Kind of fits, doesn't it? Forty Niner. That's the monniker often associated with the grizzled old sourdoughs who were often charaterized as representing the California Gold Rush, resulting from the find of a gold nugger at Sutter's Mill.
Ol' John Sutter died broke and alone. But I'm not quite broke, and I'm far from alone, thanks to family, Iris, Harley and all of you. (okay, all six or seven who still read Smoke on the Water)
However, it would seem that I am rapidly approaching the grizzled old sourdough stage of things, this being the advent of my Forty Ninth anniversary of my first lap around the Sun.
It's been a roller coaster of a life thus far, but I'm grateful for where I'm at. I've had too many friends awaken with six feet of dirt on their face, and I'm far from ready for that. I'm grateful for my love, Iris, and the joy and light she brings to my life. And I'm grateful for our home, and happiness.
I'm grateful also for Smoke on the Water, small though it has become. I can still speak, and shall.
For tonight; Maker's Mark and a fine cigar, in the company of my precious and lovely Iris.
Here's to another lap around that big Gold Nugget in the sky.
And here's to many more... I guess I'll join you in having one.
*He says, as he's snipping the end from a Monte Christo torpedo*
Happy Birthday, and all my best,
V5
P.S. That'd be, "...all seven or eight who still read Smoke on the Water!"
Posted by: V5 | April 05, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Happy birthday Jim! The Makers Mark and Montecristo should hit the spot.
Posted by: Steve | April 05, 2007 at 02:21 PM
Happy Birthday Jim. I am so glad to see that you are happy and back to your old (sorry YOUNG) self. Give Harley a hug for me and enjoy your night.
Posted by: Linda | April 05, 2007 at 07:39 PM
Happy birthday bud; here's to another one.
Posted by: Chris Byrne | April 05, 2007 at 09:46 PM
...many more of the same, sir. I think there are a few more readers than you think.
Posted by: Rivrdog | April 06, 2007 at 12:13 AM
I'll have a drink to that, my you are almost grown up now.
Have a special day.
Posted by: Keeskennis | April 06, 2007 at 03:07 AM
Happy birthday, Jim. And many more. 49? Yer but a pup (although you are old enough to be my... older brother...) :)
Enjoy the day - go to the range! :)
Posted by: Jay G | April 06, 2007 at 06:18 AM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Raggedy | April 06, 2007 at 08:45 AM
It's (sorry, smoke free) Tullamore Dew and staring out at a freak snow storm here in the North country. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Greybeard | April 11, 2007 at 05:15 PM
Happy Birthday!
Looking forward to meeting you in Kerrville.
Posted by: Jerry | April 11, 2007 at 08:43 PM