BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS

Another way of looking at it is to think of how many cigarettes have been smoked...

Just think of how many nappies you have to use...

There will be many special birthday messages received from your admirers...

Putting it another way, just drink a massive cuppa and be wired for the events of the day...

HAPPY 64TH BIRTHDAY

This goes out to date friend on his special day.  May he enjoy his special moment...

BIRTHDAYS BOTHER SOME

I get uncomfortable when people give me presents and watch me open them. I don't have birthday parties, because the idea of a group of people singing and looking at me while I'm blowing out candles gives me hives.

Truth be told, the above thoughts do not apply to the old geezer.  I start my campaign months before the big event to ensure that there will be loot on my big day.

I have a very dear mate who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday.  He would rather ignore the event.  Not bloody likely with the likes of me around.  

ALCOHOL FREE BIRTHDAY FOR PAUL

Today is Paul's 72nd birthday.  As these things go, getting to 72 is not that unusual, unless you are a world class drunk and have spent the better part of 2014 inside a bottle.

Paul is my friend.  I like Paul. I do not like his behaviour.  I believe that if you are a good friend to someone, you need to speak up when their behaviour is harmful.

For the past two months, Paul has been recovering from his latest visit to hospital for alcoholism.  Truth be told, this was not first visit to hospital due to alcohol abuse.  Having heard all of the lies about not drinking ever again, I was more than inclined to believe that it would be a short time before the bottle was out and Paul was not able to cope anymore.  I will not lie.  I doubted that Paul was going to stop drinking.  I am not totally convinced that Paul will never drink again, but I am willing to promote his current good behaviour and egg him on to put more and more time between he and the bottle.

Presents have been bought and a nice supper at a lovely restaurant is planned for the big day.

With a little bit of luck, we will be celebrating another birthday next year, alcohol free...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN

John and Robert - 1987

It has been said that the old geezer does not smile.  Rubbish.  Look at the smile on me face.

Truth be told, John has a smile that could light up a room. I remember the taking of this snap well.  It was Christmas time and I was happy to be celebrating the season and to be sharing time with John.  That smile on me face says it all.

John would have been 68 today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON

It seems like only yesterday that Ron celebrated a birthday.  Today is another year for the old man.  73 years and still mean as ever...

Without a doubt, Ron is one of the more colourful people known.  That is without the loud outfits he wears and the rather 'pink' hat gifted last year.  Ron is so colourful, he is a rainbow unto self.

Ron and the old geezer go way back.  Ron knew MOI when the old geezer was young and pretty.  He reminds me of that oft.  That is OK.  The best part of growing old is that you always have folks reminding you how it was.

What a year it has been for Ron.  He lost his teeth and his heart is not as young as it once was.  Ron has gained and lost a bit of weight.  Ron has had good moments and bad moments.  But we will not dwell on the bad moments.

There have been times that I have wanted to stuff his pussies down his throat.  Ron can be a bit sharp tongued.  There have been times when I wanted to walk away and never hear the name Ron again.  I keep coming back because I have learned that Ron is really a good person at heart.  He means well even if he has a strange way of showing his like of a friend.

Ron thrives on having folks think of him as mean.  It would be easy to buy into that thinking if I had not seen a different side of.  There are the times I have seen him give food and cash to homeless, without any idea of being repaid.  Then there is the massive Christmas party he throws every year.  Ron invites everyone, even the folks he has done battle with.  Without exception, there is some sort of gift for one and all.

Truth be told, there have been a few shouting matches between Ron and meself.  I too, can be sharp tongued and am sure am quite capable of being mean.  The funny part of 'friendship', is that however mean it gets from time to time you keep coming back to what drew you to that person in the first place.  Ron has been there for the old geezer in bad times.  I always remember that.

The "Ron" I remember is the fun and silly "Ron".  When I had the flower shoppe cross the road from his building, Ron would lean out over the railing and ask if there were any deep discounts on the 'old' flowers.  Ron loved to buy bunches of flowers to place round his flat, and he loved to buy the leis that were discounted and give to folks he met during the day.  A Lei is a Lei, even if it was on discount...

