190418 2731 2.5 Homer shares with a Cardinal

So proud of my beautiful 2.5 Homer Pigeon. I put out her treat, she was rushing toward the seeds when this Cardinal landed and ate. 2.5 stopped and waited until the Cardinal was finished. Intentional ?

190419 - - My 80th Birthday

151205e

I've seen 80 of them so far.

I'm mega grateful for each and every one.

All systems go for more.
Even the worst ones weren't that bad.
Every year there's a Much shorter time between them.
Nothing seems different but the number... 80.
Automatic Senior discounts is a indisputable clue.
Today's the day 4/19 ... Birthdays, they creep up on you ~:<)
One day you need to admit you're getting "Old".
Someday I'll admit it too ~:<)
.
. . You know much more at age 20 than at age 10,
More at age 40 than at age 30, and more at age 80
than at age 70. We keep learning. Someday I'll know
everything I needed to know but by then it won't matter ~:<)
. . It's better to learn what NOT to do than what TO do. Your mistakes don't go away, they just haunt you forever. Some mistakes can affect your pocketbook, lifestyle, career, or even shorten your life span. It's a good feeling to know that if I ran for President the critics would be bored looking for dirt on me, I'm thankful for that ~:<)
. .One thing I finally learned is what's extremely important today can seem silly in subsequent years, don't get too carried away. But it's important to do it now anyway, it was important at the time, it's another chapter in your book. Another thing learned, it's easier to accumulate treasures than to dispose of them, big job... travel light. You can respond faster to new opportunities and adventures.
. . The analogy between people aging and cars aging can be worrisome. You can only guess when and what important parts might fail now or much later. Can they be repaired or replaced? At what cost? Will the usefulness be impaired? How long out of service? Will it be junked? or still running but parked in the garage serving no purpose anymore. The older it is the more likely parts will fail, hopefully not critical parts. Luck plays a major part, but taking good care of it "almost" always keeps it useful and alive longer? Or perhaps at any time, an early accident can put an end to it's life?
. . I slowly retired over a number of years, slowly throttling down for a graceful landing. It's been 20 wonderful years since I first used the word "retired". Yes it is nice, but I do indeed miss the accomplishments and involvement of an interesting career. I had 2 main careers, full time designing Mainframe Computer Operating Systems (when there were only a few in the world), and my own Real Estate company (54 years, Still have).... both were more like hobbies, I enjoyed them and still enjoy very much. I taught computers, Real Estate, College 7 computer languages, Database Design,  and now teach "The Art of Keeping Chickens" (and Pigeons). Over time I had 6 more very small companies, most were money making (not much) hobbies. We are now in the process of shedding everything except what we'd need to live in a tent (almost).

. . SO FAR IN THOSE 80 years, I've lived a fair number of distinct lifetimes, each one quite different and enjoyable, like chapters in a book... turn the page and on to the next unique adventure. Now I'm excited to be writing the remaining chapters. Someday when I turn the last page I hope I can happily say "That was a good book, I enjoyed it".. The end.