Wednesday, October 23, 2024

ON TURNING 85

      Recently I had my 85th birthday. So as usual for my birthday some reflection happens. I'm not sure if to laugh or cry! It's a time of some mixed emotions.

     I look back at some old photos and one would not get that the two photos are of the same person!

    Well, the good thing is that I'm still here. Not only am I still here but in reasonably good health. I don't have any medications that are crucial to keep me going except the seizure medication. When I went to emergency with my nose bleed, I was asked over and over if I was in blood thinners. I'm fortunate to have a blood pressure of 120 over something!

     I am also fortunate to be very physically active. I look after my own yard. But I do not do the handyman thing anymore. I'm not allowed to climb ladders anymore. Yesterday I walked 6 kilometers. 

    I still enjoy natural history activities. 

    I'm fortunate to have three wonderful younger brothers. I'm fortunate to have a Micro Manager who looks after things. I also have a son and daughter who I care about. It's very pleasant to look back at life with my family.

    So all in all, it's not bad being 85. Everybody should have the chance to be 85. 



50 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday, Keith! Always enjoy reading your insights.

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    1. Thanks. Now if I could only get you doing some writing?

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  2. This is sweet. You do have a good life, Red, and you sound like a happy man. Happy 85th.

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  3. Happy 85th birthday Red!! I wish you many more happy days!

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    1. Thanks. And I wish all of you get to experience 85.

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  4. Happiest of Birthdays to you, Keith :)
    I hope you continue enjoying life

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    1. Thanks. I hope you get to experience 85.

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  5. Lookin' good Mr. Red. Happy Birthday! Linda in Kansas

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  6. You're doing well..and that "Berliner" looks a treat to eat!!

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    1. Thanks. My son gave me 6 fancy donuts.

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  7. Great photo of you, happy birthday!
    I hope hubby and I make it to 85.
    Take care, have a great day!

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    1. Thanks. I hope you both get to experience 85.

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  8. Happy Birthday! I like your attitude and your spirit! I like your blog posts that give us much to ponder about in life! Best wishes and keep on keeping on!

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  9. I just added a comment and it said from anonymous, it was from me!

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  10. I'm only 80 but amd delighted to have got this far. Both my parents lived into their 90s.

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    1. I don't rely too much on how long my ancestors lived.

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  11. Congrats on the milestone and on the donut.

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    1. Thanks. I got 6 fancy donuts from my son.

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  12. Happy birthday, Red! I will be 82 on my birthday next month. Time flies when you're having fun, eh? And I am also lucky to be in good physical shape. Exercise, yoga and acupuncture help me out.

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    1. Keeping busy in body and mind goes a long way.

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  13. The happiest of birthdays and I hope you have a good double handful more left in you!

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    1. Thank you. I hope you get to experience 85.

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  14. Best wishes for a wonderful year! Enjoy!

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    1. Thank you. Once I get out of bed, I look forward to the day.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Red! You are a wonderful example of 85! Keeping active, busy, and interested in the things around you. The teacher in you comes out in the interesting posts you make and I am glad that I found your blog!

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    1. Thanks. It's interesting to see how other people live and enjoy life.

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  16. Happy happy birthday! Now begins your 86th trip around the sun... enjoy every moment! (NewRobin13)

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    1. Thanks. I will enjoy. I still miss your blog.

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  17. Happy Birthday! Great to celebrate with a donut. I love your good positive attitude :)

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  18. Happy birthday, Red. You're looking fabulous!

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    1. Thankyou. I hope you get to experience 85.

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  19. So many don't make it anywhere near 85. I wish I had your blood pressure readings Red! Belated birthday greetings sir! Onwards to 90!

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    1. Thank you I hope you get to experience 85. It's one day at a time.

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  20. Good for you, Red. 85 deserves celebrating.

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    1. Thank you . I hope you get to experience 85.

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  21. Hope you had a very happy birthday, Keith! May you have a great year ahead and many more to follow. I’m about a year and a half behind you. I do enjoy your blogposts but don’t always comment. You look good for 85.

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  22. Wow, 85! Congrats, Red. Here's wishing you many more! John

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  23. Happy, happy birthday, Keith! My 85th is six months in the future, as of yesterday. I told my wife a few days ago that I'm almost 84 and a half. She said "I never counted the half years." I replied, "neither did I until the last couple of years!" But both your and my lives have been full and who would have thought, all those years ago in Saskatchewan and North Dakota, that we'd still be devouring chocolate-covered doughnuts at our age! Once again, happy birthday, my friend.

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  24. Thanks. Whoever thought that two little guys from Sask. and NDak would meet in blogland?

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  25. My new respite client is 97! I don't think I want to do 97, though.
    Happy birthday! You look after yourself so well. Have many more!

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  26. Belated birthday wishes, Red :) You are a good role model for anyone who wants to live a happy, healthy, and productive life!

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  27. Happy Birthday, Red. So your name is Keith? I hope it's not a secret. You are an amazing 85! Your blood pressure is a lot better than a lot of people I know who are much younger. As for looking different. Sigh... I look at photos of myself 10 years ago and think... Wow! I've changed. I'm going to a get together with high school friends after not seeing them for over 40 years and I hope I recognize some of them because... uuuummm.... I know they won't recognize me.

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