I remember the best fancy dress outfit bought was from Ron.  He talked me into getting made up as the 'devil'....  He must have been on to something as it was a massive hit and I had the best time ever.

I remember the countless suppers shared and the long drive round the island.  Got to know Hawaii pretty well thanks to his tours of the 'hidden' neighbourhoods.

Like I said, there is much more to Ron than meets the eye.

This past Easter I created Easter Baskets for folks cared about.  I did this because I remember Ron taking a great deal of care and effort to create Easter Baskets last year.  Ron had coloured eggs and bought treats for the basket that were sure to be a hit to the individuals receiving.  It made quite an impression.

It is convenient for Ron to believe that no one cares or remembers his birthday.  What a lot of tosh.  Am quite sure that Laura will remember his special day as will others.

Ron has made a lasting impression on the old geezer.  So much so, that he has been in me thoughts much of late.  I do hope he has a wonderful birthday.  I do so hope that he appreciates the effort it was for me to find 'adult underpants' in his size.  I mean really.  Do you know how hard it is to find them in size 58???????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON, may you be around for another 73 years.....

ABOUT MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 Truth be told, the old geezer is not much of a drinker.  Having said that, it can be revealed that last night was not one of the times the 'grape' was passed up.

Four very large glasses of lovely red wine.  There was a warm feeling in me entire body.  Not to mention a certain 'glow' to face.

Am quite sure it something to do with the 'fabulous' supper companions at me celebration.  The conversation and good wishes flowed like water.

The 'birthday' clock says it all.  Time flew by and one did not want the evening to end.  So much good time was had that the old geezer stayed up well past bed time.

Am quite sure that much more about me birthday will come out.  Just wanted to get a little out before the glow of the fun time had wore off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

The old geezer thinks that a half priced cake to give to folks known is good enough.  The thinking being that I can not taste it, what do I care if the cake is a little stale...

Right, you have got to imagine the old geezer sitting down to the birthday cake and seeing the fire that will happen due to all of the candles lighted on the cake.

Do you not just love thoughtful birthday gifts?  All of the items that make getting through another year more easy.

There will some who will find this cake a bit much.  Rather think it suits MOI perfectly.  When I saw the cake, it made me laugh...

More items to mark the big day.

There be a group of mates who feel that having a birthday celebration at the graveyard is perfect.  Sort of a dry run for the day when the hole in the ground is me final resting place.

Truth be told, all of the snaps are a bit of a giggle.  I am going to go to supper with a group of friends and am quite sure that the celebration will rank right near the top as a perfect birthday happening.

How the years fly by.  Someone told MOI that it was horrid to grow old.  Rubbish.  I may not be able to do some of the things that could be done when younger but now have more tools to cope with life.  Each day is an adventure.  What wonderful people I have met during the last year.  Friendships have become stronger.

Just think of all the wondrous things that await me in the coming year.

I am so happy this day as I am reminded by folks dear to that I am special.  I like that feeling very much...

BIRTHDAY REQUIRES TWO DINNERS

Ron, Shawn and Robert Celebrating "Ron's 72nd"

There are times when the event is so large, it takes two celebrations to make it.

Ron's birthday was the 29th of April.  Feeling that one dinner would not do, Shawn took Ron and MOI to Kobe's Steakhouse.  That is the place where they cook the food in front of you, with the chef putting on a show as he slices and dices his way to preparing your order.  The chef also makes a volcano out of onion rings, does some magic and the whole thing lights up and blows alot of smoke.  Sadly, the chef who did his thing for us, was not in a good mood, and the volcano was very 'lame'...

As you can see from the photograph, Ron was decked out for his 'night out'.  Bling to the max.  Don't you just love the dark glasses with the diamonds???

A fun time was had by all and it will go down as a 'night to remember'...

The Kobe dinner was on the 26th, but the real celebration of Ron's 72nd Birthday took place last night at the Waikiki Beach Hotel.  The very same place the old geezer celebrated his birthday in March.

