In a recent column, fellow Postmedia columnist Liane Faulder encouraged us to have a birthday party and invite 25 people.

Well, I have hosted my own birthday party for years and this year was no exception. And it was pretty special as I celebrated my 95th birthday in July.

Cousin Bill and his wife, Cynthia, had already announced their arrival for “Aunt Alice’s” Big Day. Bill’s sister Margaret would also join us, flying in from San Diego, Calif. But I like a gathering, so I invited more people to the party. My friend Pat and another friendly couple, Mary and Chester, whom I had met at the Monkland Tennis Club, graciously accepted. I was also happy that longtime friend Lilian who had moved to Dorval, Que., on the West Island, said she would come to the party with friend Claudia. There would be nine of us at the table.