You say it's your birthday
It's my birthday too, yeah
They say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.
Yes we're going to a party party (McCartney)
Another thing that bugs me about grown-ups, they refer to Elders as Senior Citizens. I don't know, seems empty to me in some way. Now Elder, that appeals to me more. More respectful. I mean, respect your elders right? Now American Indians, and other cultures, use the term Elder and it means something. A term of respect, reverence even. Someone to be consulted, to seek advice from. We must have learned something, got some experience, learned how to avoid grown-ups if nothing else. Yeah, I'm an elder. I'll never be a senior citizen any more than I'll be a Mike rather than a Michael. Mike, what's a mike? Something that helps amplify your voice? Me, I want to speak softly, no need to amplify,...and carry a big stick? Kinda like the archangel. 'Course I wouldn't mind smelling like cookies like Travolta's Michael.
Halloween, one week away to the day, tune into the next blog about witches hats and more. Anyway, a witches hat was floating around, and well...some just had to try it on for next week.
Sisters-in-law. Starting to wind down. Four or five guests have left at this point. Yup, a birthday to remember, unless of course I have a senior moment. Naw, friends and love, one does not forget. It's the only thing that stays. I am blessed that way.
Gregory shows the plans for the home he and Lizette are building in the Carmel area to some youngsters who will have to wait for such things for a couple more decades. I expect brother and wife will get the heck out of here next year and escape this snow and cold. Perhaps in a couple of years, when we are semi-retired, we shall travel to Monterey and escape the cold for a month or so. We have another brother Kenneth, who lives in the area too, so we might be less likely to wear out our welcome. It is a really pretty place they have designed, although a little more expensive than northern Minnesota.
Family. Nephew packs up on chow before heading back to his basement apartment. Mom and Dad, well aren't they great? Funny about young adults, they want to be independent, but they come home to wash the clothes, watch the big screen TV, and pick up a bag of groceries. And life goes on.
The last dog just about hung, and things slowin' down.
And I get to take the balloons home. I can't think of anyone outside of first degree of kindred I would have rather spent this most enjoyable birthday with. I love them all, and what's great?They all seem to love me too. I'm older, but I'm still not a grown-up. Don't plan to. Also promise not to ever write a blog this long again, but you know it's not every day you have an exceptional gathering such as this. Roll the credits and take us out Roy and Dale.
So you know how the day you make 50 that you get a mailing from AARP right on your birthday? (Under 50? Count on it) Ain't no secrets out there, how do they know that? Darn grown-ups. Well, when you are getting close to 65, you get letters from the Feds. Yup, one from Social Security and another one from Medicare. Wake up call! What? I'm eligible for SS and medicare? Yeah, not only that but you have to go tell SS what your intentions are, when you wanna start drawing money. And medicare, you actually have to sign up for at least Part A...or you will suffer consequences down the road. Yes, you will be punished Lost Boy. So, you can't escape the reality. Definitely a drag for an escape artist like me.
So, one of my little brothers who moved here from Alaska just a year ago, and a year ago he and I were singing "Give me your answer, fill in a form Mine for evermore Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm sixty-four?", decided to throw me a party with all my new friends. You see, little by little I been losing interest in my grown-up friends. So 12 guests, and only two were close friends two years ago, that being David and Kristine. They play grown-ups on TV, but they're not really. Things change, trying to surround myself with nicer people, and for some reason they're letting me in. Go figure. Maybe I'm nicer than I thought. Lucky me. So let me introduce to you, the guests you've know for all these months, Greg-a-Bear's Never Lonely Turtle Lake Gang. The date? October 24, 2009. The guests listed in order of their appearance. 
Brother Gregory and Sister-in-Law Lizette. Our great hosts, they love to have guests. They decorate for every little event during the entire year. Very festive folks, and my birthday? No exception. Well, natch they were the first to appear in this story, 'cause they own the place. They are new friends in a way, cause Gregory moved to AK a half a lifetime ago and we didn't see them that often, so don't know a lot of detail in their lives, but he ain't heavy he's my brother, unless he reflects on the 70's, whoa...then he's heavy man.
First to arrive is nephew Alex. His folks always employ him to help with the food. Got a talent in that area, and enjoys it to boot. He makes a pretty mean crab dip. Now if he could just get over being 19.
The guest of honor and spouse thought they should get there before the rest of the guests. I've known this guy for 65 years, and the gal for almost 28. Now really, doesn't he look like he's up to something? Now that he's an elder, he is looking for a hill to sit at the top of. All the young men and women will travel to see him. "What does it all mean?" they will ask as they look into his mischievous eyes? "It don't mean s... my child", says he with a roguish grin.
Derrick and Rachelle. What a great couple. I met Rachelle about a year ago last July when someone talked her into running for City Council. We couldn't help but meet, finally, because I have some experience in campaign organization and managing, and I'm convinced we need more women in public office. Turns out she wasn't all that manageable and I wasn't that good a strategist any more. We lost, and it was for the best. Oh well, we've become fast friends and she and her family have taught this young elder much. Derrick even recently counseled me sitting in a movie theater, waiting for people to appear in order of their appearance, of course. Easy going guy, need more people like that around me. Both are only children, so they made up for it and had four.
Tonya and Dustin. Barb and I knew Tonya when she was a little girl of about 7 or so, she was a bit older than our daughter and came to birthday parties and such. We knew her Mom really well. And then we went our separate ways. Barbara meets her again 25 years later, interestingly, both winding up working at the same place. Who would have thought, that this little girl, who sat at our kitchen table and Barbara would become fast and great friends. Dustin's great too, have to be to be chosen by Tonya.
Kristine and David. Now David and I have been great friends over a quarter century. We used to politic together, but we are both out and still great friends. Now these two guys don't look like grown-ups do they? That's on account of because they aren't. They are about as spontaneous as they come. He proposed to her by bidding on a wedding ceremony on a radio auction. Called her up on air, and asked if she wanted to split the cost. What a romantic, boy did she tame "Clint" and he claimed her. They do play grown-ups during the day though, you'd never recognize them in their daywear,
Mike. For some reason his very animated spouse Mary couldn't make it, shucks darn, what a kick. I liked her first time I met her, acted like she'd known me for years. Now Mike and I have known each other for 30 years or more. I met him when I was building my house. He helped me plan and taught me how to run my own electrical wiring in the house. Very patient with me and a great help. But over the last couple of years, we've become closer. He's a good man, loves music like me, and even has his own music recording studio. Does some good preachin' on the side too. Someday he'll make me that teenage idol I always wanted to be. Sing it Rick...
Brother Gregory and Sister-in-Law Lizette. Our great hosts, they love to have guests. They decorate for every little event during the entire year. Very festive folks, and my birthday? No exception. Well, natch they were the first to appear in this story, 'cause they own the place. They are new friends in a way, cause Gregory moved to AK a half a lifetime ago and we didn't see them that often, so don't know a lot of detail in their lives, but he ain't heavy he's my brother, unless he reflects on the 70's, whoa...then he's heavy man.
First to arrive is nephew Alex. His folks always employ him to help with the food. Got a talent in that area, and enjoys it to boot. He makes a pretty mean crab dip. Now if he could just get over being 19.
The guest of honor and spouse thought they should get there before the rest of the guests. I've known this guy for 65 years, and the gal for almost 28. Now really, doesn't he look like he's up to something? Now that he's an elder, he is looking for a hill to sit at the top of. All the young men and women will travel to see him. "What does it all mean?" they will ask as they look into his mischievous eyes? "It don't mean s... my child", says he with a roguish grin.
Derrick and Rachelle. What a great couple. I met Rachelle about a year ago last July when someone talked her into running for City Council. We couldn't help but meet, finally, because I have some experience in campaign organization and managing, and I'm convinced we need more women in public office. Turns out she wasn't all that manageable and I wasn't that good a strategist any more. We lost, and it was for the best. Oh well, we've become fast friends and she and her family have taught this young elder much. Derrick even recently counseled me sitting in a movie theater, waiting for people to appear in order of their appearance, of course. Easy going guy, need more people like that around me. Both are only children, so they made up for it and had four.
