All I want for Christmas is...

Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be! ♥

Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one
God bless our love
God bless our love
Grow old along with me
Two branches of one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love
Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end
Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true
God bless our love
God bless our love - John Lennon 

As sons and daughters who loved their parents and wanted to honor them in a special way, we performed that song for my parents' 50th anniversary party.
We made a recording in my brother Mark's music studio and each sibling had their own solo part to sing.   It is a day I will cherish forever.
I can't listen to that music without tears blinding my eyes.

 birthday presents in 1952

I spent so many happy birthdays with my incredible family. I  wrap those memories around me, like a blanket, to comfort me when I am sad or lonely.
When I look back at those days, it sometimes seems just a shadow of a dream... but I cling to every detail.
The special birthday guest of honor was allowed to pick out his or her "favorite meal"- which usually consisted of sloppy Joe's or hot dogs and beans in the early days but evolved into a more sophisticated menu with time.
If  Mom were alive today, I would order up beef roll ups (with bacon and onions) and a mountain of mashed potatoes and gravy!  And I would choose the chocolate banana cake with her one of a kind creamy icing- the likes of which only my Mom could produce.

I got my "mommy cake" (thanks, Beth!)

This Friday, November 16th, I will turn 63 years old.  How did I get so old,  so fast?
In terms of longevity, I have been blessed with more years than many of my friends and relatives.
I have sailed the seven seas and visited most of the major capitals of the world.
I witnessed the changing of the guard in London's Buckingham Palace, viewed the Mona Lisa in Paris and explored Michelangelo's Sistine chapel in Rome.
I rode a camel at the pyramids of Egypt, stood in the place where Jesus was born and died in Jerusalem and sipped Ouzo in the islands of Greece.
With my own eyes, I have seen the Beatles (twice), Elizabeth Taylor, John F. Kennedy and Mr. Spock...and many other  rich and famous people from my time and generation.  I was lucky to have been in the right place at the right time.  It was a kinder and gentler world with security not such a high priority.
I worked in my chosen profession for over 40 years, which afforded me the privilege of owning two homes and 9 new cars.
I have experienced the unconditional love of  family and the support of loyal friends.
And I have the peace of understanding and the knowledge that when I die, I will be reunited with all my loved ones.

60 years ago

See George, you really had a wonderful life. - Clarance Oddbody

Yes, what a wonderful life I have had, indeed!

People shop for a bathing suit with more care than they do a husband or wife. The rules are the same. Look for something you'll feel comfortable wearing. Allow for room to grow.   Erma Bombeck

Big Girl Suits

an original poem by me!

Three new bathing suits
lying on my bed
I had to buy a bigger size

Back in the 70's

because I'm overfed.

I pulled the waists together
to make them look so tiny
but do not fear or mock me, dear,
they'll stretch to fit my hiney!

I got them cheap, so do not weep
an end of season sale
Al tho despite the "black and white"
doth make me look a whale!

But one day soon, perhaps by June,
my bathing suits will be
since I'll be trim, thanks to my gym
a distant memory.