Okay, I've been thinking about this for a while but haven't come up with anything good. Dad will turn 75 in April, and none of his daughters can come up with a good idea of how to celebrate. I'm in town and visit him every day (but Saturday) and everyone else can get here for the weekend before or after. He is very much the homebody other than cruising, and a cruise isn't possible. (Though we're looking into a Silversea trip for birthday 76) He's not a good night driver, and other than getting a limo and taking him out to dinner we've come up with zilch. He says he just wants some family dinners at home, but we'd like to do something at least a little special. You are the most innovative and creative bunch of folks I know. Please help!

Sue, how about scanning all the old photos of him and the family onto a CD and then you can have a big family get-together at home with the CD to view on the TV after dinner. It's not a flashy idea but your dad might enjoy it!

How about stories from kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, friends, etc. Kind of like, "My foundest memory of Uncle ...." Then compile these into a scrapbook or sorts.

You'd be surprised that people remember the little things and if he'd really like a few dinner homes then this is something he can read over and over while he's alone.

Here's an example, if I were writing about one of my mother's sisters, I would recall the time I was 9 years old and I went over to help my aunt write her Christmas cards. (My aunt had very poor eyesite, and was legally blind.) I addressed the envelopes and wrote a note on each card that my aunt dictated for me. I also put on the stamp and a return address label. Being 9 I guess I was not very picky about how straight I put on the stamp and label. My aunt looked over the cards and told me everyone was going to think she was drunk because the stamp and label were a bit crooked. I was worried because I believed her and thought the people might actually think that.

It's just a cute little story, only my aunt and I would remember and appreciate but if she were still alive, it is the kind of thing she'd enjoy reminiscing about.

I don't have any ideas but I am interested in the responses you get. My father is turning 75 one year from today. I, also, am looking for ideas. Current plan is just a large family gathering at a nice restaurant. These additional "personal" ideas sound good.

The personal ideas are great and are the ones that will mean the most to him. If you do the picture CD, you could add music. Or, collect stories from friends and family, include photos and you have a wonderful memory book. Or, spend some time with your dad and record his stories. Use a recorder for this but keep it discretely out of the way so it doesn't inhibit the storytelling. Then, you could write/edit the stories and add pictures for his own autobiography. Capture the stories now. My father-in-law told wonderful stories but I only listened so some are already lost. I'm going to comb my memory for the ones I remember and get them on paper quickly before I forget!

We did something like that for my grandmother. She had Alzheimers, and we were told that making a memory book for her would be helpful. She loved it - though she forgot where she put it quite often! ;)


All very good ideas. Somewhere we have old home movies that I might try to get copied on to a DVD or video. We planned on doing that for Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary but it never got done. Any other ideas?

Yeah, get him one of these digital photo frames and update it weekly. Old pictures and new pictures. I think this is just the greatest gift.

Robert - I'd never even heard of that before. That way he could get pics from all over! ou find the neastest stuff!

Robert,

Such a coincidence! #2 son gave us this for Xmas, but haven't set it up. DH just walked in to say he was ready to install it (needs phone & AC outlet.) #1 son and family are visiting #2 this weekend so maybe we can put it into action!

Sue,

You said he likes cruising. How about a dinner party with a cruising theme. You could also follow that along with Karen's CD idea, and, or the scrapbook idea.

Betty

Where do you live? You know that the best fun of course would be out of the house , somewhere with entertainment.. We all need that..
For my upcoming ( I'd like 2 4 get about it now bday) I am planning at a restaurant that Herb Alpert owns, so jazz music and dinner.. makes it fun and entertainuing.. not fun to be at a house.. can do that every day.. see if you have any jazz restaurants or restaurants with entertainment.. easy!

Claudia, Mark's parents might be the exception but I know they would much rather stay at home surrounded by the family than to be in a noisy restaurant! They are close to 80 and would not care for all the action.

Me, on the other hand, would rather have action!

Karen, have to go with you on that one regarding the parents. To me, however, a meal with either family or friends is always more special at home rather than a restaurant, if done well. However, it is work. To alleviate the worst part of it, I try to get someone in to help just before dinner is ready, and stay and do all the dishes and put everything away.

For my in-laws 75th (yes - they were born on the same day, and same year) we threw them a party inviting THEIR friends. Got a disc jockey who played big band-type music, etc. Does he have any hobbies? Like sports? If so, you could book a super box to see his favorite team play. Invite close family members to share in the event.
When my dad turned 75 - he was still playing tennis a lot - we booked a small local tennis facility and did a round-robin tournament with everyone playing mixed doubles. We brought all the finger food and drinks in ourselves and set it up in one of the observation rooms. Everyone had a great time.

Thanks for the suggestions. Other than going out to dinner once a week he's a homebody. We thought about a golf outing, but the weather is chancy. I've not looked into having a meal catered at his house but that's a good idea. Dad's at the point in life that if he wants somethin he buys it, goes there, or has it delivered, so gifting is difficult. You all have provided some of the best ideas - thanks again!

I'm not sure how active your dad is, but here's an idea. Pack up swim bags, head to the nearest hotel and check in for the day. Many hotels let you purchase a day pass to their pool. You could all lounge around, eat at the hotel restaurant, and take advantage of the fact that a few hours together like this can feel like a cruise.

Trish