Another year, another birthday. I’m not a “birthday” kinda guy. I don’t like the attention and would prefer that it passed quietly and unnoticed. This year I was feeling extra-curmudgeonly and spent the day avoiding most everyone, which is almost impossible, because I have the most wonderful family in the world and they know right where to find me. I usually get through the day by reflecting on the past and thinking of what I can do to improve things going forward.

Despite my shortfalls, I know that I’m truly loved by my family. I spent the afternoon examining the details of our past and how amazing it has been. I thought about my little “quirks” as I poured through a lifetime of saved pictures. My life is wonderful because my family is wonderful. Our biggest blessing? A gloriously twisted sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves. When we get together, decorum, manners and sanity, all get left at the door.

After looking through the pictures, I’m left with one thought; Who AM I and what the hell have I done to the kids…🤔

Me spending some quiet time with my favorite Slippers

…and then there was that one Halloween

And that awesome sale on cold weather gear

Apparently, I’m told I know way too much about chickens…

at least I’m setting a good example for the Grandkids…

We like to pick a theme for Thanksgiving, maybe Pilgrims or …

Thugs?

Last Thanksgiving we all made shirts with Fruit loop patches…

and oddly, needles terrify me, seriously

I also cry like a little girl at weddings, ok, my daughter’s weddings…

My Grandmother, Sister and Nephew came over for a visit. A Christmas card in the making…

and then there was Austria. I just couldn’t get the Sound of Music out of my head

I am the luckiest guy in the world to be a part of this glorious troupe. Something strange happens to normal people when they cross our threshold. They smile and then head for the kitchen.