Advantages of a busy birthday

Birthday celebration with cake - photo courtesy of Boden

Since there was no time for a party on the 17th, we had one on the 20th. Also, Mom took me out to see a musician who plays a variety of instruments - including didgeridoo - on the 15th and to the Hotel Eldorado for an art show that included drinks, hoers d' oeures, and a senior citizen acting group dressed as artists or people in paintings. We knew a few of the group and others all stopped to quiz us on who we thought they were - it was entertaing, fun, and relaxing time. The event was followed by a basketball game of Reid's. He and his team are really fun to watch.

As Rico reported, we had a family day at Eldora on President's Day. It was deja vue for Rico as I didn't get off the chair in time - the snow just dropped away as I stood up and I went down. He got me up and we had a decent run from the top. I was much luckier than Mom 20 years ago. Rico was great but I felt for him. The sun was warm - as it often is now - but the notorious Eldora wind was blowing. However, overall it was very good to be out and fun.

We finally took our old computer to the dump today. It cost $29 to get rid of the monitor, computer, and printer. Wish Congress had the sense to pass a law making it mandatory for manufacturers to take back their old products. There is a lot of lead, etc. in the machines that can be recycled and should not go into land fills.

Speaking of Congress - I can't believe the hacking of government programs the House is up to. What an example of cutting off noses to spite the face! The idea of no funding for public radio/TV in a democratic society that requires news is incredible to me. Even worse is the cutting of all funding for Americorps = the organization that supports hundreds of public service programs largely run by young volunteers as a service to the nation - OK to spend billions to support the military of Israel and Egypt but not to spemnd millions to support volunteers at home. I could go on but instead will suggest you check out "Be the Change" website. The organization was founded by an SPS grad and is organizing a contact your congressman day on Feb. 25th. Hope you might join in.

Speaking of Egypt - what an amazing time to be alive. It reminds me of the Civil Rights Movement in the late 50s and early 60s when so much change was taking place. The present upheaval is moving faster and is spread more widely than the Civil Rights movement but it will no doubt take at least as long to work out a new system for the Arab world.

Love to all,

Dad

PS Finally spotted the spell check so here goes. Still am not sure on moving photos around.