On this final day of 2006 I am rather amazed to be here and look forward to yet another big number, 2007. Ever since the turn of the century I've felt like an interloper or a camel sticking his nose in a big tent.
I am honored to be participating in this early slice of the 21st century, and am much enjoying it even though the world in general and the USA in particular are not doing all that well.
On the 143rd day of the new year Jean and I will have been married for 65 years. She was 18, I was 24. Our one huge setback came early, with the death of my brother Alan during World War II, less than a year after he was best man at our wedding.
The rest of it has been terrific. We have six wonderful kids, twelve grandchildren, and a couple of great-grandchildren named Andromeda and Orion.
Next week I will have my 89th birthday, which I will celebrate with Jean, Annie, Martha, and her and our friend Rich Mervis. I have a new incentive to make it to 90: my barber, Bonnie, promised a free haircut for the occasion.
There are other reasons for wanting to go on.
I want to see who replaces George W. Bush. My current favorite is John Edwards, with Barack Obama coming up fast on the outside.
I look forward to watching the Ft. Myers Miracle in April (will there be another Torii Hunter or David Ortiz?). My fantasy teams (Estero Bay No Sox & Co.) will participate once more. Another White Sox World Series win would be too much because I haven't sobered up since 2005.
Regarding 65th wedding anniversaries, I remember attending that of Jean's paternal grandparents. He remains my family hero for rejecting his parents' original arranged marriage and getting another shot. You didn't do that in those days. Without his move, Jean or the rest of the descendants wouldn't exist.
Without claiming the wisdom of gomerhood, I have opposed the Iraq war since it began. History may wonder why the President was not impeached.
I now realize that I have been suffering for years from that recently discovered infectious disease anal glaucoma (I can't see my ass going to work today). It is seldom fatal.
My only serious current complaint is lack of conteporary male friends here in Florida. I salute those who have achieved 90 elsewhere: Bernie Meltzer, Marshall Holleb,Jack Whiting,and Tom Watts. Then there is the incomparable Alex Elson, now into his second century, who was still taking cello lessons at age 99.
May 2007 treat kindly all readers of this blog.
Ancient Mariner
Hooray, a new post! I so enjoy reading your perspective on things.
Happy New Year to you and your amazing creative family! You all
continue to inspire.
Posted by: Danny | January 01, 2007 at 11:08 AM
It was good to read your post, and I thank you for sharing.
Best wishes for continued good health and happiness throughout 2007.
Posted by: AlwaysQuestion | January 01, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Wow! Happy Birthday, Ancient Mariner. I lurk and come and go but I keep awatch of you and your wonderful family.
Happy New Year. I'm with you about the war and am rooting for Barak Hussein Obama!
Posted by: tamarika | January 11, 2007 at 06:05 PM