Who'd have thought it!? Well, not I for one! Until quite recently could barely envisage it myself, and even now can hardly believe it.
I still won't open my mouth to smile, which hardly ever happens anyway, as now you'd see the continuing big upper frontal gap in my gnashers - which at my age I don't really care about, not giving a hoot as to what I look like to others - even if they notice, that is. To be searching enticingly for a potential 'Mr Right' does not even creep into the lower ranks of any priority list I might compile. Just not bothered any more.
Mid-last century when I was no more than a mere chit-of-a-child, the thought of anyone reaching 80 was something quite exceptional, which it indeed then was! Even 50 was considered by us then youngsters as being not just 'old' but near senile! 80 was way, way beyond 'senile', it was 'freakishly' ancient. Now, of course, although the majority of humans still don't attain my particular present life-mark it's very far from being uncommon.
Must admit that on some days I really do feel my true age physically, though thankfully, (for now at least), those days are outnumbered by those days where I don't feel it.
As for celebrations? With the very few friends in person which I did have (not including a succession of cats), they all having now pre-deceased me (except not yet for my dear, little Sloopy), it's a non-celebratory event. And anyway, having been teetotal now for going on 10 years - not that I've ever had a drinking 'problem' (he adds hastily) - and with a zero social life, what's the point? It brings me nothing. So I'm long past that sort of 'thing'! 😇
Anyway, those of you reading this who aren't here yet, do hurry and join us. Even if I don't obsess about it, it can be just a tad lonely up here.
This latest pic was taken yesterday.........
So, what can one do but allow life to travel on apace, whilst seeking to improve what one can and to minimise any untoward disruptions? Ten years enhanced, will one be here to turn nonagenarian? As long as any future sufferings are non-existent or negligible, which would be the wish of just about everyone else too, I care not.
Oh, I nearly forgot. As a btw, I'm expecting to hear in the next few days when I am to attend hospital to be subject to a colonoscopy, not exactly a prospect to look forward to. It seems that after seeing my G.P./doctor couple of weeks back I'm assessed as displaying a number of symptoms of suspected colon-rectal cancer. If confirmed should be in enough time for remedial action to be taken. Nonetheless, how's that for a cherry-on-top! Heigh-ho!
Well you sure don't look 80! more like 70. A very HAPPY Birthday to you dear Raybeard!!!!! So many birthdays in October of friends and readers. I will bring up the rear, no pun intended, at the end of the month. I wish you more trips around the globe and will have to toast you a Happy and Healthy Birthday! and now just for you....from the Mistress, ahem....
ReplyDeleteAnother year older, another year wise,
Though gravity's winning on breasts, buns, and thighs.
Don’t look in the mirror, don't focus on wrinkles,
Just think of the fun and the regular twinkles!
The hangover tomorrow will stretch for a week,
And getting out of bed will require a crane, so to speak.
But tonight we don't care about fiber or sleep,
We're diving in headfirst, straight into the deep!
Your youth is now history, archived and done,
But the "cougar" phase, darling, has only begun.
So put on that outfit that guarantees stares,
And give absolutely zero—or fewer—actual cares.
We'll toast to your health and the thrills yet to come, and lines on your face that are caused by the rum.
So let’s cause a scandal, let’s make a huge scene, and party like you’re still a wild, fresh nineteen!
Kiss and hugs from me to you!!!!!
Thank you SO much, M.M. I saw in your recent blog you mentioned so many b/days of those you knew were happening this month. One I can't forget is that the (also) late RTG, hubby of our still much-missed Warrior Queen shared his b/day with me. That's always now at or near the top of my mind when 'our' date comes around.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking it as a compliment when you say that I look 70, as that's what it is. I don't know if I get to 90 I'll be happy about being told I look 80, though I'm certainly far from sure that I'll get another 10 years from now, but who can say?
Many thanks for the poem. I've got to imagine my (much) younger self in order to relate to it, but I've certainly been there for large parts of it.
Now here's wishing you a nice day for today and, most of all, best of health for your future however long that turns out to be for you.
Ta ta for now,
XXXX
Happy Birthday. You are not entirely alone, you have us out here in blog land. Not quite the same I know but hugs from me and enjoy your day however little you wish to celebrate it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. Your wishes are much appreciated. Apart from my few blogpals I don't really have others I can freely talk to, my three surviving siblings all ailing in their/our own ways, so it's not fair that I should additionally load them with my own troubles. It's people such as yourself who I now especially value. Thanks for being there!
DeleteWishing you a very happy birthday Ray and many more to come. And here's hoping sweet sloopy will remain as your companion for a long time too. Fingers crossed your procedure go well with no negative results.
ReplyDeleteThanks for what you say, Camille. Sloopy continues to give me daily comfort and consolation - and long may it carry on so. He's not yet 10 so it could well do.
DeleteJust had a call from the hospital. The colonoscopy may not be quite as immediate as I'd hoped, me wanting to get it over with and put behind me. But it still ought to be maybe within the next 2 weeks - meantime, more waiting around in suspense. Thanks too for your thought, though.
Happy birthday, Ray!! You must celebrate yourself today; you are a dear and should be treated as such. ♥
ReplyDeleteXXs to you, Elle. You're very consoling. However, I don't really mind being alone, despite being what day it is. I'm always most comfortable in solitude (plus maybe a cat or two!) but I do get your sentiment and appreciate it fully. 'Ta' muchly. :-)
DeleteHappy Happy Birthday! And you look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteCelebrate with the cats and a cup of tea!
