OFFICIALLY OLD!!!!!

If one has to turn 62, what better way then to spend your birthday weekend in Laughlin and Vegas with a good friend....and to hit a progressive jackpot! My longtime friend and former roommate flew to Laughlin on a Riverside special, and I drove the three hour trip to meet her. She arrived in the morning, and I got there late in the afternoon after working in the morning. She had a chance to check things out, and wanted me to try a Sizzling Sevens machine that she had seen hit several times during the day, and one one which she had won $350. I put in a twenty, gave it a pull....then another....and the 3 Sizzling Sevens came up....and I won the progressive of $1016! Immediately, two casino workers showed up behind me, and another took this picture. What a way to start my 62nd year!

The weekend continued to be fun with a side trip to Vegas, too much to eat, too much to drink, tired feet from walking all up and down the strip, more bells ringing with wins, (and some disappointing losses), a great night seeing LaCage, enjoying the Fremont Street light show, cheering on the Cardinals to victory with a group of people from around the country, and lots of laughter with a great friend.

Not too fun to have to admit to being 62, but do have social security checks to look forward to, and need to appreciate reaching this age and still having my wonderful mother and great sisters alive and well, having my children married and with those wonderful grandsons and spouses, and having some very special friends in both Minnesota and Arizona. I am grateful that I am still able to ride my golden boy, Bart, and have a lovable toy Aussie who still thinks I'm worth sharing a house with. And when one is complaining about being 62, it is good to remember that some friends and family were not fortunate enough to live to reach that mature age. I think of my classmates Bobby, Mary Lou, Larry and Marilyn, and of my cousins Buddy and Dennis.

Yes, it is true...Getting Old Isn't For Sissies. The body doesn't work like it used to and certainly doesn't look the same. But it gets me where I want to go, allows me laughter and the heartwarming feelings that come from the calls, cards and gifts. Thank you all for being there for me......you made this eventful date a very special one for me. And I am younger that I ever will be again...now THAT is worth a celebration!