In truth, the picking of the restaurant was easy.  I had received a coupon for a free dinner, if another was purchased at full price.  Being ever so clever with cash, two for one works, and the reservation was made and the outing planned.

Ron is not one to dine early.  The reservation had to be for later in the day.

On the day of his birthday, Ron picked out his outfit with care.  Truth be told, Ron is not someone you would miss in a crowd of people.  Ron loves to dress up with all of his bling.   That means 'large' rings and a rather flamboyant watch, that is said to cost a small fortune.  The whole outfit has to 'work', from the shoes to the pants to shirt.

Knowing that Ron is most colourful, the old geezer splashed out on a present that was sure to stand out.  Early in the month, a visit to a hat shop found the perfect addition to Ron's colourful personality.  Can you believe they make a 'pink' "Panama" hat?  Well, they do, and that was what was got for the birthday boy.

There was not a soul met on the night of birthday that did not comment on the very colourful hat.  It was a hit, both with the public and Ron.  Score one for the old geezer...

The dinner at the hotel was lovely.  Friends of Ron had sent ahead a rather nice vase of flowers for the table, and there was a massive chocolate cake for afters.

Ron being Ron had the waiter cut up the cake and share it with the folks that were sitting next to him.  One of the new found friends was a Marine, with his wife, who was scheduled to ship out in the morning for another hot spot to protect.  The Marine loved the cake so much, he ate my large slice as well.

As is the case with a restaurant that caters to tourists and folks celebrating special occasions, there was a lovely lady taking keepsake photos.  Ron had to have one, in fact he had to have two.  Right dear they are, 15.00 per...

A very 'ALOHA' moment happened.  One that the old geezer has not seen too oft.  A man, not known to Ron at all, bought the photos for Ron, to mark his birthday.  Now that is an "ALOHA" moment.

Upon returning home, it was discovered that another of Ron's friends had dropped off another birthday cake.  A rather grand cake from one of the finest bakeries in town.  Talk about having cake...

Ron promised to scan the photograph from last night's dinner but it was not available when this post was done.  Thought the one of the earlier dinner would add a little flavour to this offering.  Having said that, you need to see Ron wearing his very PINK Panama and you will when the old man scans it to me...

I AM NOT DEAD YET

Robert enjoys birthday dinner

Right, the College of Cardinals did not see fit to elect me the new pope.  I rather thought I would have looked quite grand in red loafers...

The election of Pope Francis was not the only highlight of March.  March is also the birth month of the old geezer.

The year of my birth, March 28th was also Easter.  That could explain much about my life.  I have done a lot of hops during my time on earth.

My special day was very special.  It started with MOI being taken to breakfast by a lovely friend.  We went to Denny's.  Why Denny's?  Because they still give you a FREE breakfast on your birthday and the old geezer did not want his friend to go broke doing breakfast.  Mind, that did not stop MOI from ordering a massive glass of orange juice, which was not included in the FREE breakfast.  It is always a pleasure to share a meal with my good friend James.

The post had delivered a very nice card from dear friends living in Reno, along with a bit of cash.  Always lovely to get cash.  Alan and Paul are ever so nice to the old geezer and it is comforting to know that the long distance has not dampened our friendship.

Friends from round the globe went messages to email and there were lovely comments left on my Facebook page.

During the day of my birthday, Ron, who I share digs with in Honolulu and is a long time friend, had placed a brightly coloured package out for me to find and open.  Was gobsmacked to receive a rather nice personal DVD machine to play films on.  Due to hearing loss, is nice to be able to play the sound at a very high level without bothering anyone else.

Since the old geezer does not eat cake anymore, Ron thought cupcakes would work well.  Gave me the opportunity to share my birthday cake with one and all.  Ron is ever so clever, he thought that since my birthday had fallen on Easter, the yearn born, cupcakes with Easter themed frosting would be quite nice.  The were ever so colourful and all who got them thought they were very tasty.

