Life is certainly full of surprises, not the least of which is my living to the age of 77. I’ve written before about the pathetic lack of longevity for the men in my family. Suffice it to say, I never expected to reach this milestone and certainly not in the relatively good shape in which I find myself. I am truly blessed.
As I contemplate some of the things that have happened in my life, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
Foremost among them, family. An enduring marriage to a loving wife, two wonderful children and two adorable granddaughters all of whom totally own my heart.
A university education which allowed me to explore the promise of my gifts and blossom into young man.
An opportunity to dutifully serve my country.
A successful career to share with and support those I cherish.
All my extended family and good friends who totally adore me. (Thank you, Bernice, for pointing out this glaring omission on my original post.)
Chances to travel to so many parts of the world, as well as extensively in my home country, the United States of America.
Good health along the way.
And last but not least, a rewarding retirement in an aqua-filled paradise.
According to actuarial tables at the time, a white male born in 1943 had a life expectancy of 63.2 years. So I guess you could say I’ve been playing with house money for well over a decade now.
Like I said…..amazing!
P.S. Anyone want to buy an obsolete hat? I no longer belong to this group.
The Cvillean 
Sorry I missed this but you’ve lived a very blessed life which has been thoroughly well deserved. It was a pleasure to meet you a few years ago . A glass shall be raised, even if I am slightly late for the occasion !!
Could you hear the clink of my glass from over there?
Happy birthday, and you are indeed fortunate/lucky/blessed to get to that age, not to mention being surrounded by loved ones. Wishing you many more healthy returns.
Thank you for your comment and for visiting my site.
It was an unexpected and happy moment to be invited upon the lawn of which you sat for your 77th birthday. Lovely to see you and you’re wife looking so well preserved and relaxed. Love being your neighbor, Neighbor.
Jo
Thank you for that very kind comment. Jo. You and Dan are pretty wonderful neighbors yourselves!
Happy Birthday my friend! Wishing you the very best of health in the coming years, we’d like to have you around for a wee while yet😉💕🎉
Thank you, Lynn. It’s been a hoot so far!
Happy Birthday… love your positive comments and that is a great photo! Whatever you are doing… keep doing it! jfh
Thank you for the kind comment, Janet.
Happy Birthday, Al! I hope you enjoyed some celebrations!
Looking super well 🙂
Best of wishes from Madrid.
Actually, the celebration went on for 3 days! I was glad when it was finally over. Thank you for the well wishes, Carly.
Happy Birthday!
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”
– Satchel Paige –
Well, I act like a spoiled brat most of the time, does that count?
Happy Birthday, Al. I pray there are many more for you. As for the hat, well, I’m a NY fan so any team wear from Philly should be tossed..:) Stay well!!!
Thanks, George. I’ve decided to save the hat for my wife, she turns 76 in 3 months. The perfect hand-me-down.
Happy birthday you wonderful man! And here’s to many more. Life is indeed good. I think having the good positive attitude that you do goes a long way in increasing longevity. And a good sense of humor, which I know you have. Keep it up.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Thank you so much, Patricia. You have been very tolerant of my sense of humor. Not everybody gets me. I’m glad to have met you (cyberly speaking) and enjoy all of your posts immensely. In fact I’m on my way over to read your Monday post. See ya there……
Happy Birthday, my Bro. You are a special soul and looking grand. ❤ I hope you had a good birthday and much love is flowing to you both. ❤ xXx
And love back to you, as always, sis.
Happy Birthday! You sound like one very grateful youngster!
I absolutely am! Thanks, Linda.
Happy Birthday, Al. I hope you have had a wonderful day.
Thank you, Diane.
Sweet post Al, Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Tricia.
Happy birthday, Al..Don’t forget to be thankful for a few good friends who adore you!
Absolutely, Bernice. See my updated post.
Well done, Al. It’s the English teacher in me who wishes to kindly suggest improvements to student writings.
Well done Al – I’m quite certain your lovely wife had something to do with helping you make it to 77. I’m sending you birthday greetings and fond wishes for a wonderful year and many more to come. Hugs from Your slightly older ….slightly older!!!…. and long ago friend. Jeri
Thank you, Jeri, and you are so right! As for the age difference. I guess I’ll always be that young whippersnapper, Al to you hmmm….?
Well Al, I gotcha beat by 3 years and holding. I too can count myself as thankful for the life I had and have today. As a friend of my was fond of saying “don’t sweat the petty stuff, and don’t pet the sweaty stuff”. There’s a moral there somewhere.
Love that axiom, oldmainer. Certainly words to live by!
Lookin’ good!
Time for that new eyeglass prescription, Dorann, but thank you anyway.