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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

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!


45 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday dear Nick!! That video of Mr. Rabbit is just precious:-) Hope you feel better today and can celebrate your birthday in style!! Hugs xox

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  2. Happy Birthday Nick. The video is adorable and so is Alex. It is so good of him to take care of you on your birthday.

    Great big birthday hugs!!

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  3. Happy birthday, Rev. Saint. May you and Alex have a wonderful sleep and excellent day!

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  4. Happy Birthday, Nick!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Who is Mr. Rabbit?

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  5. Happy Birthday, Nick, and Happy Valentines Day.
    Big cuddles for Alex.
    Take care, Meow

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  6. Happy Birthday, Happy Valentine's day.

    Do do celebrate.And tell us all about it.

    medocuk.wordpress.com

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  7. Hi Nick ~~ I hope you have had an enjoyable day and that you are feeling better.
    Thanks for your comments, it sure is good to have all the repairs done at
    last. Take care, Regards, Merle.

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  8. Nic,

    Just popped over from Merles Blog to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope you have a wonderful day

    Cazz

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  9. Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day to you. Sorry to read that you are sick..
    :(
    Came here by way of Pea's Corner

    xx

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  10. Happy Birthday Nick, I hope you feel better soon. Not only do you and John share a birthday today, but a sick birthday too.
    I hope you have a wonderful day and the next brings many blessings to you and your!

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  11. Have a very Happy Birthday Saint Nick!

    How appropriate that everyone celebrates today:)

    PS Very nice job with the font...

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  12. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

    All the best...

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  13. Happy Birthday to you!! And Happy Valentine's Day, too. What a nice valentine's gift you must have been to your mom!!

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  14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

    Hope you're feeling better.

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  15. Happy Birthday, Rev. Nick!

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  16. That video is adorable. I hope you keep getting better. If only it would warm up so your house could be warmer...

    Anyway, Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine's Day!

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  17. Hello...coming by from Sweet "Pea's" to wish you a Happy Birthday and I see you are a KY feller!!
    Have a great day!!
    :-D

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  18. Happy birthday, Nick. The Mr. Rabbit video is so cute--and you and the little bunny share a birthday! How neat!

    Your son, Rob, sounds as if he is very wonderful--and is so handsome! I'm so glad you spent time with him on your special day.

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  19. Happy Valentine Birthday, Nick.

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  20. I have been thinking about you all day Nick. I hope despite everything, that it your birthday is a happy one.

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  21. Happy Birthday Nick - sounds like you had some good times today.

    I'm very sorry to hear about your house.

    I don't actually know how these things work, but here's hoping your house is worth more than the mortgage and you can sell it before they do and pay off the bank (?)

    xx
    pinks

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  22. Happy birthday!

    Many hugs!

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  23. Happy Birthday, Reverend Saint Nick! Or, did I already say that?

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  24. Hope you had a great birthday - my oldest sister also has this date as her date of birth. ec

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  25. A most happy birthday to you, dear and kind sir.

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  26. It wouldn't be a friend's birthday if I didn't do something quite silly and British.... so, without further ado, I give you the Brit kids version of the Happy Birthday song.. :o)

    Happy Birthday to You
    Squashed tomatoes and stew
    Bread and butter in the gutter
    Happy Birthday to (((You)))

    May you have many many more happy birthdays Nick...

    May the troubles with jobs and health and houses be soon sorted..

    And may Alex soon settle down!!

    :o)

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  27. Happy Birthday and Happy Valentines Day.I came from my friend merles blog.God bless.

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  28. Happy Birthday, Nick, and many blessings be with you during until your next birthday.

    May you have -
    Walls for the wind
    And a roof for the rain,
    And drinks bedside the fire
    Laughter to cheer you
    And those you love near you,
    And all that your heart may desire.

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  29. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Hope it was a good one. Hope this next year brings wonderful things to you.

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  30. I see your comments so often but I don't think I've ever visited.

    Merle tells me it's your birthday (or was yesterday).

    Happy Birthday. I'll add you to my list.

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  31. Happy Birthday Nick! Stopping by via, Merle's and hope your day was a special one. Hope you feel better soon the bunny video was cute!

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  32. Hi Nick A little bird (Merele) tells me it was Happy Birthday yesterday.

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  33. Birthday blessings to you, Rev. Nick. Remember what you said to me many years ago: Be patient, God isn't finished with you yet.

    Your question will be answered. It is all a part of what you told me is the purpose of life: soul making.

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  34. Happy belated birthday. Good luck with everything.

    *hugs*

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  35. Hi Nick, Happy belated birthday! Hope God brings you everything you want and need this year.

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  36. Happy B-Day! Hope you are feeling better!

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  37. So sorry I missed your bday yesterday... I was a busy lil bee.

    Happy belated Bday AND Valentine's! =)

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  38. OK, i will say it again, Happy Birthday Nick! Sounds as though you had a super day. Can't beat a good book as a present :o)

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