Old Fools Journal: Dickmas

or My Birthday

One of my neighbors youngest daughters has the same birthday as myself (March 5) and she invited me to come celebrate it on Saturday March third. The birthday girl is a lovely child and is five years old today. When I arrived this is what I was presented. Was I surprised? I can't say I was surprised because she ask a lot questions in a conversation that made me suspicious besides I already knew she was that kind of thoughtful person. Her blog is here. Now I would have been surprised if the cake had 73 lit candles on it. The fire department would have been surprise as well and would probably think that poor judgement was used. The last time I tried that was SWMBO's (she who must be obeyed) 65th. Sixty five candles put out a lot of heat and which was melting the cake.

I don't get out much and I am not comfortable in a crowd which I define as more than three people but I was immediately put at ease by my gracious hostess and host. That is the second time I have visited that family and they make me feel comfortable somehow and I can't put my finger on it. I think I have some new friends.  I don't think I did anything that was socially unacceptable and I was the last to leave so I adapted to the situation I guess. I passed an enjoyable time but when I got home I collapsed into the bed exhausted.

I haven't had a lot of practice at visiting people's home as this is the only family that has invited me into their home in 19 years. The key word here is invited.

The cake was delicious.

1980 something China made for the American market Raleigh. Sturmey Archer 3 spd

As if the cake wasn't enough this was the bonus. It was Jack Russell's (grandfather to the birthday girl) who did what all of us will do eventually and passed last year. I only met him once but I was looking forward to knowing another old fart that I could stand to be around. If our first meeting was an indication of things to come we would have passed a good time. I don't know anything about Raleigh's but I'm about to find out.
Good grief, birthdays sure come around fast. Einstein was right about time being relative. It is for me in this universe at least  . Seventy three times I've made it around ole' Sol. Each one is quicker and I seem to be picking up speed. I think that those that are older can relate to that.

 I have to say not much has changed except myself of course and that is all I can account for. I got older but I can't say whether I am wiser or not. I did get smarter but then even a fool can get smarter.  I'm working on getting wiser but it's slow going and I know that the second I think I am wise I will do something unwise to put me in my place. It's probably caused by the Irish blood of which I am proud. I may not be so wise but at least I'm housebroke.

I started this day as I always do on my birthday by thinking of Mom and punishing myself for not being a more attentive son.  I see a lot of examples around me to make me appreciate our relationship. We never had cross words, oh she scolded me when I was a child but that was her job and without her guidance I don't believe my life would have been so happy. When I became an adult she treated me like an adult but I knew that I was still her little boy. I made her cry once and I'm going to have to carry that guilt to my grave.

I get that out of the way early then get on with living. Thanks Mom. I was laying awake at 0245 the hour of my birth this morning. Now that was spooky.

I usually buy myself a present but this year I haven't. I really want a scythe but that is a homestead tool and is usually included in maintenance cost. I think I'll save my money until I find one.  They are kind of scarce.  Oh yeah, I know what they are all about, I have had them before and I am proficient. I just know that someone wants to lecture me about this.

I'd like a stack of lumber too and some grass hay or straw for mulch. Oh well, "wish in one hand and spit in the other and see which one gets full first" as Pop used to say.

We planted the Avocado tree I started from seed on "Dickmas Eve". I had an good time working with SWMBO in the garden. It doesn't always go that way as we disagree on nearly everything. It keeps me in line as I am often wrong. She makes me think about everything I do. Like most males I sometimes do things without thinking them out first. That's how my arm got banged up.

We received a package from Michigan Bulb Saturday of  things that need planting right away so today I'm off to bring home some soil to mix with this clay we live on.

A man made of dirt working in dirt to celebrate a birthday. I wonder what the"space Aliens" think about that.