Tonya and Dustin. Barb and I knew Tonya when she was a little girl of about 7 or so, she was a bit older than our daughter and came to birthday parties and such. We knew her Mom really well. And then we went our separate ways. Barbara meets her again 25 years later, interestingly, both winding up working at the same place. Who would have thought, that this little girl, who sat at our kitchen table and Barbara would become fast and great friends. Dustin's great too, have to be to be chosen by Tonya.
Kristine and David. Now David and I have been great friends over a quarter century. We used to politic together, but we are both out and still great friends. Now these two guys don't look like grown-ups do they? That's on account of because they aren't. They are about as spontaneous as they come. He proposed to her by bidding on a wedding ceremony on a radio auction. Called her up on air, and asked if she wanted to split the cost. What a romantic, boy did she tame "Clint" and he claimed her. They do play grown-ups during the day though, you'd never recognize them in their daywear,
Mike. For some reason his very animated spouse Mary couldn't make it, shucks darn, what a kick. I liked her first time I met her, acted like she'd known me for years. Now Mike and I have known each other for 30 years or more. I met him when I was building my house. He helped me plan and taught me how to run my own electrical wiring in the house. Very patient with me and a great help. But over the last couple of years, we've become closer. He's a good man, loves music like me, and even has his own music recording studio. Does some good preachin' on the side too. Someday he'll make me that teenage idol I always wanted to be. Sing it Rick...Some people call me a teenage idol
Barry and Linda. Barry is also a new friend of under two years. We got hooked up with our interests in things environmental. Barry and Linda are off the grid and electricity is provided by solar panels. Now they really live out in the woods and off the land. Barry is a fascinating man, he's so well read. Some think he's an acquired taste because he is two people. He is Great Gray Owl, and then he is Lone Wolf. He has a Wood Frog though, who whispers in his ear, and they never argue because the Wood Frog understands duality. This guy has a helluva memory and is an inspirational speaker. A true friend. No contest.
Greg-a-Bear's Never Lonely Turtle Lake Gang. Brave, courageous and bold. Long live their fame, and long live their story, and long may their story be told.
"Senior Moment in Progress". Notice it is written several times to help with senior moments. I've been having them since I was a senior in high school. Now I'm an Elder, so I do have Elder moments, but actually, they're kind of fun, 'cause lately I've felt like a senior. And I refuse to graduate. Just gonna stay in school and keep learning.
My brother's idea of humor. Is he carrying a scythe? Sigh.
Walt Disney's idea of humor. You know if Grumpy had gone in for a shot of T, why he'd not only not be a grumpy old man, but he'd have a few other side affects, and maybe Snow White wouldn't have been so snow white. Look it up.
Sittin' round the nook. What will the evening hold? Well, I see bread and wine. Perhaps it will be a religious experience.
A present is present on the table. What doth it hold, aye slippers, blue slippers so I don't go slippin' on the hardwood floors.
Unfortunately, I have to share the girls with these boys. And they are all younger and in better shape, so I step lightly. But hey, they understand, and all men are alike right? Some women actually believe that. Obviously not enough experience.
The "Thinkers". You know, if ya gotta share, well I couldn't think of a better bunch of guys.
Rachelle explains the complexity of baking a pot pie, much to the undivided attention, interest, and well...amazement of Kristine.
Kristine says "who was that woman? She actually told me she takes before and after baking photos of pot pies for her blog readers." Well, that's just one of the most humorous things Kristine's heard all day, and believe me, in her grown-up job? She hears some pretty weird stories. Don't it seem like, kicks just keep getting harder to find? Not with my friends.
Dustin ponders why no one else seems to be aware of the camera, or of him.
Don't they all seem to be just a little off balance? Well I don't know why I came here tonight,
Okay, time out. This all makes complete sense...if you don't really think about it. Confusion rains when confusion reigns. Okay, play ball and blow.
Okay, this guy is a little short of breath to begin with, and what do we have? Those darn trick candles. What do you suppose he wished for? Was he careful? Either way, will he get his wish? I think so, I have the advantage of hind sight, and what a sight it is.
