashell wallpaper in it) – the notes included typical sibling comments like “Sarah Elizabathroom, clean up your mess!” and the response to that was something like “Karen, you’re always SOOO critical. And, by the way, your hair looks terrible today.” Etc Etc If I’d been smarter, I would’ve kept those notes to present as evidence today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER: I HOPE THE FAMILY SPOILS YOU TODAY, TREATS YOU LIKE QUEEN FOR A DAY – then, it’s time for you to get back to work.

Love, Sarah Elizabathroom

DP

"K" ----

2011: Now that you've caught up to me at

--- 70 YEARS OLD ---

Let's go for another

--- 30 YEARS ---

2041: We could be Great Grandparents by then ---

Happy B-Day January 20th ---

"D" ---

Maureen

In addition to Bk.Grp., 2010 brought us together for Tai Chi class
and your kind efforts to mentor my "knit an afghan" project.
During this time of post-surgery and very demanding physical therapy,
I recall and admire your spirited determination to "get moving" and
"get going" on your recovery.

May SEVENTY bring you a grand year filled with healthful living and
good times. Have fun as you and Don journey along that marvelous
and challenging pathway known as " Grandparenting".

Love,
Maureen

Dennie Sims

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
- Mark Twain

Congratulations on your fine achievement, reaching this birthday with grace and style.

Happy Birthday and many more!

Lots of Love Dennie

The Oylers

With age we can view the world with insight and clarity.

Ain’t we the lucky ones!!

We love you, Karen. And all your family.

Happy Birthday from all the Oyler family

Holly Henderson

My Dear Karen,

Reader, thinker, knitter, friend -- have a most Happy Birthday, Healthy Year, and Joyful Life.

Much love,
Holly Henderson

Nancy Feit

Happy Birthday! To an original Book Club member. Many good memories of it over the years.

Nancy Feit

Terry and Jill Andrus

I’m reminded that 30 years ago this year we both came home with brand new baby girls. The girls and moms became fast friends and remain so to this day. We send all our love and best wishes to you on your special day.

xoxo Terry & Jill

Andi

Dear Karen, I love that we have become friends, plus being cousins. I admire your spunk, courage, sense of humor and your kindness for all our surviving parental generation. Your mom and dad would be so proud of you. And, you would make them smile. Love, Andi

Debbie

Karen, Felicitation to you on this important birthday. I feel honored to have such a special friend these 40+ years, and applaud your strength, intellect, and other distinguished qualities. Much love.

love, Debbie

Cousin Tony

Happy Birthday Karen.

All my memories center around our family get togethers, at Grandma’s, at your folks, at the Michelson’s, the Capps, and the Careys and the Plumbs trekking across to visit.

So many good people.

And you are one of them.

Love,

Tony

Bill and Rebbie

Dear Karen,

Way back in 1970, during the early part of my Vietnam year, I took this picture of me. I knew that in 41 years you would be having a momentous birthday worthy of receiving this photo I saved for you then!

Here it is!




I know you will have a great birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Bill and Rebbie

Gwenny

Happy Birthday Karen! You have played such an influential part in my life and the person I have become today. You are such an amazing woman, mother and friend. I feel so blessed to have met your family so many years ago.

Love Gwendolen (AKA Gwenny)

Mary Ann

Happy Birthday, Karen. Wishing you a day of joy and a lifetime of happiness. Best regards, Mary Ann McCaffery

The Greenwood Family

We wish you a very happy birthday from the Greenwood family. We hope to see her & you soon – Michele

Patty

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The mere fact that you are celebrating a milestone birthday is a real wake-up call that time is relentlessly marching on and I’m not far behind. You certainly don’t look or act like a “senior” and we have only to glance back at the numerous family photographs to recapture the younger version of you with the blond braids and to relive the precious and often funny childhood memories of the numerous extended family gatherings - in the summer at the beach at Aunt Alice’s with cousins lined up in sometimes matching, and ill fitting, swim suits - at Christmas at Grandma Walker’s house with the “Charlie Brown” tree and endless slide shows of various iris varieties - at Easter in the Valley with the goat and chickens. Through the years you have been a wonderful cousin and friend. I admire how you dealt with your breast cancer, your thoughtful blog that serves to help others dealing with similar issues, and I also find it very refreshing that you are quick to embrace change and jump into new things – I particularly enjoy your photographs, You Tube videos, blogs, and other electronic vignettes – keep them coming!

Best wishes for a very nice birthday celebration and a wonderful year to come filled with travel, learning new things, interaction with family, and bonding with the grandchildren.

Love,

Patty

Thor and Renee

Karen--
It can't be 70. No, not with all your coalescent wisdom, worldly perspective, and luminous spirit. You must be much, much older than 70! And yet you look so many years younger. How can it be? If it is true, then you are living proof that ageless wisdom can coexist with timeless beauty. Happy birthday to you. Love Thor & Renee

Chuck Daugherty

Karen,

Congratulations on your 70th birthday. It is a milestone. Celebrate it and go on the various decades ahead.

I appreciate Noah and Kitty linking us to your family. They are neat people and fun to be with.

