The Celebrations Continue

People asked what I wanted to do today...as a way to celebrate. I told 'em. SLEEP IN! So, I did. It was just the perfect day to do so. Rainy, chilly and dark. The dog and cat loved it! So did I. Later in the day, I heard from many friends via the telephone and by email. Dear, loyal and can not do without friends. Thank you for remembering! I received cards from family and friends scattered all over the world. I love cards. I am sucker for 'em. I have stock in Hallmark. The CEO answers to me. Well.... We had a family dinner at Mom's new condo this evening. Doubleday's was my choice of cuisine. We originally planned on a Marion's pizza but switched when I got an unstoppable hankerin' for one of the so called "Monster Pizzas". Delish. There was also an ice cream cake in the shape of a jack o lantern. Very cute and oh so tasty. My brother, sis in law and nephew joined my daughter, son, Mom and me. I love having all of us together for any occasion. But isn't it nice for the occasion to be all about me?? Ahem....but I digress. Good food, presents and chatter. But oh how I miss having Bill here on a night like this. The telephone just does not suffice...but he will be home in 3 days!

I am 50!!

I am 50. Not possible. Wasn't I just 26 the other day? Okay, maybe not. Time seemed to stand still years ago but now, it is stuck on warp speed. I have so much I want to do in whatever time remains for me. 50. It loomed large for so long and now it is here. I don't FEEL any differently today. I look the same as I did yesterday when I was *just* a young 49.

50. If 50 is the new 30, does this mean

I have to go through pre-menopause again?

How did I feel at 30? I ached less, I KNOW I weighed less.

I also KNEW less. Worried MORE.

And...we did not have our children....I would not trade being 50 for 30 if it meant losing what I have now.

My Wife

The person who is truly the best part of me, and who has made me a better person for over 30 years is turning 50 tomorrow, and is likely dreading it a bit. Oh, she can give you a litany of reasons about age creeping up on her, about not being young any more. But, when I look at this woman, whether I articulate it or not, she still makes my heart go flutter (and not just due to my heart "irregularity"). She has stood by me through good times and bad; put up with my behaving poorly; dealt with the chaos, loneliness and fear of being a military wife; shared with me the joys of adopting two wonderful children and raising them; tackled the life of a "single" parent with my having to work away from home, not once but TWICE! And, through it all, she has maintained a gentle spirit spiced up with a wicked sense of humor. She is a wonderfully caring mother, a truly devoted friend to all who know her, and a loving wife. She is also my best friend! A happy birthday to you, and my undying thanks for always believing in us all, and always being there for me. I Love You!! Love, Bill