In the last few years my Uncle Tommy has orchestrated his own birthday which included a weekend of events with many members of my mother’s family. They’ve been to Gettysburg, Harper’s Ferry, and Annapolis Naval Academy. He’s a history buff and this year it was Norfolk, Va. He wanted to go back to his roots where he and my mother grew up. So I joined them.

We all stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott’s in Downtown Norfolk.

The Bistro and the lobby are the two places we hung out in-between events.

Here he is in all his glory!

Here we are ready for our 5-hour bus ride around Norfolk!

First we received sailors hats with our names on them in the front and the date on the back. Next came our own box of Cracker Jack. Hmmmm Navy theme. Norfolk, a longtime Navy town. Then came the quiz, what’s the dog’s name?

We were given a booklet with all the information regarding the sights we would see and some stories of Uncle Tommy’s. That was a handy little book.

The old and new Cape Henry Lighthouses. The “first landing” site is located on Cape Henry.


Uncle Tommy is presenting a picture to the docent of the old lighthouse sketched in 1925 by his Late Uncle, Raymond Creekmore, a noted artist, author, and sailboat designer.

Jay, my cousin, his 2 daughters and Lorene’s granddaughter waiting for Uncle Tommy to tell his story at the Oceanview Library and Museum.

The library was having a celebration for anyone 90 years or older that had lived in Oceanview, Va. They were invited to tell a story so Uncle Tommy told the story about him being one of the famous barefoot boys. The local newspaper was there and they did an article on Uncle Tommy in the paper.

Uncle Tommy clowning around!

The picture above and a few following are from the museum inside Fort Monroe.





We had dinner at the Free Mason Abbey restaurant in Downtown Norfolk. The couple to the right is my cousin Donna and Her husband George Medich. George used to pitch for the SF Giants and the Rangers.

This is my cousin Ollie and his wife Nancy.

We called for a taxi and this is what we got!

Who knew?

Back at the hotel singing happy birthday and eating cake.