I should have written this yesterday, but ...

give me good wishes for the day, folks - yesterday (Friday Jan 30) was my 75th birthday.

At Senior Men's Coffee Break (I call it Old Farts' Club) at church that I attended as a lad (sang in choir before voice changed) on Thursday morning they brought out a cupcake each with one candle on it for another guy and me whose birthdays are in January.

Happy to be enjoying good health, with some interesting friends and things to do.

I hope that you are able to enjoy similar joys during a happy, healthy retirement.

Prior to a trip through the U.S. last fall, when buying med insurance, about 10 questions dealing with pre-existing med conditions, when I answered "No" to all, lady looked at me and said few clients over 70 could answer negatively to all. I said I was very thankful for that blessing, as well. Got an added benefit - 4 days (minimum) cost me $28. but one "Yes" answer would have cost me $52.

Travelled, with my son, about 1,600 mi. to spend Christmas (first in many years) with my brother, recently retired farmer on the Canadian Prairies.

Then another 400 miles or so to celebrate nephew's wedding in Edmonton, Alberta.

Gas tank sprang a leak just before trip started, bought replacement but unhappy as it was so rusty. My garage man said some bring gas tanks from AZ or Alberta, where there's less moisture, salt on roads - turned out the price was $300.+: I just about had a heart attack at that news. Son said we were going to Alberta - so could buy one while there.

Son complained about stopping 50 times for gas on 5,000 mi. trip. We took spare gas can, fearing unable find gas when needed in N MI, MN, ND, especially late at night: used can three or four times. Found a larger can by roadside in Saskatchewan.

In S. Manitoba on Monday morning after New Year, having spent night with friends, faithful little car started after about six seconds turning over slowly due to thick oil. Oil light stayed on, so shut it down after about 6 seconds. Let it sit a few seconds, started again, let run a few seconds. Light still on, shut it down after a few seconds. On about fourth start, engine tunrning over at regular speed when starting. Started about a dozen times before oil light went out. Thermometer was at -39 degrees, that morning.

We bought a tank in Edmonton ($50.), hauled it in place of honour in back seat, tried to replace tank at my brother's farm but couldn't. At garage back here, found tank wrong type, couldn't be altered adequately. I (jokingly) wondering if I should send it back to Edmonton - C.O.D.

Ain't life grand?

Have a wonderful year, all.

ole joyful