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Audrey was sitting on her favorite recliner reading her mail when Pookie excitedly announced the arrival of Missy’s car in the driveway. Pookie had been lying on her favorite spot on the back of the sofa so she could enjoy the sun streaming in the window and watch the activity in the neighborhood. She jumped down from the sofa and wagged her tail and danced in circles.

Missy came in the front door and as usual she gave Pookie a doggie treat, petted and talked to her like she was a real person, not a dog.

“Happy birthday, Mom,” Missy said giving Audrey a hug. Missy had been married to Audrey’s son, Jack for almost forty years, she and Audrey had always been very close. She had said on occasion that Audrey was a blessing and being married to Jack was an adventure. “You got your mail, I see.”

“Thank you! Two weeks worth of mail in one day is a little overwhelming. It is going to take me a month to answer every one of them.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll help you with your correspondence. We’ll get through it in record time.”

“Thank you, I’ll take you up on that offer. So, what is on the agenda for today?”

“Jack will be here in a few minutes to pick up Pookie and take her to the groomer. We have ordered the deluxe package for Pookie. She is getting the works, teeth brushed, pedicure, bath, styling and dressing in her new coat and ear ribbons. She is going to be beautiful for the party.”

“She will enjoy that,” Audrey said. She looked up as she saw a reflection flash in the window. “I think Jack is here.”

The slam of the car door caused Pookie to go into another excited dance. Jack picked her up as he came in the front door. He scratched her ears and gave her a treat from his pocket.

“Happy birthday, Mom,” Jack gave Audrey a hug and kiss. “You have a lot of mail.”

“Yes,” Audrey said, “Two weeks worth of mail in one day. Good one, Jack!”

Audrey had given Jack power-of-attorney when her husband, Frank, had passed away twenty years before. He handled all of her affairs and paid all of her bills. The only mail she ever received was personal letters.

“Well,” Jack said with his usual grin, “I thought you would enjoy getting all your cards on your birthday.”

Audrey looked at the three boxes of cards, letters and packages that the mail carrier had delivered less than an hour before. “I didn’t realize I knew so many people. I guess you meet a lot of people when you live ninety years.”

“Yes, that’s true,” Jack said getting Pookie’s collar and leash. “Pookie and I have an appointment. We will see you two girls later in the afternoon.” He gave both women a parting kiss and he left with the little dog in tow. Audrey watched them leave and noticed that the mid-morning sun was melting the snow. Pookie made a pit stop in the grass. Jack picked her up and put her in the back seat of his car. He got behind the wheel, started the car and backed out of the driveway.

“Are you ready, Audrey.” Missy said picking up her coat. “We are going to Marshall’s Health and Beauty Spa to have a massage, hair styled, manicure and pedicure. Then we are going to have a makeup artist and a professional dresser. Our dresses are already there so we can go straight to the party after we finish. I’ve ordered a light lunch to be delivered to the spa.”

“Wow,” Audrey said, “that sounds like a lot. I’ve never heard of a professional dresser.”

“You and I,” Missy said putting on her sunglasses, “are going to look like movie stars.”

Audrey put on her coat, picked up her purse and cane and followed Missy out the door.