I am a "surprise guest" at my Grandma's 70th birthday. Such is my family.

[sploogal]

We received an invitation to my Grandma's 70th birthday today from my dad's big sister Helen. She has written that we are "surprise guests". Without getting too far into the politics of my extended family, suffice to say that she is not my favourite aunt. She has not phoned my dad, let alone the rest of us, in over 20 years. Dad still makes an

Comments

[approximedic]

ah bugger, tis the season for family drama.

Just hang in there! Your dad is fortunate to have you looking out for him as well. Don't worry about the memento, although I get where you come from re: meaningful gifts. In the end, its really what the receiver thinks that gives it any value for them. The fact that you gave her a piece of paper, or even *anything* might make her day better. On the other hand, if you don't really give a toss about her, but are just going for your dad, then it doesn't really matter anyway. Good luck with it all.

[sploogal]

I guess I'm just used to being a country away from all of this drama and mostly hearing about it second or third hand through aunts, uncles and cousins who are 'allied' with my dad. Thanks for the advice - things are in much better perspective now. I am only going for my dad, so you're right, it doesn't matter what I bring because I really don't care what she thinks of me. :)

[sploogal]

Haha I guess every family has 'those' ones huh? *sigh*

And nice try, but no cigar - dad always gets Lindsay and/or Alanna to look after the animals, and he's already arranged with Alanna for her to stay while we're away.

Speaking of house-sitting, mum was telling one of her school-teacher friends what an excellent job I (haha, I...) did of house-sitting while they were away, and this person wants me to house-sit for her dog and plants for 8 days. It's in Mt Hawthorn, which is pretty close to my work! Yay!