Favorite numbers

Around the table at Camille's 7th birthday, the question came up "What's your favorite number, Nona?" Well, Mom thought about it. The number 5. It has been the number of a house, of a son's office, of a poem of William Carlos William, of the month of May etc....and when little Camille asked what her favorite number was, she replied 80. Because that is the age of Nona. When I heard that, I thought that was so sweet.

Sweet potatos at Thanksgiving

Aren't these beautiful?

They were delicious!

July Photos

This is a test

and only a test.


I am IN!

Turning the blog over to Mom

Having written a few posts and collecting many wonderful anecdotes and well-wishes for Mom's birthday, I am turning the blog over to her. I think she will have a lot of fun learning how to blog and keeping up with the latest trends. About a month ago there was an article in the WSJ about blogging and I sent to her and she seemed interested in it.

So...on to the first lesson...since Mom is way ahead of me and asking about settings and layout on the blog site.

mary collins finn said...
I met Camille through mutual friend 4 years ago while my sister-in-law, Pat was visiting from Ireland. Camille is a dynamic lady with a zest for life and a wonderful friend. My sister-in-law bonded with her right away and Camille would be a most welcome gust in Ireland anytime.Congratulations on the blog. What a marvelous way to let her many friends celebrate this milestone with her.FondlyMary Collins Finn
April 30, 2008 8:29 AM

Birthday Wishes from Germany

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum 80sten Geburtstag, Camille!

We love you and hope to see you back in Germany soon.

Harry, Helma, Jörg and Matthias and Paul

Headers for the pictures -In 80 hours from Paris to Berlin - Stop over in Nienburg/ Weser (Northern Germany)

Harry says Cheers on behalf of the Frischmann's

From Nicole Criscione-Szesnat

Cam is one of the most loyal, caring people I know.When she loves you- she LOVES you. When she cares about you, she does not let anyone mess with you. Her loyalty is beyond words. She is gutsy and courageous and never has trouble voicing her opinions. She brings laughter into my life. Most importantly, Cam is a goodfriend.

When my daughter was born almost 4 years ago on June1st, my husband came back to the hospital and told methat a lady had dropped off some beautiful flowers forme. I knew immediately that it was Cam. And every year, around Anna's birthday, she drops me off those gorgeous flowers and warms my heart with her kindness, generosity and love.

I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Love, Nicole

Compliments on the blog

IT IS FABULOUS! YOU HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB. Lynne Jonquieres

Pretty impressive that you guys did all of this! Nicole

Happy Birthday from the GLA!

HAPPY bIRTHDAY FROM THE GLA. (THE FIFTH PICTURE IS THE PICTURE WE WERE TRYING TO SEND). THERE HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN MANY FUN TIMES.

Lynn

The Croatia Express...

A Thank you to all of Mom's Friend & Family

Hi All!

This is Lisa - Cam's daughter again. I wanted to thank all of you who contributed to a very special project in the form of an online "memory book " to celebrate Mom's birthday coming up this Saturday, May 3rd. The book has actually morphed into a blog which includes a collection of photos, memories and happy birthday wishes from friends and family to Mom via the Internet.

You can access it by clicking on the link http://nonahoheb.blogspot.com. You are welcome to add any additional comments by clicking on the comment link below each posting - or if you prefer to send me more material to post, I'd be delighted to do so.

This was a lot of fun to do and a wonderful way to meet many of Mom's friends online. I very much enjoyed all the correspondence. Mom will really enjoy this.

Everyone in the Hoheb family is excited about Mom's birthday and celebrating it together for a week long birthday bash in sunny Mexico!

Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon!

Best Wishes,
Lisa and the entire Hoheb Family

Las Dos Amigas - my friend Camille

April 23, 2008

I lived at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona for six wonderful years starting in 1994 and ending in 2000. My husband, Rob, was Superintendent of this immense canyon. We met and hosted many, many interesting people over the years ranging from Presidents and Senators, to friends and family and the occasional “plain old stranger”. Sometime during September 1998, I volunteered one day to assist with an Elder Hostel group that was visiting the Canyon and learning of its wonders. I was introduced to Camille Hoheb, D-Anne Perry and Carol Hood. I guess they fit into the “plain old strangers” category although being with Elder Hostel advanced their rank somewhat. Well, as often happened, we arranged to meet that evening for a few drinks…kind of “ladies night out with plain old strangers” type of event. Well, that night we all left the “plain old strangers” description behind and traded the term in for “plain old friends”. We did what new friends do…traded home addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. We told enough stories that we came to know one another better. Well, trading stories and addresses created a friendship between myself and Camille – a friendship that has lasted to the present. I corresponded with Camille and kept track of the others through her. As fortune would have it we had the opportunity to have a one-year reunion in Florida that centered around a wedding that I was invited to. We visited Epcot Center, Cape Canaveral and also caught up with events going on in our lives over a few evening drinks. We parted again as friends as we left Florida. It takes effort to continue a friendship and build upon it. Both Camille and I put that effort into it. We were lucky to see one another when she visited Green Valley, Arizona about 25 miles south of our retirement home in Tucson. Our friendship continues because we both work at it. It seems to me some of the most enduring friendships sometimes start strangely with “plain old strangers” and over time, with some effort the relationship changes to a very, very special one between “plain old friends.” It has made my life richer and I look forward to much more with my friend Camille.

