I am a happy man. My four-month-old two-toothed (teethed?) grandson Thomas chuckled himself to sleep and is in a seat at eye level just a few feet from where I sit sharing my thoughts with you. My dog Duke is asleep on my right bare foot under my desk, and my Beloved’s dog Sadie is asleep on my left. All is calm and quiet. If this isn’t perfection, I wouldn’t want to have to live on the difference.
I look out my office window to the clearing my small redwood grove and fern garden where I will go camping with Thomas and hopefully future grandchildren.
I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve all this, but whatever it is I want to keep doing it!
Soon the house will be filled with family to help me celebrate my birthday (which isn’t for a couple of days but we celebrate our special days early around here.) In our family we have a tradition that the birthday boy or girl gets to pick all of the items for the meal on Family Night. I like steak, prime rib, lobster, shrimp, etc, so of course I’ve decided to have…
…hot dogs tonight.
You “heard” me right. Hot dogs! You see, I haven’t had a hot dog in a very long time–probably only one or two lousy ones in the whole last year–so I thought it was time to do something about that. We bought three of the best types of hot dogs we could find. We’ll also have hamburgers for those who aren’t fond of the tubes of gastric delight.
While I’m at it, I’m going to have fried Tator Tots. We very rarely have fried things in our home because for some strange reason My Beloved wants to keep me around awhile longer.
So I’ve decided that if I’m going to be bad I might as well go all the way.
But for those of you who have been trying to get me to eat better–and except for tonight were succeeding by the way–and you know who you are!–I plan to have some salad too.
And root beer floats for dessert. (We’ve got to work up to this eating eating healthy stuff. Besides, did I mention it’s my birthday or at least will be soon? And he adds in a rush of words under his breath:) I had my favorite Burgundy Cherry Ice Cream for dessert last night. I hear your sighs, Mimi and Gina, and you other wonderful people who are tring to show this wayward man-child the many errors of his eating ways! I promise to do better tomorrow or whenever the leftovers are gone.
Life may not always be perfect–and I’m always far from being be perfect–but tonight is starting out perfectly for me.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
It’s your Birthday (or almost) so ANYTHING goes…..Sounds like a fantastic time to me…Have a good one and enjoy!!!!
Thank you for your wonderful birthday wish!
Russ
Happy Birthday, Russ!
Thank you, Elyse!
Russ
Happy Birthday Russ and eat whatever the heck you want on your special day!
Thank you, Diana! I did! It was wonderful.
As my poor old body struggles to deal with all the delicious junk I ate last night it is reminding me in no uncertain terms that it is unwise to eat like that all the time.
But my taste buds and the pleasure center of my brain remind me that it was worth the price. Sometimes you’ve just got to take one for the team! ;-D!
Russ
Absolutely – hope you enjoyed it!
Absolute perfection, and I’ve got to say, there is something about a really good hot dog-great choice! Happy Happy birthday! 🙂
Thank you, Bonnie! I appreciate your kind comment and birthday wishes!
Russ
Happy early birthday Russ!! It’s good to go off-diet once in awhlie, and your birthday celebration is the best reason I can think of…The peaceful, loving visual of you, Thomas, Duke and Sadie all relaxing together in this quiet cocoon of love is one I will hold for a long time. It suits my image of you and ensures that every thought is a happy one. Enjoy your day!
Thank you, dear friend! It was indeed a wonderful celebration of life, love, and family.
Russ
Another birthday coming soon! That in itself is a very lovely thing, but its great when the simple things in your life become special priorities of happiness. As i read your words they remind me of the happiness i receive from those who perform the most simple acts of love to me, my dog Sho-gun, My African Grey Parrot Jada who calls me daddy and just to breath life and enjoy it each day! Your words moved my heart my friend and left a happiness that will stay through out the day….Have a couple of hot-dogs for me also! May God’s blessings continue to embrace your life!
Thank you for your kind comments, Wendell! I love the names of your pets and am glad that you too have animal friends that enrich your life. May your life continue to be filled with many blessings as well, my friend!
Russ
Enjoy the hot dogs and treat yourself to something you enjoy on your birthday. Take care.
Ivon
Thank you, Ivon. I certainly did!
Russ
Isn’t it wonderful to have those moments when you look around and just enjoy the small things in life and feel good about them…Have a wonderful birthday celebration with your family and enjoy the goodies….Diane
Thank you, Diane. Having reders such as you in my life make my birthday celebration all the more wonderful!
Russ
I hope you have a very happy Birthday Russ. Though you sound like you have already started. Don’t forget to keep waving those lettuce leaves over the food. 🙂
Thank you, Judy. Your comment cracked me up! Your reminder is a bit too close for comfort. Did you install hidden cameras in my home?!
Russ
Oh No I have given myself away. Don’t look at the light fittings 🙂
LOL!
Happy Birthday! and as a local reporter used to say after each report on local events…. ENJOY! ENJOY! I am taking literary license here but as the good Lord said “This is [your birthday] that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad [of the day of your birth]!!” (Psalm 118:24) Blessings ~ Patty
Thank you, Patty! I’m very much into rejoicing and being glad! Thank you for the birthday wishes and blessings, my friend!
Russ
Happy birthday! It all sounds wonderful 🙂
Thank you, Andrea. It was.
Russ
Happy Birthday in advance my dear Russ!!! It sounded just perfect in every way. May it only get better because I know the best years of your life are still ahead of you! My warmest wishes to you and your dear family. Shaz
Thank you, Shaz! My warmest wishes to you and your dear family too!
Russ
Sounds like a perfect day to me! Life is no fun, when you follow the rules all the time (are’nt they just guidelines anyway?? )haha. Hope you enjoyed your hot dogs and ice cream. There is nothing better than left overs from a party(love digging in fridge to get some night snack and reflect over celebrations when the guests have left). Hope you really enjoyed! Will have glass of wine to celebrate your day, as soon as you tell me when it was? ;D hugs
Thank you! My birthday was 8/21/57. That officially makes me a “senior” and qualifies me for a discount at some restaurants. Life is full of blessings. ;-D!
Russ