Happy 90th Birthday, Charlsie!

Today is my sweet neighbor, Charlsie’s 90th birthday… although she swears she just turned 20!  She insisted we call off the party we were going to have for her, but I think she was feeling well enough for company (she made a couple of comments about the day being kind of lonely and quiet).

We got her a new phone – one that amplifies the sound for people who are hard of hearing.  It has ten speed-dial buttons and a “HELP” button to program often-used phone numbers.  I programmed the numbers in for her and added “911” to the “Help” button.  Then I showed her how to use the phone and the speed dialed numbers.  I told her she could use the “redial” button and pushed it for her – assuming it would call our house phone (I had just used that speed dial button).  Then I heard someone answer… “911 – what is your emergency?”  Charlsie talked to her for a moment and told her she got a new phone and we were trying it out.  The operator asked her if she was okay and she said yes, and hung up. I don’t know if she really understood the situation.

About 10 minutes later, two policemen showed up in her front yard.  I had to explain to them I’m an idiot that we had bought her a new phone and were programming it for her and called 911 by accident.  They left after I convinced them she was okay.

I got a photo of the birthday girl.  I forgot my camera, so I had to take it with my phone.  She said it blinded her, but I don’t see how … her eyes were closed!!