Day 840

We had the glorious opportunity to join our dear friend, Don, for his 101st birthday celebration! Lilly and the “Birthday Boy” are very close, so she joined the festivities. Actually, she stole the show! When we walked in, the guests floated over to our Golden Magnet and the ‘lovefest’ began!

Not only did Our Sweet Don play “How Much is that Doggy in the Window” for Lilly, but used his harmonica to accompany the guests as we sang Happy Birthday! He was in his element!

His son, Tom, gave a lovely speech about his dad and the changes this amazing man has witnessed in his lifetime. Using percentages, he compared 1923 to the amenities of today. Let’s just say that there were few creature comforts 101 years ago!

It made me realize how much I take for granted. When the air conditioning goes awry or when my cell phone gives me a run for my money, my reaction is disbelief accompanied by irritation. How will I survive???

Having been born a little over 30 years after Don arrived, I should know better. We didn’t have air conditioning, color televisions or washer/dryers. We were tethered to a phone landline which was shared by two other families on a party line. Our roller skates were fastened onto our saddle shoes with a key, our music came from a turntable and the swimming pool was not heated! How did we survive?

My newest goal is to be thankful for all the things I now take in stride. My cell phone, my backup car camera, air conditioning and SO much more! We live in an amazing time! Gratitude should accompany this world we live in… but too often that is not the case.

The next time I ask Alexa for an answer, I will also tell her, “Thank you." Interestingly enough, she will probably tell me I am welcome in a grateful tone!