Much love on what my dad called his Bigga 80!
Ever grateful thanks for your wishes, Bob. Just the one cat now, Sloopy, and he'll have to be my last. I can't abide the thought that I may well go before it's his/her turn, leaving it all helplessly alone wondering what's happened.
DeleteDo I really look fab? Aw, shucks - though I wish I shared your pov - but I WILL have yet another mug of tea (decaf) to celebrate. Thanks again.
Oh, happy birthday, Raydear! Sorry about the tooth (or lack) but that is a wonderful photo. You look great! Speaking of cherries, I have a colonoscopy scheduled for the 30th. Let’s just keep good thoughts for each other.
ReplyDelete'Thank you' times a thousand, Mitch.
DeleteIt looks like my colonoscopy may also now be in a couple of weeks. Won't it be 'fun' if we're on the same day. We'll have to compare notes! I wonder if we're having them for the same reason, which is perfectly possible - even likely?. It'll be my first - and maybe yours too. I'll put my experience and/or result on this blog, though I do get uneasy when writing yet another 'ME! ME!ME!' post.
'Ta' for your thoughts.
Your first? Amazing. I’ve had one every 5 years since I was 34 (thanks, Dad). I now am supposed to have one every 3 years, but I’m 2 years late due to the other stuff I had been dealing with. I’ve managed to stay ahead of the problems every time. We can take our mobiles in with us and share video during the procedure!
DeleteGoodness me! I'd thought that it was just a minority of people who go through this at all - and perhaps it is - but those for those who do I assumed it was for just the once - and maybe it is for most of them - but to go like you every 5 or even 3 years seems just too incredibly thorough. So maybe I'm wrong there too. Just goes to show how badly informed one can be.
DeleteI don't like to think about what happens in the procedure. I get the idea and that's enough. I suppose there will be a screen to see the tube with camera on the end being pulled through, but I won't be watching it, let alone filming it. (I don't have a mobile anyway). No, let's just get it over with, then try to forget about the whole darned experience.
In the United States it was recommended to have a colonoscopy every 5 years after the age of 50. So, for some there, it’s standard practice although I don’t think most people follow the guidelines. I’ve had polyps every time and, all but once, they were pre-cancerous. Screening every 5 years is supposed to catch them before they turn or grow dangerously large. The last time, I had a polyp that had grown surprisingly fast which was why I was then told to be back in 3 years. The very first time I had it done was when I worked at Yale. I was awake the entire time and watch it on a monitor. It was cool and there was no recovery time. Since then, I’ve always been knocked out. I understand why, but that first experience was good.
DeleteFor all I know, Mitch, perhaps our own highly laudable (and free!) National Health Service has the same policy towards the elderly as in the U.S.A., though I'm not aware of such. I'm pretty sure the Spanish Health Service must be pretty much the same as ours is.
DeleteMy eldest brother had a colonoscopy some years back and had polyps removed. (He's now 86, though now with rapidly advancing dementia, not even recognising his own family on occasions. I've not seen him for 7 years - he lives 300 miles away. He'll likely not know who I am so I can't ask him about his experience).
Just heard this very morning that my turn is to be on a week next Mon, the 26th, at 10.30.
The internet is full of praise from those who've had a colonoscopy at this hospital for the staff there and the care they were given, so that makes me feel a tad easier - but these days one can never be sure whether these positive views weren't written by the hospital staff themselves. However I can't seriously think that in these cases it is so. It'll still be a relief to get it over with.
So glad your scheduled. And you’re before me! The procedure itself is such a non-event after the prep. You’ll be relieved to have it done.
DeleteThe hospital have rung me twice asking me questions about my history etc - in very friendly tones, I must say. Then when they asked me if I myself had questions for them, wish I'd asked whether their verdict/diagnosis will be known immediately after procedure or will there be a wait, which would be something one could do without. Never mind, I'll find out soonish.
DeleteDay after tomorrow I have to call at the hospital to collect necessary pre-procedure tablets with explanatory leaflets. Will be so glad when all is done and dusted!
🎉🎂🎁🎈🥳
ReplyDelete:-)
You must have been doing something right all these years, so congratulations! And I agree with the other comments here, you look great. I'm 69 so I'm not sure I'll make it to 80 unless I start taking all those crazy supplements influencers recommend. On the other hand I think I'll pass on that.
ReplyDeleteThanks, H - and thanks for your visit here too.
DeleteI'm sure that when I was your present age it would not have seemed likely that I would ever hit my eighth decade. The last of my close friends had died at the age of 66 and I'd have been thinking that his survival till then had been 'par for the course' which, in a sense it was - and I'm sure still is for some. Whenever I ponder on my current 'new' age, which is practically daily, I feel an element of self-astonishment. Certainly can't complain or feel that I've been cheated!
Btw: As well as eight daily doctor-prescribed tablets I also take half a dozen or so supplements which I personally reckon help me still further. (Doctor knows about all of them and doesn't attempt to dissuade me) So overall, perhaps I take even more than you do - so don't think that YOU won't ever get here. There's just no knowing. :-)
Happy Birthday I'm your fellow Libran from Spo's blog ---Glenda
ReplyDelete