Elvira T. Arnberger

Tuscon, AZ

Fun Memories and Photos from Jeanette - Mom's cousin

My dear Cousin Camille, even though my family used to spend two weeks in N.J every other summer or so, my first real memory of you was the week surrounding your wedding. I was only 13 and my brother Anthony, was 14...The wedding was magnificent! As you stepped out of your limousine, I thought you looked like a real princess! What an absolutely beautiful bride! What an absolutely beautiful day! What an absolutely equisite memory!

I was, therefore, overjoyed when you and Albie accepted an invitation to attend my wedding in Ireland. We had a wonderful time. My children got to know you and we got to rejoice together.

Since retirement you and I have rediscovered each other throught that marvelous, time-consuming instrument known as "The Computer". Email has brought us together again and I always rejoice when I see your name in the "From" field. But better yet has been the visits and the phone conversations and staying in touch.

The Aquino girls have been a big part of my life. You have all been special to me, each in your own way.

My husband, Allen, joins me in wishing you the very happiest of birthdays, and a long continuing life filled with joy and love...as it is today.

Jeannette Bean Tirico

Allan R. Armstrong

Give Mi Amiga Camille a hug & a kiss

Lisa,

Attached are two pictures of your mom and I during our trip to Florida taken several years ago.

Attached is a note of us meeting one another to the present.

Let me know what you think….

Email me the site address for her blog you mention you were doing to see what others emailed too ya. Would love to read it.

Make sure you give Mi Amiga Camille a big hug and kiss for me for her birthday when you see her! She’s one special lady! We don’t see each other much but we keep in contact with each other since the first time we met…that’s one heck of a special friendship!!!!

Love,
Elvira

From Pat Tobin "We have a great time with your Mom"

Hi I'm Pat tobin and your mom is a doll. I have a picture of her and me and her friend from Australia when they were at me and a friend's birthday party when we hit the big 70. I'd like to send it to you but have no idea where to send it. We always have a great time when our group goes to your mom's home. She is a grat cook and a wonderful Hostess. Pat Tobin

Birthday Wishes from New Zealand

Happy 80th Birthday Camille

1986 to your 80th Birthday Cam,over 20 years,a quarter of your life I have shared with you.

I have been lucky to have stayed with you nearly every year.

The things we have done together & the people I have met have been fantastic. The meals you have cooked for me . My Birthday parties. 'MACY'S! The holidays at the Cape. MACY'S! The movies & shows we have seen. MACY'S! Pryun House evenings & your friends. The trips to" Friendly's"for Ice cream.

The shopping I must have frustrated you so often MACY'S! T.J.MAXX! !SEARS!You have taken me to them all.

We have shared our families ups & downs,sorted out the problems of the world,been there for each other in sad times.

To test a friendship,try threading a new line through a circular clothes line together .We did & made it! I could go on!!!!!!

Enjoy your day with your wonderful family. Have a Tequila for me.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
Love
Jill Nunney oxoxoxo

San Diego 2005 with Mom

Last week while working on an article at 11 pm, I finally finished it, hit the save button and reached for my glass of water. Splish spash over the keyboard. Needless to say I lost the article and about 8 years worth of family photos. I am in the process of recovering as much as I can. In the meantime, it has been a trip down memory lane. Here are some fun photos to share!

These are from a trip to the San Diego zoo with Al, Julie and Albie

Back to Bolvano - family history from Jeanette

BACK TO BALVANO
We boarded the train in the seaside resort of Salerno, full of excitement and anticipation, and three hours later, we came into the floor of the little valley that would lead us to my father’s ancestral home. Balvano. A place we had heard of so often, and now, here we were. This is the town my father’s father had emigrated from to the United States …this is the town where generations of Tiricos had resided…this was the town that literally worked for our family. It was 1948. I was ten years old and my brother, Tony…then known as, Anthony… was eleven. It was the first time my father had been back since he had graduated from the University of Naples in 1932. It was the first time since the end of World War II that he had been able to make this trip…to check on the three elderly aunts who had been surrogate mothers to him during his college and medical school years. We were just a little late, as Zia Angelina had passed away the previous year.

to be continued..... I'll send the copy in the mail. Save the photos of Balvano to accompany this short story, and I will add a few more to them. Your mom has been after me for years to write something about my experiences in Balvano, so here it is...the first paragraph.

Karen Bronner

We would like to contribute to your MOM's memory book. Do you have an address we can send a card with a message to be included for the Memory Book? We are in FL and won't return to NY until late May; therefore any pictures etc. we may have are not with us.Thanks, Karen Bronner

Birthday wishes from sunny Mexico & Lynne Jonquires

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAM! I'm thinking of you all down there in Sunny Mexico. Thank you for your friendship over these years. You were wonderful to Mother and you are a fun friend to me. With love, Lynne Jonquieres

BJ Tetlow

Hi Lisa,
Still can not locate photos so have put together a little glued-together message. I have never figured out how to send pictures so will send by Express mail. Hope it gets to you in time!

