Happy 65th Birthday, Rocke
February 16, 2006

What do you know! How did this happen?? Does time go on fast forward?? Rocke can't imagine being 65, but it's true, he's turned 65, reaching another milestone in his life. Turning 65 is one of those life passages — like college hazing and infantry basic training—many of us would rather avoid contemplating until it's upon us. Now that it's upon Rocke, he's already enjoying the perks of geezerdom. Senior discounts at the movies, restaurants, Medicare, thinking about drawing Social Security—that kind of thing.

Rocke had to be out on calls all afternoon on his 65th birthday, so he and I had a small birthday celebration before he left. I cooked him a "Happy Birthday Brunch" which consisted of eggs, bacon, hash browns, orange juice and a birthday cake (carrot cake).

We tired our best to get everyone together for another celebration with the kids, but with work schedules, play schedules, etc., we never could come up with a day and time that was good for everyone to get together, at the same time.

Rocke and I drove down to Salem on February 26th to listen to Ryan play his trumpet at church. Ryan, Sarah and Zach invited us to have lunch with them after church service. Zach had called his Grandpa to tell him of his disappointment in not being able to have a birthday celebration with us. So Rocke and I decided the lunch invitation would be a great time to take down a birthday cake and let Zach enjoy a birthday celebration with his Grandpa. Just has soon as Grandpa walked in the door, Zach gave him a "BIG" drawing he had done for Grandpa's birthday card.

We all enjoyed lunch and had a wonderful time, watching Zach help Grandpa celebrate his "65th" birthday.