Day 849: Happy birthday to me!

65!  Now I'm officially an "old lady"!  Where did the years go?  We married when I was 22, so we've had far more years together than apart.  My children are 37, 34 and 30 and I was 27, 30 and 34 when they were born.  Giving birth and raising children seems so long ago.

I remember the assassination of JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy.  The Civil rights movement.  I remember the space program and moon landings.  One small step for man, one giant step for mankind.  And the explosion of the Challenger.  And all the disturbing years of the Vietnam War.  And Kent State.  I saw the Beatles perform!  I heard nothing but screaming in that huge theater in Toronto, but I could see them in the distance from the top row of seats.  I remember when Alaska and Hawaii became states and two stars were added to our flag.

Such a rich and privileged life!  I am so fortunate to have a devoted family, great health and a loving spouse.  I've had a career of satisfying and challenging work, friends for my entire lifetime, and of course, two kitties. One sitting next to me and the other crying at my feet.

My very best gift: All of our children are now happy, healthy, employed and insured.  Yes, Evan started his new job today and is beyond ecstatic!  We are so very proud and happy for him.  Colin called first thing this morning.  Flowers arrived first from my sister Nancy, then from Justin.  Evan called at the end of his first day and bubbled over with excitement.  Friends and family joined us for a delicious dinner and lots of laughs at Whiskey Hill.

I spent most of the day outside raking and trimming in my gardens.  This weekend we'll be backpacking with students and dear friends.  I am so very grateful for the strength for these adventures!  So, tomorrow will not be any different.  I will continue to give thanks and forget about how many years have passed and simply enjoy the days before me and the people who have so enriched my life.