Happy Birthday Aleene....

Mother in 1970

What should I get for her this year? I've been saying that for the past 54 years...we started dating in 1961. There has been this or that not too imaginative on my part. The best things have been dinners out at a favorite spot, at least that is what I think. Recently, the past 30 years or so, we just agree to not do anything special for each other and just keep being supportive and thoughtful for yet another year. That has worked well...for me at least.

This year is no different except I decided to write about her, a bit. You see, Aleene does not like...no, loathes...attention and being singled out. But she also knows that sometimes I cannot help myself. This is one of those times.

Age five...flower girl on the left

She went through some pretty scary times this year...made us both think about the future. I decided to let readers track her progress through the years...gracefully and with dignity; well, mostly. Love-able and capable...

About 12 at camp

At 21...beautiful, eh?

Ten years ago

My favorite...New Castle in  1969