"Better than sex cake". No, no one believed it, but the name got people to try it just to see. Why it's got chocolate, (something all women love) it's got crunchy heath chips, whipped cream, butterscotch permeating throughout. Really soft and moist. Sounds pretty sexy to me. It was tasty, didn't take a poll. My guess? Right up there, but not better.
Michael passes some "better than sex cake" to an unseen hand. Mike was the only guy we trusted with passing it around, as Mary was absent making it less dangerous for him. He got a shot of immunity before leaving home.
Yeah, okay better than sex eh? Guffaw. I don't think so, at least not the way I remember it...the cake I mean, after all it's been two months...without cake that is. Jeesh, I got to keep qualityfying myself.
Presented with presents. I open a box from my nephew, can't you tell how interested he is in the operation? And just what my feet needed, some fuzzy blue slippers. Barbara's attention is drawn, hoping it is something she can wear. So I bought her some fuzzy white ones for her birthday the end of December.
The closest I'll get to Harvard. the givers were surprised that I knew that latin on the logo, "Veritas". Truth. Former altar boys know latin. Verba volant, scripta manent, "words fly away, writings remain".
Now gather round cats and I'll tell ya a story about how to become an all American boy. Buy you a gui-tar and put in tune, you'll be a rockin' and a rollin' soon.
Normally, I don't like being the center of attention, unless it's under my own terms. Birthdays of course are not your own terms, but I didn't do too bad. Derrick is a student of psychology, and I'm just paranoid about what he's thinking here. Alex? Not so much.
A splendid time was guaranteed for all. Great friends, I love everyone of them. They make me happy. How lucky am I?
A different angle on the splendid time. And speaking of angle, what a catch, and Barb really helped.
Eating up the attention is me. Mike looks at me like that a lot. Probably thinking about me as inspiration for his next sermon.
Gregory always looking for excuses to shoot off fireworks. Barbara? One of his greatest fans and spurs him on. Pretty hair huh?
All come out to the deck overlooking the lake to watch the colorful works of fire. All were well behaved.
Ooooo, ahhhhhh
Ahhhh, ooooo
Derrick. Helloooooo. Oh well, in his work maybe this kind of stuff is old hat. But c'mon, yawning?
Aunt and nephew. Barbara explains to all present how she stole my chair. Has Alex moved yet?
Some people say they envy me
I guess they got no way of knowing
How lonesome I can be
Barry and Linda. Barry is also a new friend of under two years. We got hooked up with our interests in things environmental. Barry and Linda are off the grid and electricity is provided by solar panels. Now they really live out in the woods and off the land. Barry is a fascinating man, he's so well read. Some think he's an acquired taste because he is two people. He is Great Gray Owl, and then he is Lone Wolf. He has a Wood Frog though, who whispers in his ear, and they never argue because the Wood Frog understands duality. This guy has a helluva memory and is an inspirational speaker. A true friend. No contest.
Greg-a-Bear's Never Lonely Turtle Lake Gang. Brave, courageous and bold. Long live their fame, and long live their story, and long may their story be told.
"Senior Moment in Progress". Notice it is written several times to help with senior moments. I've been having them since I was a senior in high school. Now I'm an Elder, so I do have Elder moments, but actually, they're kind of fun, 'cause lately I've felt like a senior. And I refuse to graduate. Just gonna stay in school and keep learning.
My brother's idea of humor. Is he carrying a scythe? Sigh.
Walt Disney's idea of humor. You know if Grumpy had gone in for a shot of T, why he'd not only not be a grumpy old man, but he'd have a few other side affects, and maybe Snow White wouldn't have been so snow white. Look it up.
Sittin' round the nook. What will the evening hold? Well, I see bread and wine. Perhaps it will be a religious experience.
A present is present on the table. What doth it hold, aye slippers, blue slippers so I don't go slippin' on the hardwood floors.
When one is a Scorpio, and it is your 65th birthday, well you just take advantage where you can. Need something to think about on lonely night writing a blog. Tell us about it Elvis.
