Birthday and Stuff

It’s my birthday. Before I could finish the previous sentence an e-mail arrived to inform me that son, Bryant, had sent me an e-card. It was cute. Thanks Bryant. This evening, Sylvia and I will celebrate the day with son, Scott, who is visiting us from out of state.


In 1940, just one day after celebrating her 20th birthday, Mom delivered her first born. A son that I call, me. For over 17 years everyone called me Charles. Then I met Sylvia. She changed my given name to Chuck. Four years later, I got even. We changed her surname.


My folks brought me home to this house in the country. Notice who has his mouth wide open.


Mom and me a year later. By 1942 we were living in Lansing. Then in 1943 we moved to Leslie. That is where I went through school. Kindergarten through High School all in the same building.

Contrast that with Scott who had pre-school in Costa Rica. Bilingual kindergarten (Sylvia was his teacher), first and started second grade in Ecuador. After returning to the states, he would attend six other schools before graduating from High School.

Sighting

Sunday afternoon I looked out the window and then called Sylvia. She arrived at the window in time to see the red fox that was crossing our lawn. He was beautiful. A big guy with a white tip on his tail. A friend and farmer from a mile away tells me that he has a lot of foxes around his place.

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About Chuck

I am retired after a career in electronics and in publishing. Today, my wife of 50+ years, Sylvia, and I live in a house on a hill beside a dirt road in rural west Michigan. We enjoy living in this country environment where livestock and wild life out number the human population.

32 thoughts on “Birthday and Stuff

  1. Happy Birthday a day late, I hope you had a great time which I'm sure you did because it always seems like you do. Loved the photos and especially the one for today. I didn't realize the woman in the photo was you until I read the comments, how fun to look back at old photos.

  2. Happy birthday to one of the greatest men I know! Wow, 69! You, uh… go boy? heeheeheeeeeeeeee!

    I loved your line about getting back at Sylvia by changing her surname. Heeheeheeeeee.

    Oh, and the pictures of you and your mom are fabulous!

    Justine 😮 )

  3. A very blessed and healthy birthday…WONDERFUL pics…many more joyous days!!!!

    all the best,
    Amy

  4. Happy happy birthday! May you have many more happy & blessed years ahead of you. 😀

  5. Happy Birthday, Chuck!

    Whatever it is that you are wishing for, you are wished all that and a whole lot more!

    May you have the grandest birthday ever!

    Stay blessed!

    All the best,
    LAINY

  6. A very Happy Birthday to you…..you seem to be living a wonderfully blessed life…

    Great photos!!!!

  7. Happy Birthday Chuck. I love seeing all these old photos with such cherished memories. Thanks for sharing your special day with us. Enjoy, my friend.

  8. Happy birthday CHUCK! I am glad Sylvia changed your name because Chuck suits you.
    I hope you have a wonderful birthday and many many years to come of happiness!

    I am sending you a big birthday hug..!
    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{CHUCK}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

  9. Thanks everybody. You are most kind.

    Yes, Lin, although I'd never thought of Sylvia being Peppermint Patty before, I'll not be able to get it out of my mind now. Peppermint is good, but sweet and refreshing.

    Meghan, You now me better than that. I think you meant to say well worn. 🙂

    You guys are the greatest!

  10. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happppppppppyyyyy Birrrrrrtthday GOD BLESS YOU…Happy Birrrthdayyyyyy toooooooooo YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!

    I hope you enjoyed my singing!!!LOL!!!!

    I hope your day is filled with fun, food, family, and fellowship.

    Your sister in CHRIST,
    Donna

  11. Happy birthday to you!
    Happy birthday to you!
    Happy birthday dearrrrr Chuckkkk!!
    Happy birthday to you!!

    What a marvelous post. I really enjoyed the pictures and the information!! I hope you have a grand day!!

    I have 2 awards for you and your wonderful blog.

    http://shinade.blogspot.com/2009/08/fench-award-ooo-lala-i-love-lucy-too.html

    Please excuse the misspell on French. I made the post while still half asleep.

    I hope you enjoy them and please don't rush. I know you have a busy schedule today.

    But, I wanted you to know that you were thought of!!

    Jackie

  12. Hey, Chuck! We are almost birthday twins!!! Who knew???! Well, except you are a LOT older. A LOT. And I was crying like that baby on my birthday too. 🙂 I love how Sylvia changed your name to Chuck. Sorta like Peppermint Patty, eh??!

    Happy Birthday, my friend. I'm so glad this year brought us to be friends. How very lucky I am. Have some cake for me!

  13. Happy birthday to you.
    Happy birthday to you.
    Happy birthday dear Chuck.
    Happy birthday to you 🙂

    Have an amazing day!

  14. That is a milestone, Chuck! Congratulations on the "hanging in there."
    You are blessed to have those great old-timey pictures.

    Happy Birthday, and May the Good Lord Bless and keep you through many more.
    –David

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