Nothing is better than celebrating a birthday with an extended family and friends.
On a Christmas Day long ago, I recall playing whist with my maternal grandfather, my dad and uncle. Olaf was 92 and slowed a bit by small strokes in recent months, but he was still sharp enough to question my invites. He passed on New Years Day 1970. I’m convinced that he would still be with us today if he had just abstained from Copenhagen chewing tobacco
I, however, when I dress up I look like an absent-minded professor, lost in the campus, looking for the faculty lounge. In fact I could pass as a respected ornithorynchologist, jet-lagged from a recent trip from Down Under, studying them in their natural habitat. All of which is fiction, it good fiction.
Recently, a young beautiful woman held the door open for me, with a look of great concern on her face. I first thought “hot-diggity I’ve still got it.” But upon reflection I knew it was “let me help this geezer before he collapses on me.” And I ain’t 60 yet.
During the time of her Centennial, my now 103 YO, going on 104, Aunt determined that she also didn't care for the Birthday term! So now, I also refer to it as the Day of Nativity!!! :-)
What makes delight? When it comes to comedy, I’d say “The Unexpected!” One of my all-time favorites, whicht I saw performed somewhere in Colorado, I think, was about Kyle – he was on a sail/kite being towed by a boat across Lake Woebegone. Our Host sat there on stage, looking up in the air and pointing to Kyle’s progress – and, By Jiminy! The monologue was so real; I could almost see Kyle up there myself! The delivery was so sincere, it seemed as if it were actually happening, Then and There! So, I guess, in addition to “the Unexpected,” I’d add “a sense of inclusion.”
Suddenly now my mind switches scenes, and “Mom” is doing her “put down” thing on “Duane”. Oh, how I suffered as Duane! I didn’t find those episodes funny at all. Hearing those Memories of my own Childhood Days in the Dungeon hurt so, the skits reminded me once again to be kind and thoughtful to my own daughters. I wonder? Was “Mom” – the skit, Sue Scott’s idea? It seems to be inconsistent, coming from the author of “Cheerfulness!”
Happy 81st Birthday, Garrison. I'll be 83 in Nov. out ahead of you. Sounds like your 81st was more enjoyable than mine. I got my 3rd pacemaker a few days before my 81st Birthday (we're both doing fine, thanks).
Although not in your league, I'm somewhat of an essayist myself. I recently wrote an essay musing on the cycles we go through (especially me) in climbing and descending stairs (at least I hope we in our dotage won't go downstairs crawling backwards like we taught our kids). I usually climbed stairs two at a time (couldn't do that at school, the stair guards would ding you). That ceased in my 30s. As a non-jock my claim to fame was climbing 6 flights of stairs as fast I could for a High School physics experiment and generated 1/3 of a classic horsepower.
I was lucky enough to be at that performance on Monday, and it was truly wonderful! The audience was enthralled with all of your stories and how nimbly you leaked from one to the next, making us laugh--and even getting us all on our feet singing a medley of songs. You even taught us a blues number! I must admit that I teared up a little when we all sang “My Country ‘‘Tis of Thee.” Thank you for your message that your travels have shown you that we are all still Americans who basically share a love of our country despite all the talk of our divisiveness. It was a pleasure to spend your 81st birthday with you! Wishing you many more!
As a "wanderer" myself, I can't say enough about the way Our Fantastic Host "Gets Out and Goes!" It's really so very important to be out there with the "grass roots!" If you're in my age range, perhaps you remember Jack Benny. From what I gather, he seldom left his home in Beverly Hills. Do you remember his line about having his horde in his basement, and an alligator or some such there to guard it? His comedy was "Inward Looking", whereas APHC goes back to roots in a cemetery in the Midwest, and encompasses not only the whole USA, but foreign visits too! That huge scope of a World View is something I treasure in his show!
Spent the entire time I was reading this messaging with my daughter about music from my era. The kid, 55 years old ) { we found out what caused it and didn't do that, anymore}, is a walking talking encyclopaedia of music from rock and roll to , I'd guess, hip-hop. We mostly communicate over the web cuz we don't visit one another very often. I could feel the love for your daughter because I am the same way with mine. We needn't say it cuz we're both aware.
I was born on my dad’s 67th birthday. He died when I was 15 and really needed him. Your daughter is most fortunate and I hope she will have you for years to come.
Happy Birthday, Garrison!
Nothing is better than celebrating a birthday with an extended family and friends.
On a Christmas Day long ago, I recall playing whist with my maternal grandfather, my dad and uncle. Olaf was 92 and slowed a bit by small strokes in recent months, but he was still sharp enough to question my invites. He passed on New Years Day 1970. I’m convinced that he would still be with us today if he had just abstained from Copenhagen chewing tobacco
Many Happy Returns for last Monday!
Wonderful reflection. My daughter makes me feel the same way. What a gift!
Keep agoin' the way you're agoin'.
especially nice one, old man. Im 3 years down the line from you and it's still pretty good. (EXcept for the parts that aren't.)
Love the tribal beat you set and we find ourselves dancing to. Happy birthday you old Garrison, and many more! 🥂
I, however, when I dress up I look like an absent-minded professor, lost in the campus, looking for the faculty lounge. In fact I could pass as a respected ornithorynchologist, jet-lagged from a recent trip from Down Under, studying them in their natural habitat. All of which is fiction, it good fiction.
Recently, a young beautiful woman held the door open for me, with a look of great concern on her face. I first thought “hot-diggity I’ve still got it.” But upon reflection I knew it was “let me help this geezer before he collapses on me.” And I ain’t 60 yet.
I feel you. Keep ‘em coming.
Thank you. You gave us a happy everyday!
I hate the birthday song and I hope you have a delightful day.
During the time of her Centennial, my now 103 YO, going on 104, Aunt determined that she also didn't care for the Birthday term! So now, I also refer to it as the Day of Nativity!!! :-)
Or, rather, the Anniversary thereof!
I love it! God bless and your family. Actually, it seems He already has!
Much appreciated by this 83-year-old!
What makes delight? When it comes to comedy, I’d say “The Unexpected!” One of my all-time favorites, whicht I saw performed somewhere in Colorado, I think, was about Kyle – he was on a sail/kite being towed by a boat across Lake Woebegone. Our Host sat there on stage, looking up in the air and pointing to Kyle’s progress – and, By Jiminy! The monologue was so real; I could almost see Kyle up there myself! The delivery was so sincere, it seemed as if it were actually happening, Then and There! So, I guess, in addition to “the Unexpected,” I’d add “a sense of inclusion.”
Suddenly now my mind switches scenes, and “Mom” is doing her “put down” thing on “Duane”. Oh, how I suffered as Duane! I didn’t find those episodes funny at all. Hearing those Memories of my own Childhood Days in the Dungeon hurt so, the skits reminded me once again to be kind and thoughtful to my own daughters. I wonder? Was “Mom” – the skit, Sue Scott’s idea? It seems to be inconsistent, coming from the author of “Cheerfulness!”
Happy 81st Birthday, Garrison. I'll be 83 in Nov. out ahead of you. Sounds like your 81st was more enjoyable than mine. I got my 3rd pacemaker a few days before my 81st Birthday (we're both doing fine, thanks).
Although not in your league, I'm somewhat of an essayist myself. I recently wrote an essay musing on the cycles we go through (especially me) in climbing and descending stairs (at least I hope we in our dotage won't go downstairs crawling backwards like we taught our kids). I usually climbed stairs two at a time (couldn't do that at school, the stair guards would ding you). That ceased in my 30s. As a non-jock my claim to fame was climbing 6 flights of stairs as fast I could for a High School physics experiment and generated 1/3 of a classic horsepower.
I was lucky enough to be at that performance on Monday, and it was truly wonderful! The audience was enthralled with all of your stories and how nimbly you leaked from one to the next, making us laugh--and even getting us all on our feet singing a medley of songs. You even taught us a blues number! I must admit that I teared up a little when we all sang “My Country ‘‘Tis of Thee.” Thank you for your message that your travels have shown you that we are all still Americans who basically share a love of our country despite all the talk of our divisiveness. It was a pleasure to spend your 81st birthday with you! Wishing you many more!
As a "wanderer" myself, I can't say enough about the way Our Fantastic Host "Gets Out and Goes!" It's really so very important to be out there with the "grass roots!" If you're in my age range, perhaps you remember Jack Benny. From what I gather, he seldom left his home in Beverly Hills. Do you remember his line about having his horde in his basement, and an alligator or some such there to guard it? His comedy was "Inward Looking", whereas APHC goes back to roots in a cemetery in the Midwest, and encompasses not only the whole USA, but foreign visits too! That huge scope of a World View is something I treasure in his show!
Spent the entire time I was reading this messaging with my daughter about music from my era. The kid, 55 years old ) { we found out what caused it and didn't do that, anymore}, is a walking talking encyclopaedia of music from rock and roll to , I'd guess, hip-hop. We mostly communicate over the web cuz we don't visit one another very often. I could feel the love for your daughter because I am the same way with mine. We needn't say it cuz we're both aware.
I was born on my dad’s 67th birthday. He died when I was 15 and really needed him. Your daughter is most fortunate and I hope she will have you for years to come.