Girls, big and brassy,
Girls, small and sassy,
Just give me one of each kind
I'm just a red blooded boy
And I can't stop thinkin' about
Girls! Girls! Girls! Girls!
It's so nice, it's worth doing twice. Tell me about 'em Brian.
The Mid-West farmer's daughters really make you feel alright
And the Northern girls with the way they kiss
They keep their boyfriends warm at night
Unfortunately, I have to share the girls with these boys. And they are all younger and in better shape, so I step lightly. But hey, they understand, and all men are alike right? Some women actually believe that. Obviously not enough experience.
The "Thinkers". You know, if ya gotta share, well I couldn't think of a better bunch of guys.
Rachelle explains the complexity of baking a pot pie, much to the undivided attention, interest, and well...amazement of Kristine.
Kristine says "who was that woman? She actually told me she takes before and after baking photos of pot pies for her blog readers." Well, that's just one of the most humorous things Kristine's heard all day, and believe me, in her grown-up job? She hears some pretty weird stories. Don't it seem like, kicks just keep getting harder to find? Not with my friends.
Dustin ponders why no one else seems to be aware of the camera, or of him.
Don't they all seem to be just a little off balance? Well I don't know why I came here tonight,I got the feeling that something ain't right, I'm so scared in case I fall off my chair, And I'm wondering how I'll get down the stairs.
Okay, time out. This all makes complete sense...if you don't really think about it. Confusion rains when confusion reigns. Okay, play ball and blow.
Okay, this guy is a little short of breath to begin with, and what do we have? Those darn trick candles. What do you suppose he wished for? Was he careful? Either way, will he get his wish? I think so, I have the advantage of hind sight, and what a sight it is.
"Better than sex cake". No, no one believed it, but the name got people to try it just to see. Why it's got chocolate, (something all women love) it's got crunchy heath chips, whipped cream, butterscotch permeating throughout. Really soft and moist. Sounds pretty sexy to me. It was tasty, didn't take a poll. My guess? Right up there, but not better.
Michael passes some "better than sex cake" to an unseen hand. Mike was the only guy we trusted with passing it around, as Mary was absent making it less dangerous for him. He got a shot of immunity before leaving home.
Yeah, okay better than sex eh? Guffaw. I don't think so, at least not the way I remember it...the cake I mean, after all it's been two months...without cake that is. Jeesh, I got to keep qualityfying myself.
Presented with presents. I open a box from my nephew, can't you tell how interested he is in the operation? And just what my feet needed, some fuzzy blue slippers. Barbara's attention is drawn, hoping it is something she can wear. So I bought her some fuzzy white ones for her birthday the end of December.
The closest I'll get to Harvard. the givers were surprised that I knew that latin on the logo, "Veritas". Truth. Former altar boys know latin. Verba volant, scripta manent, "words fly away, writings remain".
Now gather round cats and I'll tell ya a story about how to become an all American boy. Buy you a gui-tar and put in tune, you'll be a rockin' and a rollin' soon.
Normally, I don't like being the center of attention, unless it's under my own terms. Birthdays of course are not your own terms, but I didn't do too bad. Derrick is a student of psychology, and I'm just paranoid about what he's thinking here. Alex? Not so much.
A splendid time was guaranteed for all. Great friends, I love everyone of them. They make me happy. How lucky am I?
A different angle on the splendid time. And speaking of angle, what a catch, and Barb really helped.
Eating up the attention is me. Mike looks at me like that a lot. Probably thinking about me as inspiration for his next sermon.
Gregory always looking for excuses to shoot off fireworks. Barbara? One of his greatest fans and spurs him on. Pretty hair huh?
All come out to the deck overlooking the lake to watch the colorful works of fire. All were well behaved.
Ooooo, ahhhhhh
Ahhhh, ooooo
Derrick. Helloooooo. Oh well, in his work maybe this kind of stuff is old hat. But c'mon, yawning?
Aunt and nephew. Barbara explains to all present how she stole my chair. Has Alex moved yet?
Halloween, one week away to the day, tune into the next blog about witches hats and more. Anyway, a witches hat was floating around, and well...some just had to try it on for next week.Woo hoo witchy woman
See how high she flies
Woo hoo witchy woman
She got the moon in her eye
Rachelle took it a step further a photo or two ago, here Tonya takes it a step further in retaliation. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat she found.
