remembering 3/3/4

March 3, 2004 was a busy busy day.

My old computer had become hopelessly bogged down and clogged. I had painstakingly researched the competing computer sellers. I had narrowed my choices to a list of stores and a list of 'must haves' for the next computer including which options and programs were vital to my needs. March 3rd was the day the computer would be purchased. It wasn't a magical day. It wasn't a check coming in the mail day. It was just the day we chose.

Then, my oldest daughter called. Her hubby was having surgery that day and needed to be transported. The surgery was outpatient. As I recall, it was a throat thing. So, we are to pick up Adam and take him to the surgery center, then go find a computer, then pick Adam back up, transport him home, and then go home and do all the hook-up. Simple.

The day progresses. Adam is transported one direction. Jubilation has turned to frustration as store after store cannot produce what they said they had on the phone. Finally, we find a place (Circuit City) that has more than we need for less than we expected to pay. Computer purchased.

All that is left in the home transportation for Adam, or so we thought.

Son-in-law #2 calls and Chas is delivering her first born. So now, it is load new computer, grab Adam, and head to the hospital to see Chas and the newest grandbaby. Like I said, a busy day.

The day ended with a better talking son-in-law, a better working computer, and the precious gift of Ian.

Happy Birthday, somewhat belated, Ian.
His party is this afternoon. I am sure pictures will follow.

Birthday Visit

Today is Carol's 77th birthday. We visited her at the nursing home.

You are looking at 4 generations .. Top: TJ, middle: Chella, Carol, Sierra .. and then Cloe.

























Here are Cloe and Carol. (Great granddaughter and Great grandmother)
Cloe is looking at Carol as if to say, "I will take care of you."

The Grandkid Anniversary

I am not sure which anniversary the fifth one is, exactly. You know, there is the golden anniversary, the diamond anniversary, the paper anniversary, the china anniversary, and all the other ones. I did check and the fifth anniversary is the wood anniversary, according to one site.

According to Wikipedia, the first anniversary is traditionally paper and modernly clocks. Hmmm, I am thinking with lots of first year couples it is divorce papers or the little clock attached to the bomb under the car, LOL.

Accordingly, the second year anniversary for the survivors is traditionally cotton and modernly china. Yeah, nothing says the honeymoon is over quite like the gift of a new cotton flannel nightgown.

Again, according to Wikipedia, the third anniversary gifts are leather traditionally and glass modernly. I am quite sure I didn’t give TJ anything leather for our anniversary, although, there are several interesting leather things around the house. Somewhere, there is even a leather rose.

Now, the fourth year anniversary gifts are linens or silk traditionally and appliances modernly. I have bought TJ several silk things. I don’t recall if one of them was for our anniversary last year, but it is possible.

This brings us to the anniversary of today, numero cinco. It is, as I said the wood anniversary. Modernly it is the silverware anniversary. We haven’t bought anything for this anniversary as of yet. However, this afternoon, my daughters are getting together to celebrate my youngest daughters 21st birthday (yesterday) and it appears it is going to be a libationary one. My oldest, (the one that remembered to call me on my birthday one week ago,) asked me if we could watch her children. That would be three precious angels, (sometimes equally referred to as demons.) we agreed. Then, Tammy’s oldest asked if we could watch her 15 month old angel/demon while she tried to catch up on some rest. Of course we agreed.

So, it appears that the fifth wedding anniversary is going to be the grandkid anniversary. Or, as I like to call it, grandpa locked in his room while grandma pulls out her hair. Oh, the fun we will have.

the big FIVE-ONE

yeah, I know. Not impressive, but it sure beats the alternative.

My 51st birthday has come and gone without much fuss. That was by choice, mostly. I did ask Tammy that there be no party. I wanted a quiet day. I didn't want a houseful of guests that we would have to clean up after. I just wanted a peaceful day. I got it.

I was out early to go pick up a cell phone for the evangelist preaching revival at the church. He is a good friend of many years. He liked my phone. I called my connection and got him one at a 64% savings. I drove to Richmond to pick it up. i did that first thing in the morning. I wake up early usually, so, while most everyone else slumbered, I drove.

Tammy asks me every year what I want for my birthday. She says I am very hard to buy for. This goes back to my dad. Dad was the same way. If he needed it, he bought it. If he wanted it, he bought it. If he wanted it but couldn't afford it, you probably couldn't afford it either. Add to that, that whatever you got him, he was going to love because you got it for him. So, you never knew if you finally got him something he wanted, needed, or just loved.

I am quite similar. If I need it, I get it. (There is one exception .. wiper blades .. I don't know why.) If i want it, I most likely have it already. If you ask me what I want, I will tell you that I want nothing. She says it is very frustrating. I accept that, and am trying to do better about telling those that ask what I want for my birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc.

Here is the short list of always acceptable gifts for me:

Socks (you can never have too many)

Pull over three button shirts (name brand not required)

Cash (all denominations accepted)

Wiper blades (again .. I don't know why)
Underwear (of course, who wants to give the gift of underwear .. creepy)
Gift certificates to restaurants (I'll eat anywhere)

Other than that, you are on your own.

Of course, my birthday is now over, so you are in the clear.

Oh yeah, I did tell Tammy one thing I wanted. I want a shutter release cable for my Canon camera. So I can have it on the tripod and snap the picture without touching the camera and shaking it, creating a blurred effect. The closest place carrying such an item is in Lexington, some 35 miles away. She wanted to go on Saturday to get it but was exhausted from her 100 mile trip to see Chris. I told her we would be in town this week one day, and we would stop and get it. She said, "But, it won't be on your birthday." I assured her that i would still know it was a birthday gift and would be just as excited and appreciative. She also wanted to cook me a special dinner, but was unable due to the worn out thing and revival services that evening. Same thing, I told her to do it on another night. Same story, won't be my birthday. Sheesh, I will still know. LOL.

So, there were calls from family, cards, well wishes, the singing of the birthday song, and some peace. It was a grand 51st.

One more day to go

Tomorrow is the day.

October 4th, 51 years ago, a bundle of joy came into the lives of Ron and Trudy. I was the 3rd of 6 kids. 18,626 days later, I am standing on the cusp of being 51 years old. I am surrounded by people that love me. I have a great family. My brother and sisters, my children, Tammy's children, keep me covered in love. It is a good life.

I cant think of a better way to turn 51. No hooplah, no parade, just a quiet day filled with love and well wishes. (did you hear that, Honey? No party ?)