Five-Oh

I’m old enough now that I feel the need to point out the title of this post, at one time, would have been associated with Hawaii, a giant crashing wave and the phrase “Book’m Dano”. Not this time.

I turned 50 yesterday. If people hadn’t been making such a fuss I probably would not have noticed. It seems there is quite a bit of obligation that comes with 50. You’re obliged to relate to anyone who asks what it is like to turn 50. Like there is some sort of major life-shift that occurs, as if you’ve just passed through a tear in the space-time continuum or came back to life after being dead for five minutes. Personally, for me, it feels kind of like passing good wind, I actually feel pretty good, almost refreshed. All things considered, it’s not at all what I thought it might be.

More and Less

I have less hair than I thought I’d have at this stage. Although, I probably shouldn’t be surprised, dear ‘old Dad had even less at my age so I won’t complain too much. I need less sleep than I used to, though I always try to sleep more. I eat less than I did as a younger man, and as a result I weigh less than I probably ever have. Which is a good thing considering the health effects of a bulbous body. I have more aches and pains, mostly from my worn out elbows and shoulders. I’m far more financially secure than I thought I’d ever be at this age, and that is in no small part thanks to my lovely bride. I‘m much more happy with myself and who I am, although, I still catch myself second guessing some choices I make (you know, paper or plastic, soup or salad, Just For Men or natural). Things are more or less right where I’d like them to be.

Times They Are A-Changin

My first birthday. Fifty year later and I still had the same dazed look.

In the Sixty-first year of the Twentieth Century things were very different. TV was black and white then, and the device itself came in the form of a piece of furniture containing a large, heavy glass tube with many other small glass tubes. The country had just embarked on the space race and a great many Doctors and health professional smoked. It was a different world then. My earliest memory is running three doors down Johnson Street, where we lived in Healdsburg, to the then General Hospital with nothing on but shorts and a towel for a cape to play under the giant Magnolias on the lawn. I think I was four then. I don’t much run around with a towel as a cape anymore, much.

A future 'Foodie'. I still to this day like to immerse myself in the food I eat.

Team Lively

I met the love of my life when I was 28 and mostly willingly (but occasionally kicking and screaming) I’ve become a husband, a partner and the biggest fan of a woman named Gail. Finding someone with whom to share your life can only be good, and I really don’t get the big hang-up about gender. More love and happiness in the world is a good thing, regardless the gender of the person with whom one may find that. The Lovely Gail put together a very nice celebration of my fiftieth birthday last night. Some good friends and wonderful people came by to look on as one might for a tragic car accident. It was a scene mixed with support, encouragement, curious amusement and detached horror. I will remember this event for the remainder of my years. Only a teammate can, or would, inflict such trauma. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I’m so glad we’re on the same team.

Below are some pictures of the carnage, enjoy.

The Birthday boy trying to look nonchalant.

The Lovely Gail and our dear friend Lauren chatting it up in the kitchen

Friends Len and David enjoying the festivities.

Friends Rebecca and Carolyn tasting the various foods and wines.

Don getting animated and Glenn devising an exit plan.

The Lovely Gail the night before. Up to her eyeballs in flour and frosting.

I totally scored on Birthday cards this year!

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