I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. -Ecclesiastes 9:11
...But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by Him shall glory, but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. - Psalm 63:11 [excerpted]
Posts: 7506 | Location: Dallas | Registered: August 04, 2011
-------------------------------------—————— ————————--Ignorance is a powerful tool if applied at the right time, even, usually, surpassing knowledge(E.J.Potter, A.K.A. The Michigan Madman)
Posts: 8529 | Location: Livingston County Michigan USA | Registered: August 11, 2002
Thanks, all! Yes, I turned 85 just a few minutes ago here in Dallas. My indoor tree is now lit, but without ornaments yet. (My family tradition was that the tree goes up on my birthday. My Handyman brought it down and set it up yesterday, but I didn't turn its lights on until actually my birthday. FWIW, I am the only one left who follows that tradition, but I've done it all my life and it comforts me to continue doing it. It will stay up until Epiphany.
Today I will be taken to Choir practice at the church and I'm taking a birthday cake and a fruit salad. The cake is supposed to be inscribed "Alive at 85" -- we'll see. I'm a member of the Choir but have not been going to rehearsals since my accident in July. I miss it a lot and hope to get an arrangement whereby I can again participate. Even when I resume driving I will be reluctant to do so at night, so I'll have to get some form of transport set up. I do expect to be able to drive to church since that will be in the daytime.
I also hope to be able to participate in one of the several Christmas Eve candlelight services. Again, I'll have to rely on others for transport.
Many thanks for all the good wishes! I am truly blessed. I've ordered lunch from Potbelly and am expecting a delivery of more Christmas lights today (like I need more).
My indoor tree is lit and awaiting ornaments. They'll go on between now and Christmas. The cats have noticed the tree but haven't tried to climb it.
PipeSmoker, my COBOL is still running at TI, and some of it was written in the 1980s.
