From Zero to Sixty in Record Time!

Well, I must say it's been a fast 60 years.

That's a lot of birthday cakes, my friends!

Here is one of the most unusual ever, courtesy

of Amanda, Brianna, and Hunter.  Judy had

earlier made me a caramel cake that we shared

with the family last Sunday.

Actually, I'm getting ahead of myself.  Before 

we could dig in, Hunter helped me extinguish

the six candles.  Thanks, big guy!  Look at

those cheeks-- he's a pro!

Here's my "Happy Birthday" video.

Hunter gives it his approval.

So does Bri.  And she asked for seconds!

It's finger-lickin' good.

I also got to see Claire and Evan on my 

birthday, but unfortunately, I had left my

camera at home.  When we joined them

and other celebrants at The Thai Orchid,

they presented me with these very touching

notes, dictated to Mom-- Jennifer.

Just before dinner they had sent me the 

cutest video version of Happy Birthday to

You.  Plus Evan's heart-melting "I love you,

Grandpa."  I have watched that video on my

Facebook page numerous times already and

you can find it there if you like.

Evan's Note

Claire's Note

Some of my birthday cards really quacked

me up.  Gail assured me these ducks are

singing.  I'll take her word for it.

This one from Joy and Jamie made its point clear.

At least if I'm ON my rocker, I can't be OFF my rocker.

Or can I?

I'm thankful for every one of my sixty birthdays.

By the time you get to your sixtieth, you are more

aware of your mortality, and the certainty of being

more than half-way through life makes each birthday

more precious.  I'm shooting for 100, but there are

no guarantees, so I'll continue to try to make the 

most of each day.  I do that by cherishing my 

family and friends and by seeking to follow 

the Lord's will for me.

Thank you to the countless friends who gave 

me birthday greetings in any form or fashion.  

It included relatives, former students and their 

parents, former colleagues, church family,

Camp Cherokee pals, and others I've 

met along the path.

In closing, I have a very old photo to share.

This year wasn't the first time my cake had

six candles on it.  This is from my sixth birthday,

in 1959.

Left to right: Doug Burns, Lance Mashburn (seated),
my brother Buddy (Ellis, standing), me, cousin Terry
Loyd, and sister Caryn Loyd (Cole)-- 10 months old.

Well, as I said, it was a great birthday.  No time to rest on my laurels.  I don't have a bucket list, but I have plenty of interests and activities to fill my remaining time, whether it be long or short.  There are places to go, books to read, and friends and family to love!