Thursday, October 31, 2024

63? I don’t feel a day over 62 (not a whole day, that is)

I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to everyone and say thank you for all the good birthday wishes.  Today I officially turned 63 years old.  I’m a little bummed that I can’t be doing what I did last year, celebrating my birthday at the senior center at their big annual Halloween party, but I’m still waiting to make a full recovery from this long covid.

I’m not complaining though, things could be worse.  My dad died 24 years ago at age 63, after a long battle with cancer.  I remember someone at the office expressing their sympathy and saying at least he lived a good, long life.  I wasn’t buying it then, I’m certainly not buying it now.  I feel like I’m just getting started. 

Anyway, I really am grateful for the people in my life.  Family and old classmates and the very kind people who visit my blog.  And of course, the ornery group of characters below, the folks at that senior center I’m always going on about.   This really made my day.

Happy Halloween, Everybody.

41 comments:

  1. Happy birthday Doug.
    I’m sorry that I didn’t know when your birthday was, but I do now.
    I hope you pass your dad by many years – you should because you’re still a young whippersnapper (I don’t think I’ve ever heard of an old whippersnapper).
    My dad died at 83. I still have 4 years to go to catch up to him.

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    1. Thank you Peter. I hope you’re around for a lot longer too. 🙂

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  2. Happy Birthday - keep on keeping on. My Mom died at 74, I'm 82 so far so good. I think the odds are on our side. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Celia, and I hope you're continuing to do better!

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  3. Happy, Happy Birthday, my friend! 63 is not a long life; there should be many more adventures to go. May they all be happy ones! One of my cousins just died at barely 66 and that's also way too young. Hoping for year filled with improving health, Doug! xoxo

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    1. Margaret, you're very sweet--thank you my friend.

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  4. Well, Happy Birthday Dug! Sorry you aren't up to celebrating at the Senior Center, but perhaps you will be soon. I certainly hope so. And yes, 63 is young. Next year is the big 8-0 for DH and me... (and that is 'old'). But we're lucky to have gotten this far, so no complaints. Take care of yourself and know your friends (Senior Center and online) miss you.

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    1. Thanks very much Rian, gosh I can't imagine making it to 80 but if I do I certainly hope I'm as young at heart as you are. :^)

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  5. Happy birthday to you. A good day. My older brother's birthday was today. My younger's was April 1. Every day is a good birthday day.

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    1. Nicely said, thank you Joanne. Did you notice I have your sewing work on my table? I really like that red towel.

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  6. Happy Birthday Doug! I sure wish you were feeling better for your special day. It may be a slow road but you'll get there, I have no doubt. Think positive and live one day at a time. Small steps will lead to bigger ones!
    My mother died at 66 and I have to tell you that did stay in the back of my mind the year I was 66. Don't let that happen to you because it can just pull you down. You are and will continue to improve! Sending you good thoughts!

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    1. Bonnie, I always get so much from your comments. Thank you so much. You and Tom are in my nightly prayers.

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  7. The Celtic festival of Samhein is from sunset Oct 31st to sunset nov 1st. It is celebrating the end of the harvest and preparing for winter. My birthday is nov 1st and I just recently learned about this. An interesting way to reflect on our birthdays. Happy belated birthday. May your have many more in good health


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    1. How cool! Thank you Donna, and Happy Birthday to you too!

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  8. Keep forgetting that your birthday falls on Halloween. Anyway, Happy Birthday Doug!!! Looks like you are still the senior center's youngster. Ha!

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    1. Haha I don't feel like a youngster, but thank you Florence!

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  9. Happy birthday, old man! I can only say that because I'm almost two decades older.

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    1. Haha thank you DJan--well, I only wish I had half the get-up--and-go you do. :^)

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  10. You know, you dragged your feet a bit when it came to going to the senior center. I smile to think how important that bunch of people has come to be to you. I can't wait until you're back with the whole gang again, as well. Happy belated birthday. Only one day when I typed these words, probably a couple weeks late by the time you find them. I have NO idea why it works like that!

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    1. Debby, this was so sweet thank you very much. And will wonders never cease? Your comment is here, same day! I don't get it, but I'm glad. :^)

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  11. Happy birthday, Doug! I was 63 once. In January, I'll turn 79.

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    1. Thank you Gigi--well, you make me feel young! PS. I am hoping to talk to you soon, as soon as I recover from this long covid I need to look into dental implants and I know you've been there. :^)

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  12. Happy Halloween Birthday! My brother is a Halloween baby too. Or should I say little monster? I am hoping that by next birthday you will be having a big celebration at the senior center. And I still curse this awful virus.

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    1. Thank you Miss Merry (and that's cool about your brother). We should start a club :^) As for this long covid, please curse away--I am too.

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  13. Happy belated birthday Doug,
    Here's hoping that next year you'll be able to celebrate your day with your friends at the center.

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  14. 63 used to be a pretty long life, but not anymore. 73 is the new 63 . . . anyhooo, happy birthday!

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    1. Thank you Tom, and I very much hope I'm still around to see that new 63! :^)

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  15. Hi Doug I’m glad you enjoyed your card. This should make you feel better .. . I’m 10 years older than you😂😂

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    1. Thank you Mary, you wear those 10 years well. 🙂

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  16. Happy week after your birthday, Doug! You sound more upbeat, hope the trend continues.
    Ceci

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    1. Thank you Ceci... to be honest I get 1-2 good days, then these relapses that last 4-5 days. I'm worn out.

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  17. Happy Birthday Doug
    Siobhan

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  18. Doug, Happy Belated Birthday! Hope next year you can have a big party at the Senior Centre!❤️❤️
    Robin

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  19. So, you were a Halloween Baby? Happy Belated Birthday.

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    1. I got a lot of interesting cakes through the years--thank you Bohemian.

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  20. Doug, to me you’re just a youngster. Happy belated “bird dew” … Yeah, I got that from your very nice card from the fellow seniors. 😊 I want to add wishes for a full recovery from the long covid you’ve been dealing with. COVID is tough but APACHEDUG is stronger! Take care Doug! John

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    1. This was very kind of you, thanks John. I sure don't feel like a youngster! Still wrestling with this long covid, painful relapses every few days. Hoping better days are ahead, for both of us my friend. 🙂

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  21. I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination---spiritual, yes, but not religious---but if I had found that book of prayers for men just after your experience the night before I would have felt like the universe was sending me a message.

    I love the idea of a 'free table' in an apartment house. If I thought the management here would go for it I'd suggest it but it took us several months to get them to allow a community jigsaw puzzle. They didn't think it was good for marketing.

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