February 28, 1935. A young woman anxiously awaits the birth of her first child at the New Britain General Hospital in New Britain, Connecticut. It’s around 8:30 on a Thursday evening. No big bang on the TV tonight only the upcoming big occasion of the baby’s birth. The unborn is enjoying this winter evening, nice and warm in its liquid paradise. Little did I know then that 30 minutes later I’ll be pushed out into a strange new world, and it’s been a strange one ever since. Even the seventy seventh time this date came around it proves to be strange.
How do you spend your 77th birthday? Let’s see, first we wait for the car dealer to come and start your dead car in the garage. Fifth time he’s had to come. Some strange night time creature in my cursed vehicle has once again drained my battery. Googled the problem as suggested by my smart brother and found, lo and behold that I am not the only one suffering this pain-in-the-ass problem. Keying in 2008 Buick battery failures filled the screen with many others who, along with their dealers, have no idea why the phantom creature in their Buick is stealing the juice form their battery overnight. Thank God the car’s death occurred in the safety of my garage every time
Well enough of that, let’s go to the exciting part of my birthday celebration. I got a phone from a nice fellow member of the local AARP. I’m a member why? Well Marge knows a great number of women and enjoys going to functions where she can see many of them. So what does that have to do with me? I’ll tell you, I’m a real nice guy and am her driver, escort and sandwich maker when it’s our turn to contribute to the food table laid out after each monthly meeting. So anyway, at most meetings of a hundred or so ancient people only about five or six are men, who look in far worse shape than me. There’s work to be done prior to meetings, tables and chairs to be moved to set up the hall. Anyway this nice old gentleman, 89 to be exact calls me on my birthday and asks if I would help him set up. How the hell do I say no to an 89 year old man stuck with the job? So the birthday celebration began huffing and puffing away hauling heavy metal tables out fro under the stage and setting them up for a stimulating meeting followed by an exciting “Tea Cup Auction”. I did, however get there in style. My dealer, who is actually great, must have felt guilty this time because they left me with a brand new Buick with only 24 miles on it.
In spite of everything the day still ended up nicely. Had a nice dinner with Brother Peter, his girl friend Kathy and two very good friends. I nice bottle Malbec didn’t hurt the cause either.
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