Waltzing Through

The post title is a reference to waltz music being in 3/4 time. 

Today my age is best described in a similar way. Yes, once a year this date comes around whether welcomed or not. But, I am in not complaining. As a famous statesman famously said. "It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years . . ." (Abraham Lincoln)

It's hard for me to fathom that today marks a major milestone in my life, three-quarters of a century to be exact, and perhaps wishing it were a bit less.

As a toddler and today

During a phone chat with my (slightly) younger brother this week, we were reminded of the words our late mother, and certainly others, have cautioned: "Don't get old."

And, the alternative is?

Let's not go there, we both agreed, while noting that longevity seems to run in our family. He laughed when reminded that our age difference is just 3 years.

Personally, I'm thankful for many things in my life, especially the love and support of my best friend and husband, Patrick, and for friends, near and far, who have sent well wishes by mail, text, email or phone call. Birthday cards received to date are displayed on bookcases in our apt as is our usual habit for cards. It makes me happy to see them every day. Friendship is not only the best gift, but certainly a priceless gift, to be remembered is even nicer and much appreciated.

Some fellow bloggers asked in their comments if I was doing anything "special" today. A fellow resident who is 93 years young, and my Scrabble playing partner here, invited us to a homemade crepes breakfast, which was delicious. Patrick is treating me to dinner at a downtown restaurant after he was told (politely) that no gift is needed. That said, my future gift to myself will be a new computer to replace my aging (and getting slower) desktop. The big question is another desktop or a notebook PC with all the "bells and whistles" to last a few years (or longer). Opinions welcomed in a comment.

Birthday wishes on the bookcase included duplicate cards (a fun coincidence)

And, while on the subject of a waltz tempo, my favorite 3/4 tune is The Christmas Waltz, but only the version done first by Frank Sinatra. It's been covered many times by a number of popular artists and, while it's an oft played popular holiday tune, it's never been #1. 

The backstory (of course): The song was written for Sinatra by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne and recorded in 1954. During a hot spell in Los Angeles, Cahn received a call from Styne who told him: 'Frank wants a Christmas song." Cahn initially resisted, but Styne was emphatic that Sinatra wanted a new Christmas song. Styne had been working on a waltz to which Cahn added the lyrics and Sinatra recorded A Christmas Waltz. 

So in honor of my own 3/4s today, here's a link to The Christmas Waltz.
Maybe, it's one of your favorites as well, no offense taken, if not (smile).