Sister City. You have been my main source of information on Sister Cities as I have navigated these many and varied experiences of ours with Banska Bystrica. Your counsel and encouragement have been a tremendous help. I will plan to keep you informed of ours and to seek your advice as we continue with it.

Much love,

Chuck

Marilyn

What a great idea. I have a couple of memories:

One summer, when I was perhaps 9 or 10 and Karen was 16 or 17, we Plumb girls, Suzanne, Marilyn and Trish spent the day with our mom, Pat at the Walkers by the pool in Van Nyes. Karen Sally and Aunt Gladys were all there.

It was really hot, and it was a long and wonderfully lazy afternoon spent around the pool. When we were not eating plums and jumping in the pool, I decided to explore the house. I remember going into Karen's bedroom, off of the pool area and getting into her make-up. Of particular interest was a lipstick brush which sprang forth at a touch. After applying a liberal amount of lipstick from Karen's fabulous collection, I found I couldn't retract the brush. And it was a big mess now. In a panic, I left it there and slipped out. Later, Karen came out to the pool and cried out "Who's been fooling with my things?" I did the only sensible thing, I denied it and ate another plum. Sick with indigestion and perhaps a little guilt (after all, I am remembering this all these years later) , I returned with my tired family to Grandma's house in Santa Monica.

A few years later we all met up at Union Station in LA and took the same Santa Fe train to Chicago. En route, I decided to confess, and of course Karen had forgotten the whole thing! We had a great train ride and I loved getting to know my cousin a little better!

Marilyn Plumb Cheney

Beth Sims

Dear Karen,

Happy Birthday! I remember going to your house every day to play with kitty, and I always loved your kitty-cats, Felicitas and the japanese decorations from your foreign exchange student, and the cool art an music always in your house. You were always a cool Mom to me, and now a cool lady! Your home phone number is the first one after mine that I memorized. I hope this is a wonderful year for you!

Love, Beth

Georgia

Happy Birthday, Karen!

You may not remember, but I spent one of the most miserable nights of my life with you...in a freezing tent, with critters running through all night...and me having to pee in a bush at 4 a.m. with a large toad at my foot and me trying not to scream & wake up 400 girl scouts... at Spanish Oaks. It was my first and LAST camping trip! You thought it was great..although you did wake up & ask to borrow another layer of clothes in the middle of the night! I thought you were an incredibly good sport about the whole thing..in fact, you LIKED it! What a gal! It is a night I will NEVER forget!

XX
Georgia

Eric Evarts

Karen, Congratulations on your four-score and 10 trips around the sun (approximately). :)

Kami and I were so touched whenn you and Don came all the way to Colorado, to our little camp in the boondocks, for when we got married and my dad couldn't. Since then, I have so enjoyed getting to know you as an adult -- at your three kids' weddings and receptions, when you came to Connecticut to visit, and on Facebook. I am always struck by the depth of your curiosity, your openness in hearing others' ideas, and sharing your own thoughts and experiences. It is a rare ability to be able to pick up on a deep level with people you don't see often. Most of all, thank you for your friendship and support in these recent years. I wish you many more successful trips around the sun.

Eric

Buckingham Clan

Hi from the Buckingham clan! We wish Karen a happy birthday and many more. The picture we don't have but the memory we do. Ask your Mom about Jon and the photo of him passed out with the red bow attached to his forehead. Something about them playing the matador and the bull. Jim and I remember the picture but it mysteriously disappeared. I think it happened celebrating with Katie and Bob ( my parents ). They all enjoyed getting together.

I also remember Karen wrapping a present that was an unfinished sweater that she was in the process of knitting. I thought at the time ( I was just a kid ) what a weird present. I just pulled the same thing this Christmas. I'm in the process of needle pointing a USC Trojan pillow for Jim. It was supposed to be done in time to be a present, but I hadn't finished. I remembered Karen's idea so "waw law"! Jim got it wrapped up as a gift! Thank you Karen!

Lots of love and fun,

Linda and Jim

Kay

Dear Karen,

You have been a true friend over the years, and I so value this friendship. I love how you make the special effort to get all of us together (especially those of us who worked together at Field Educational Publications) from time to time. You are the glue that holds us all together! I'm glad you finally made it to my age ... the big 70 ... by the way, and I hope we have many more years ahead of us to celebrate the good times and our continued friendship.

Love,

Kay

John and Sandi

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.....(that is John singing to you, I can't carry a tune!)

We can't believe it has been 34 years since we met as new YOUNG moms but even better we continue our friendship as even better grandparents.

Life has given us a few challenges but you have especially shown your strength and shared your wisdom to help others and we appreciate every little word.

Karen may you enjoy this special birthday,

Hugs,
John & Sandi

Christine and Chuck

Dear Karen and survivor friend -

Welcome to the land of 70. It is not a bad place to be, considering the alternative. We have kids, grandkids, spouses, money, and some health. Can't have everything so we will settle for some. Life still holds adventures, opportunities, and surprises. Wisdom is one of the gifts we acquire at this point in life. May we use it judiciously. Have a lovely birthday and we'll get together to celebrate some time in the
future.

Love, Christine and Chuck

Johnstone Family

Karen,

Happy Big 70th from "The Snowbound Johnstones". We hope your special day is memorable!

Jim, Cindy, Scott and Nessie