Devils Food cake with vanilla bean frosting - made by Sue today to enjoy tonight

Well, that was fast. 70 years old - it is only a number, but that number is becoming substantial! It was a perfect day - blueberry muffins for breakfast, a sandwich from Hendersonville’s Mountain Deli for lunch, and crab cakes, roasted potatoes, and broccoli for dinner - and that cake! - thanks to Sue. In between the meals (I did do more than just eat today) was fun with Eli, a nice call from Sara, and watching Caitlin and Eli enjoy each other once she got home from work. I worked on the Dwarf Tomato Project book a bit, answered emails, took a nap and ran some errands. In other words - it was a day like many others, and that is a most excellent thing.

What sort of thoughts did I have today? Pleasant ones for sure. On holidays and birthdays I tend to get a bit nostalgic. I am a very lucky guy - 45 years and counting with my best friend Sue, two wonderful daughters and an amazing grandson - with a bonus that I get to spend most days caring for and playing with him, observing the magic of a human being growing and learning. I had loving parents that stressed kindness, humor and education. I took on a hobby, gardening, that has lasted for decades and shows no signs of slowing down; the opportunities to write 2 books (and energy, I suspect, to write the third). I’ve met countless nice people at my events (in person and Zoom). I’ve had the capability and opportunity to hike and kayak, and after I get my new left knee in a couple of weeks, hope for many more years to do so.

As for my hopes for the future - just more days, weeks, months and years like the ones I’ve experienced. I hope for good health for my wife and I, and for my daughters and grandson. I like to say that I will be gardening when I am 100. We will see how that goes, and it will be on me to eat a bit better and keep moving. After my February knee replacement, the right one will have to be done within a year or so. Gardens will continue becoming a little bit smaller, but I will have Caitlin to give me a hand, which will be a big help. After the dwarf book, there may be more - though I am a wicked procrastinator, I love to write - I’ve kept a daily written journal for years. I will keep blogging, keep doing Instagram Lives, keep playing with tomatoes - making crosses, finding treasures, sharing and talking about the good stuff. I will keep listening to music, watching worthwhile movies, reading books, doing crosswords. Sue and I will get out on our bikes more, get into our kayaks more - and hike our favorite trails listening for the birds and seeking wildflowers.

No big trips, no big purchases - exciting to me is just the ordinary passing of a day with those I love, sharing things I learn in the hobby I love.