There were times when I did not think that I would make it but, with the turn of events during my life time, I turned 71 today. My wife keeps telling me that I don't have any wrinkles and she is jealous of my smooth complexion. I guess not everyone can be as pretty as me.
Oh, well, this life could tell some stories. My grandson is taking me to school for show and tell as I am his history lesson for the last 71 years. I don't remember FDR, but I do remember Truman, and Ike and the rest. One of the things that I remember the most is how I was so impressed by my Dad and his friends who had served in WWII. I would listen as they spoke about where they served and it seemed like these folks just about served everywhere around the globe. That was pretty impressive for a five year old to listen to these great men. I also remember my Mom taking me shopping as a child and holding her hand as we walked through a grocery store or small market in those days. (There were no "super markets".) There were meat markets, and poultry stores (you selected from live chickens and turkeys) and places to buy canned goods. A fellow use to ride through our neighborhood everyday, calling out the folks, that he was there. He drove a horse drawn wagon with a scale in the back and that is how my Mom purchased her fresh fruits and vegetables. Milk was delivered by the "milk man" and bread was delivered if you did not make it yourself by the "bread truck" right to your home. Yeah, and this will kill most of you, gasoline was 13.9 cents per gallon and you got glassware and dishes with your purchase along with "green stamps".
Today, I received my gift which my wife purchased for me. I selected a Kitchen Aid Professional HD Stand Mixer which we purchased from Sam's Club on the internet on Friday morning at 7:00 AM. It was on sale for $249.00 and comes with a $50.00 rebate so when all is done, the cost will be $199.00. I had my eye on this for a while because this model has metal gears and this is important to me.
So.....at 4:00 PM, have a drink, drink and whisper: "happy birthday, Ed"; here's to another one next year.
Ed
