Johnny Turtle was very excited because today was his grandmother's 100th birthday. The invitations had been sent, the balloons had been blown up and the cake was baked and decorated. All that was needed was for the guests to arrive.   Johnny even had selected music for the dancing that he thought Grandma would enjoy. Classical music often sounded inside Grandma's shell as she sat knitting. At this party Mozart and Chopin would drift over the meadow as the guests twirled and swirled to the music. Johnny was sure that Grandma would be so excited once she arrived.

  Marvin Hare had been chosen to sing "Happy Birthday." Marvin was a big singing star right now, as he had the famous single "You're My Little Bunny, Honey!"

  Grandma didn't know a thing about the party, and keeping a secret from her was a hard job. Grandma just knew when people were keeping secrets from the look in their eyes. This time, however, Grandma hadn't noticed all the activity going on. At 100, most would think that Grandma lived a quiet existence, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Grandma was exercising at the gym, in the walking club, volunteered at the hospital and went on day trips with the seniors. Grandma was busier than she had ever been. With all that activity, Grandma didn't have time to see all preparations.

  The day of the party arrived and Grandma arrived with her sweatband around her head. She had got back from walking two miles and her timer on her leg showed this was the best time ever.

  "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!" yelled everyone gathered.

  "My, my, look at what you've done for Grandma," said Grandma. "I didn't expect any fuss at all. You have to wait while I have my shower and I'll be right back."

  One guest, who had brought a rocking chair, quickly shoved his gift to the back of the pile. Grandma didn't look like she had much time for rocking.

  Johnny got out the Mozart and just as he planned, the music drifted across the meadow. Grandma appeared in about 10 minutes with her best ribbon around her head and greeted all the guests.

  When the cake was wheeled in, Grandma blew out the candles as Marvin Hare gave his rendition of "Happy Birthday."

  "Aren't you the fellow that sang that song 'You're My Little Bunny, Honey'?"

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  "Yes Gran, that was me," said the hare proudly.

  "Well, let's get rid of that Mozart and get some rock 'n' roll music," said Grandma, grabbing the hare for a dance.

  Johnny blinked in surprise and then searched out a rock 'n' roll favourite. Grandma danced all evening.

  "This is the best 100th birthday party I've ever had," said Grandma, hugging Johnny.

  Johnny was so happy that Grandma's day had been special because Grandma was special to him. 

 Question about the story: What kind of music did Grandma want?

 Winners:  Victoria Hubley, Chester Basin, received her prize through the mail.

 Send answers to Storytime, c/o Verna Dunlop, RR#l Moser River, NS BOJ 2KO or e-mail the answer to the question to vernadunlop@yahoo.com.

posted on 03/10/09