I also got a bottle of gin.  Boodles, very British...

The day ended with a new found friend taking the old geezer to dinner at the Waikiki Beach Hotel.  There is a restaurant there that feature a three story aquarium, with a mermaid and loads of very colourful fish.

The main draw at the restaurant, besides the massive fish tank, is a buffet.  Regular Babette's Feast it is.  There is quite the selection of food.  Crab legs, three different kind, seem to be the bit hit.  There is also Prime Rib, chicken, pork, pasta, endless salads, fruits, and impressive selection of deserts.

MOI was quite careful in eating, as you can see from the plate in the photo.  Mind, the old geezer did taste quite a few items, but really hit the salads and fruits.  OK, so I might have had a little Prime Rib and past, but it was my birthday.

The host of the dinner party treated to the massive drink you see.  Have to see it when first placed before, when the dry ice is causing it to look like a volcano.  Lovely.  Also had a massive dink in a tumbler called a Tropical Itch.  Comes with a back scratcher...

Needless to say, the old geezer was full of good cheer at the end of the day...

What yesterday made me realize is that life is never over or dull.  There is so much to enjoy.  To be thankful for.

To one and all who made my special day so very special,  my most heartfelt thanks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR MAJESTY

REMEMBERING JOHN

John Arthur and Robert - 1987

Today would have been the 65th birthday of John, my life's companion, who has been dead these past 24 years.  What a celebration it might have been.

I have long since stopped dragging a coffin round and have not placed John so high in memory that he is a saint.  My memories of John, and our life together are as fresh and real as they were so many years ago.  I can still hear the laugh and were I to see the back of on a crowded road would know John anywhere.  I still carry a snap of John in me wallet.

In no small way was John responsible for this old geezer turning out so well.  He's example was a lead worth following, and I still try to honour his memory by living a good life.

I rather think John would be pleased that the old geezer did not give up.  That life is still being lived.  Why not?  To one who had so much blessings given to, much is expected in return.

I had the great good fortune to be with John as he died.  Had there been this blog back then, I rather think this filmed bit would have been used.  Some, not many, knew how deep the bond was between John and the old geezer.  Others were able to tell of how John thought of me, in so many ways one never knew. John was and still is my hero.

I take comfort in knowing that when my time comes to lie down in the tall grass, I will have the company of one so loved to shared my endless time with.

Happy Birthday...

BABS GETS SPECIAL FELINE 'BIRTHDAY SONG' GREETING

Babs is a very special lady to this old geezer.  So special that he hunted high and low to find the appropriate filmed bit to celebrate her special day today.  Today is Babs birthday...

Being ever so wicked, this old geezer found a filmed bit of a singing pussy.  Fancy that.

Will have you know that folks call their 'cats', pussies', in UK.  For all of you readers who think the old geezer is trying to be rude.

The joke is that Babs has two pussies and just adores the little monsters.

Babs to left of Easter Bunny(Robert)

Last year, Babs help the old geezer make Easter special for children in neighbourhood and to Larry Greathouse (Larry died this month).  Can still hear her loud cackle as she help pass out treats to all of the little buggers who came for basket and special toys.

Our connection went back a bit.  Seems Babs had lived in Fresno for many years and when she first met the old geezer she told that she remembered reading stories of in the local paper.

This old geezer has had the great good fortune to meet lovely folks throughout life, none more lovely than Babs.  When Paul died last year, Babs was a strong shoulder to cry on.

The old geezer thinks that his departure from California was a bit sudden for most, Babs being hurt by me departure.  One does not like to burden others with grief and misfortune, both of which had visited the old geezer at the same time.  There is no doubt that Babs cared, but the old geezer had to find his 'light' again and Marysville was too dark for.

Having no need to hide, contact was kept and Babs was one of first faithful readers to email and express joy at the diary being kept again.

I adore Babs, that is the truth of it.  I do so hope that this birthday is met by many, many others.

Now if one can get that bloody pussy back in the carry-all, will sent it back from whence it came...