A Valentine Birthday Blog for 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Me! (And Mr. Rabbit)

On my last birthday, February 14, 2006, I published a Valentine Birthday Blog chronically the day I turned 60. I'm doing it again for today, my 61st birthday. Today I'll be updating this one (as I can) as the day progresses.

12:17 AM ~ I suppose the flu is still with me. At about 9:00 last night, I was exhausted. So Alex and I took a nap. Then he woke me and demanded that we get up: he wanted a snack and to go outside and cat around. He did both, although the outside adventure didn't last long because it is a bit cold for Alex (21 degrees F). Mr. Alex is now napping again on his chair before the space heater in the kitchen and I am wide awake! Anyway, my birthday has begun!

12:48 AM ~ I finally was able to get the font size correct on this post! (I really wish I knew more about html!) I shall now collect Alex off of his chair and we shall go back to bed. (My bed).

9:20 AM ~ Alex and I spent a cold night snuggling. The cat who owns me was restless: he would be next to my body beneath the covers-head and all-when he would decide to escape from under the sheet, blanket, and comforter, walk around or sit on top of the bedding (and sometimes me), and then demand that I lift the sheet so that he could crawl beneath and again snuggle next to my body. I don't know if Alex was motivated in his motion by the coldness above the covers or, perhaps, he just wanted to breath a bit of fresh air, but his frequent in and out of the covers awakened me to the point that I heard more of the BCC World Service broadcast that I normally do.

I began listening each night to the BBC on PRI years ago when I needed the sound of human voices to enable me to sleep alone. At times the news disturbs my sleep, especially when I hear a story that throws my mind into thinking mode. Last night there was such a story. It seems that the United Kingdom (#21) and the United States (#20) came it at the bottom of an evaluation of 21 industrialized nations in a UNICEF study entitled Child Poverty in Perspective: An Overview of Child Well-being in Rich Countries. As one who has spent most of his life addressing child welfare issues, I found the story extremely disturbing.

3:30 PM ~ #2 son, Rob, picked me up and took me to a cafeteria for a birthday luncheon: sea food salad, chicken filet, carrot souffle, corn bread, "no sugar" chocolate pie. Then to Barnes and Noble Bookstore, where Rob invited me to select a book as a birthday present. I chose the only Martha Grimes mystery I haven't yet read, The Horse You Came In On. Then to the grocery for Alex's favorite wet cat food and a box of much needed cat litter. Alex appeared from his hiding place as soon as Rob left; he had a late lunch from the box of his favorite gourmet food, and is now outside catting around. If nothing else good happens today, I can say I have had a marvelous birthday!

5:00 PM ~ My mother telephoned from the rehab center to wish me a happy birthday. She has been doing much better since her return from the hospital; she did a new exercise today to build her leg strength for standing. She also told me that at 5:55 PM I will be officially 61 years old. I don't believe I knew before she told me the actual time I was born!

The mail came a few minutes ago. There were three birthday cards, including one from a fellow blogger in Michigan and one from an old email friend. Each card contained a gift, for which I am most thankful. I have begun writing thank you notes to the senders, which I shall post via snail mail. I suppose I am still traditional enough to believe that is the appropriate response to such wonderful folks.

The mail also brought a letter from my mortgage company informing me that they are foreclosing on my house. I knew it was just a matter of time; I have been without an income for too long. What amazes me is that the mail also contained two letters from local attorneys offering their services in regard to the pending foreclosure. How in hell's name did these attorneys know about the foreclosure before I did?

8:30 PM ~ About 6:30 this evening the "sleepies" hit me. I had been meditating for a while, which usually doesn't tire me, but energizes me. However, for some unknown reason I found myself falling asleep on my feet. Could it be my age? Or perhaps it was that relatively large luncheon I ate with Rob? Whatever, I treated myself to an nap.

My afternoon mediation took two forms: first about twenty minutes of Vipassana followed by a few pages of reflective/spiritual journaling. By the time I was finished, I had begun to see my life in a more unclouded way-if not pellucid, then at the least less foggy than it has been for months or, perhaps, years. My primary question, however, remains unanswered: What am I supposed to be learning from my trauma and stress of the past three years?

Alex has been a pain since I arose from my nap. He met me at the door of my bedroom and like the plant in The Little Shop of Horrors, meowed, Feed me! I did: two different types of cat food. He picked at both and completed eating neither. He continued hassling (clawing) me. I opened the back door and then the front door for the firball. He doesn't want to go catting around outside. I have lifted him into my arms and snuggled and stroked him. He responded by jumping down to the floor. Is it possible that Alex is a living example of my own spiritual quest?

11:35 pm ~ My Valentine's birthday is over. Alex is asleep on my desk beside me. It is time to lift the cat who owns me into my arms and retire for the night. Overall, it has been an excellent birthday! I especially thank all who have blessed me with their comments and birthday wishes on this day. By the way:

HAPPY SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY!