Why July is so special to clan Thompson; First and foremost there is the Fourth of July, the celebration of the birth of our great nation the United States, a time when we should reflect on what our forefathers had blessed us with, a nation, though imperfect, but still one to be envied and emulated. And yes it still needs a lot more work because it is governed by simple and corruptible humans.
EXAMPLE: When you see a Camel, picture the US Congress gathered together attempting to design a horse. Yes, that too will be from perfect but exactly what the Special Interest groups and their lobbyist wanted.
But also in July, my sainted mother gave birth to me in 1947 on the 13 of July. I was the middle child of 5 sons and the only one to be born in the summer, and all my birthdays during my gestation years were held at our summer house in South Yarmouth on Cape Cod (Don’t hate me for not being poor thanks to the WW-II GI educational bill.)
But how I lorded this over my 4 siblings as my Cake was accompanied by a BBQ on Corporation Beach. Not huddled inside our house in Dorchester fighting off the cold weather outside as with my brother’s birthdays. Truly, I am special.
I was born on a Sunday, vice a Friday but I have had many Friday the 13th birthdays, which even caused a long running series of movies. Like the one last year: “Jason has a hip replacement using Medicare!”
I retired fully from all forms of labor, and commenced spending pensions at age 53. Because of my seaman’s salary, I was waiting nine more years for my maximum amount Social Security payment. Fate and the government are funny, no one told me that during those nine years of retirement my SSA Account would drop to half of what it was scheduled to be at age 62 because I retired early, I can only assume that congress must decide when you may retire. Damn those camels!!!
Yes I lost money, but what I gained in just living a relaxing life in this tropical NON-Paradise (That was for Sir Bob Martin) more than made up for that error in judgment on my part to retire at age 53. The goal, as my father put it was to retire at the earliest possible date, and then live well until the world is done with you. (He did it at age 52 and lived a great life traveling the world until he passed at age 85.)
My SSA was never a real part of my retirement plan, because for years the congress kept telling me it would be empty soon. Which I thought was odd that Social Security could run out of money, but welfare never would, that struck me as part of that camel design thing!
But I digress, as I turned 70 years old, I’ve adjusted to my new normal of a few beers a week, no smoking ever again but I’m pleased for never becoming a Curmudgeon,
or cantankerous old man. My sense of humor is still intact, and the obscurities of life still jump out at me, and Bob Martin still lets me point them out on his site. My newest trip around the sun has just started, “hang on Paul”, it’s going to be a hell of a ride again!
Belated Happy Birthday Paul!
Peace
Jay
Jay;
The family and friends took me out to a nice lunch, and a pleasant day was had by me. Thanks for the birthday greeting.
Hi Paul,
Yesterday was Dad’s birthday. I gave him some good NC barbecue. We are going out to eat with him and my sister in a few minutes. As usual enjoyed reading your article!
Peace and many more birthdays!
Jay
Jay;
A most happy birthday to your father the best in life to him! Things I liked in North Carolina, Smoked Ham, the Bar-B-Que, the beautiful country side and the great people from there. I never missed a chance to eat the Bar-B-Que, that is why I always got off of I-95 and drove on RT. 17 while traveling though the state.
We live in Cebu Paul. I always read your stuff and like your “take” on life in the Philippines. Thanks and Happy Birthday.
Roger;
I pulled into Cebu on ship’s a few times, A nice place to live from what I hear. I take life with a grain of salt and never too seriously, as my day explained; “Son, you won’t get out of it alive!”
Always look forward to reading Paul’s post on Monday morning. Thank you.
Michael;
I do too; it means I made it another week. And thank you for reading!!!
Happy Birthday Paul… With as few days late ! And a greek style dish is still waiting for you 😉 Maybe when some sunny days are back…
TriPack;
Thank you, I had tenderloin at Texas Joe’s with friends and family, a great day. Text me your phone # and we’ll do lunch at Sit & Bull’s
0-917-507-9109
I just did text you, so you also have mine 😉
Got it, thank you We’ll get together soon!
Enjoy the ride, Mr. Paul T. Been enjoying my 70’s — “Uncle” has always been nice to me. Belated Feliz cumpleaño. Stay healthy.
Jose
Thank you Jose, You stay well also!
Happy birthday, Paul! I always enjoy your posts, though I seldom comment! I am so glad you were able to bounce back after that crazy stuff with your stomach… Whew! May God grant you many, many more years! (You are just a couple years ahead of me, and one one year ahead of my husband!)
For my whole I walked in to any American Legion, and have always been the youngest guy there , so it’s nice for once to be the elder!. Last year gave me a new normal but as with all things, we adjust because we must!
Happy belated birthday Paul! Enjoy your ride and God bless!
Leo;
If it is as good as the first 70, I’m sure I will! (lol)
First word in your reply…not needed! 🙂
“If” you say so…(LOL)
Verily verily I say unto you…..you have a sense of humor! 🙂
Leo;
It was explained to me that a sense of humor was required when I requested my visa to live here. Well not really required, but it helps!
I’m glad you had a wonderful 70th B-Day with your family with many, many more to come. It looks like you had fun riding that horse at Texas Joe’s lol. That Fillet sure sounds good there.
Randy;
They make me sit there for pictures, but the little kids get mad as hell. (lol)
Now I know why July is so much fun. Happy birthday to ya!
Pete;
Yes July is fun, that is why I freely share it with all. I always felt sorry for the folks who have a birthday a round Christmas time. Oh we are allowed to say “Christmas once more” and transgender bathrooms are a think of the past too.
Happy Belated Birthday!
happy belated birthday, mine was the 7th.
i retired (early) also this july and will begin living with my wife full time in a few days.
we have a 1 1/2 year old boy who needs his papa and not a face on a computer screen or phone skyping .
so i too will eek out a poor but happy life waiting for SS to start …knowing full well it will only help me to continue eeking out my poor but happy life!
Gregory;
Well great for you and your family no matter what your pension is or its amount. Not much is really required to live well here, I live well but in the states at age 70 I know I’d need to work to get by. Not that I needed anymore reasons to stay. Best of life to you and yours!