Another Birthday

Interstate 86 in the West lies entirely within the state of Idaho.  It basically replaces old US 30.  It runs from I-15 just north of Pocatello westward 63 miles to connect with I-84.  I have never been on I-86 but I have driven US 30 across that stretch many times in another era.

So I personally am no longer 30, far from it, for today I am 86.  86,  "would you believe…"

Well, then you ARE old, Someone said.   "I asked you not to tell me that," I said.

Another day to enjoy this life "…and loving it."

Couldn't resist the references to my favorite agent.   "sorry about that, Chief."

Tried to work in a couple more but "missed it by that much."

--James Thurber

October Adventures

 The fun began Friday when Heide and Richard took the Birthday Girl (aka BBBH), and me to Noblesville for lunch.

Saturday, The Day, we went to market, she with her list, I with mine.  Guess who got back to the car first.

While I was sitting in the auto waiting for her return this beauty drove into the lot and parked.  1947 Pontiac.

Saturday evening it's off to Frankfort for the wiener roast that she requested for her party.

Twenty of her children, grandchildren, and a couple of great grandchildren joined the celebration in Kent's backyard.  Needless to say she was thrilled!

(To be continued)

Eighty-five, Man Alive!

Can that be true?  Is it possible that I have lived 85 years?

It is; it is!

 Here is the intersection of 85 with 85:  As a lad I lived in Colorado Springs through which the major north-south highway was US 85/87. Up and down that road untold numbers of times on bicycle, by automobile, and even short portions of it on foot.  When I left those environs at the age of 18 I am sure it never occurred to me that I would live 85 years.  Or maybe I hoped I might, who knows? 

Fyi, US 85 runs from the Mexican border in El Paso to the Canadian border in North Dakota. It is sometimes called the CanAm Highway.  As a boy I traversed this road many times with the parents, or that is the section between Pueblo and Denver.  I believe the farthest point south we achieved was Albuquerque.  When I left the Springs in favor of the PNW I took 85 north into Wyoming as far as US 30.

I have taken many roads since then, speaking not only geographically but in all areas of my life.  Some of those roads were smooth, straight and easy sailing.  But not all of them.

Birthdays and Highways

The first time I drove this road in Idaho and Oregon it was designated "I-80N."  Actually, the first few times I drove the route there was no Interstate System and the highway, a two-lane, was US 30.  Man, I am old.   Well, yes, that is why I posted this highway logo, for I turn 84 today.

When this western branch of I-84 was on the drawing board it was designated I-82.  But delays and one thing and another ultimately resulted in another route  being so named.  Thus when the powers that be decided to scuttle the I-80N name they chose I-84, which totally flies in the face of the south to north naming system, for I-82 lies north of I-84.

That's not right.

If you need further explication, look it up.

   Yep; I lumber along toward the 85th!

Birthday Eve

On the eve of her 80th birthday her kids gathered 'round and BBBH was treated to a Mexican dinner.

83 and Fuzzy

   

  It seems a bit like I am "going South" and I don't mean that in a literal geographic sense.

Yet I think I don't look a day over ninety.

   
   

Happy Happy

On her birthday ten years ago today.

Thirteen years ago.

 Last night.

Huzzah!

Today is the 55th birthday of the 44th President of the United States of America. 

Happy birthday, Mr. President!  Everyone is entitled to at least one good day per year.