I put a spell on you
Because you're mine.
You better stop
The things that you're doin'.
I said "Watch out!
I ain't lyin', yeah!
Sisters-in-law. Starting to wind down. Four or five guests have left at this point. Yup, a birthday to remember, unless of course I have a senior moment. Naw, friends and love, one does not forget. It's the only thing that stays. I am blessed that way.
Gregory shows the plans for the home he and Lizette are building in the Carmel area to some youngsters who will have to wait for such things for a couple more decades. I expect brother and wife will get the heck out of here next year and escape this snow and cold. Perhaps in a couple of years, when we are semi-retired, we shall travel to Monterey and escape the cold for a month or so. We have another brother Kenneth, who lives in the area too, so we might be less likely to wear out our welcome. It is a really pretty place they have designed, although a little more expensive than northern Minnesota.
Family. Nephew packs up on chow before heading back to his basement apartment. Mom and Dad, well aren't they great? Funny about young adults, they want to be independent, but they come home to wash the clothes, watch the big screen TV, and pick up a bag of groceries. And life goes on.
The last dog just about hung, and things slowin' down.
And I get to take the balloons home. I can't think of anyone outside of first degree of kindred I would have rather spent this most enjoyable birthday with. I love them all, and what's great?They all seem to love me too. I'm older, but I'm still not a grown-up. Don't plan to. Also promise not to ever write a blog this long again, but you know it's not every day you have an exceptional gathering such as this. Roll the credits and take us out Roy and Dale.Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here's a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again.
Happy trails to you,
Keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we'ere together?
Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you,
Til we meet again.
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4 comments:
Wonderful documentation of your very fun birthday party! Great pictures. I love the one you made sepia. As always, I enjoy reading your comments too. Lovely. Happy we made the cut and were invited. :o) And, I agree "elder" sounds so much nicer than "senior citizen". Then again, you're never growing up so it doesn't much matter.
Holy Hannah, that was one marathon post! But it was well worth it. I really love your blog. You do have a gift of making scenes come alive. It had the effect of sensing one was right there enjoying the party. From the food, wine, people, place, ambiance. And everything, I mean everything, seemed perfect.
One stupendous, memorable rite of passage. You are, indeed fortunate to have all these loving people in your life. The yoga teacher says 'you're only as young as your spine', but it's just another state of mind, really – youth. As a new young Elder, you can now impart great wisdom with authority, if you choose that responsibility. But it's ok not to thoroughly grow up, I s'pose. Being a man and them being what they are, it's possibly impossible anyway. (-; [I had a marathon comment, but decided out of respect for my elders, attempted brevity is best, tho' it's far too long already.] O.K. Last thought. If a person has a beneficial talent, it may behoove them to share it with the world. You are putting some of your talent out into the universe with this blog. I greatly thank you for sharing your wonderful life in your unique manner. In this frozen winter, like the beautiful flowers that Rachelle posted, your words and pictures have warmed the cockles of me heart........
a cricket on the hearth aka dorothy gale
1 tiny observation...we do loves the musical lyrics, they underscore nicely, always makes me start singing; only, where are all the women and their songs? Perpetual Students of the World want to know.
Ms. Gale,
I assert 'tis not preconception that keeps me from thinking of women and song when I write. Quite the contrary really. Rest assured I know that Ms. Leslie Gore was ahead of her time, and I knew it then. However, I will confess I have more songs written and sung by men than women in my iTunes library. None the less;
You tell me mistakes
Are part of being young (not grown up)
But that don't right
The wrong that's been done
I'm sorry
So sorry
Please accept my apology
But bloggin' is blind
And I was too blind to see
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Uh-oh
Oh, yes
Please check my response to Lookin' Out My Back Door.
OK, Brenda's cool. I won't say due diligence is done, but do feel some parity. No need for apology, didn't really feel you were slighting the fairer? sex; I too, seem to have more male vocalists in my collection; just the way things go I reckon. Was only wondering....Rock On!
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