BJ Tetlow


Hi Lisa,

I'm one of the friends Cam made on the trip to Croatia. I have been hunting for the photos but can't find any of them!
Will keep looking...in the meantime, if you'd send your mailing address I will invent a picture to send for your memory book...it will make sense to Cam! She was so much fun to get to know and we've been e-mailing ever since.
Do you have a deadline? We're leaving on a trip and will be back April 2nd.

Thank you-

BJ Tetlow

It's Collins Finn. I have on of those difficult ones because I kept my maiden name through 34 years of marriage to a Finn!

........

Thank you for letting me know!!! I will hunt up some photos of a wonderful day we spent together at the Sagamore when she met my sister-in-law from Ireland. Your mom is a delightful lady and my sister- in- law Pat just loved meeting her.

Mary

From Penny and Carlos de la Rocha

What a nice thing to do for your Mom. Right now we are traveling in Italy, which I know is one of your Mom's favorite places, but we will be back next week and will try to find some old stuff to share. Thanks for including us.
Sincerely, Penny & Carlos de la Rocha

More from Jeannette

April 4, 2008
I didn't get this one printed. In the yard at Uncle Arthur's prior to the wedding, but I'm sure she has a bunch of these. Kind of for your eyes......anyway.

(Unfortunately the format was unrecognized so I could not post the phots)

From Jeanette Bean

April 4, 2008

This is a photo of your great-great grandfather and his son, Benjamino (CICI), and his daughters, Antonina & Matilda. I think I have that right. Taken on the terrace, second floor, of the home in Balvano. If your mother does not have it, she might like to. I have send a scan in my package, which I am mailing today.
Cici was the first of the Tirico Family to come to this country and he had a drug store in Montclair. If I have the generations correct, he would be Grandfather Tirico's older brother.

The redt are on their way...... Have a great party,

Love, Jeanette

P.S. Antonina...not right...close, but not right. Let me think about that for a while. I never met her. She died a couple of years prior to our fist trip to Italy. I was only 10,

March 25, 2008

Honestly..I am so excited. I am going thru photos and found a few taken in the back yard at Uncle Arthur's house the morning of your parents' wedding! I am also sending photos of Nonna and the rest of the troup. I've picked out a few of my very favorite recipes, too. I'll get this to you shortly.
Love, Jeanette
P.S. Remember the video you guys had made from the movies my father took at your folks' wedding? That would be fun to show, if you are having a party.....

Pruyn House

One of Mom's friends from the Pryun House, Joanne Saulsbery sent the following messages:

Lisa, this one was scanned in. It’s from the 1998 Golf Tournament – pictured next to your Mom are: Jim Nowicki, Joanne FitzGibbon and Brian Hogan.

March 24, 2008

Pruyn House Annual Dinner 2005 – pictured left to right – Kathryn Blake, Mary Brizzell, Ursula MacAffer, Cam, and Nicole Criscione-Szesnat. Cam was a member of the Board and on the Annual Dinner Committee in ’05.

March 23, 2008
Lisa,

Spoke to your Mom on the phone today. She mentioned that she was going to Mexico with the family but left out the birthday part. I hope you will be able to use the three pictures I have. I may be able to send one or two earlier ones but I have to ask someone to scan them in first. The attached photo is a bit dark but I’m sending it anyway. We have two more that I will e-mail but they will each come separately because of our server.

In this photo your Mom is with Charlie Flanagan and Jean Olton at the Pruyn House Members’ Holiday Party.

Good Luck with your planning.

Jo Anne Saulsbery
Pruyn House Adm. Asst.,

Lisa, this one was scanned in. It’s from the 1998 Golf Tournament – pictured next to your Mom are: Jim Nowicki, Joanne FitzGibbon and Brian Hogan.

oops sorry...here are some pics

This is a picture of Camille III visiting Nona Easter Sunday, 2008. Camille, Christian and Nona had an Eater egg hunt (minus several eggs stolen by the squirrels), ate pastina, played in the nearby park and generally had a great time. Camille and Christian did not want to leave.

Meal, Nona & Albie in Hawaii

Here's a picture of us last month enjoying beautiful Hawaii. We watching water spouting out of the natural blowholes, lots of cute chickadees following their Mama around the grounds, roosters cackadoodle-do-ing in the afternoon (their timer was off) and little Anthony making friends with a local guy on a park bench with his drooley smile. (He is only one after all!)

Can't wait for our next VA-CA-TION!
(Note: when saying "vacation", lift your arms in the air in a yahoo! type of way)

First Post

In honor of Nona's birthday her "kids" decided that it would be fun to create a travel blog and invite her family and friends to view and post.

Nona's birthday is 3 May so this has been created in advance of her upcoming birthday so that we could get the party started.