That your mom and dad just behind you? You were a cute little rascal. Is that a toy animal you got?
Yeah, I was a cute kid. I think it’s a truck. My folks are in the center of the top row, next to the door frame.
From South Park’ Jesus vs. Santa:
Jesus: Tomorrow is my birthday. Yet all is not right.
Stan: Your birthday is on Christmas? That sucks, dude.
.
Seriously, have a happy brithday.
Seriously, that South Park pilot/short film is more than 25 years old!
You don’t remember? 
I attended my high school class’ 40th reunion back in 2008 – missed the 50th. One of our guests was the librarian, Mrs. Ashby. She was 92 at the time and in an assisted living apartment but she had driven herself to the event. She said she was the envy of the others in the facility.
Happy Birthday and a Merry Christmas to you, sir. From your words, I think that, if mental stamina can propel you to your goal of 100, you are well on your way. I hope your physical health makes the journey one that is comfortable for you.
It took me a little by surprise to realize that a 90 year old is too young to have served in WWII. Then I remembered that my stepdad just turned 89 so of course… The way time passes is crazy.
Young people can’t realize how much history is crammed into every decade. Every decade is a world unto its own, each changes into something new. Welcome to your tenth decade and all the surprises in store.
Happy birthday, Crane, and many, many happy returns! That was a great OP.
You sound like you’ve had a life well lived, and may yet have more. A very, very happy birthday to you.
Parts of my life mirror parts of yours, but I’m 20 yrs younger. Your introspection gives me confidence to keep looking for that sense of renewed relevance. Folks need something that goes beyond mere survival tasks. Glad to know your thoughts at this stage. Happy Birthday!
As someone who turned invisible (i.e. 60) a little more than a year ago, your post is inspiring and a clear way of saying: Don’t give up, don’t give in, don’t settle. Strive to evolve, learn and - if possible - make a change.
I’m impressed. And very humbled.
A very, very warm felicitation to you sir. If I wore a hat, I’d tip it too. But since this is digital, consider it virtually tipped.
A thoughtful, inspiring, and heartfelt post.
I’m reminded of Groucho Marx, “Although it is generally known, I think it is about time to announce that I was born at a very early age. Age isn’t a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.”
Another box ably checked
My most sincere Happy Birthday wishes to you!
What a post! Thank you for sharing your insight with us, and happy belated birthday!
Truly. My father’s nickname in his WWII squadron was “Pops” because he was the third oldest in the squadron after the commanding officer and a chief who’d been part of the pre-war cadre. Were he alive he’d be 104 this year.
Happy Birthday, Young’un!
Happy Birthday Crane! My twins share your birthday and turned 18 yesterday. That reminds me that I need to give an update on China Guy’s twins
Happy Birthday! Wishing you many more to come.
(Your post got me smiling remembering my Gran. She lived till 104, and was healthy till the end! She’d been married at 15, then gave birth 15 times, 13 surviving children. When I was young there was no running water, and a woodstove to both heat and cook on, and an outhouse. My Dad said when he first visited them they had no electric either! Yikes!)
One of my fondest memories was watching, when she was in her 90’s, a neighbour lady, a few years older come by, help her down the stairs and drive her into town and back for some shopping. Her adult children were outraged, but they weren’t nearby, and both ladies proved more than capable in truth.
Age is just a number, mate. And you sound like you have lots to do yet, and are more than up to it. Never stop being awesome, that’s what my Gran did, and it worked for her!
Thanks for a great post!
Happy Birthday Crane. Bittersweet post there for sure. 90 is a milestone. Hey what celebrities stayed at your BNB?
Mostly scientists, artists and historians, some politicians - Peter Raven, Roger Tory Peterson, Julia Jordan, Senator Bingaman, the Governor of Wyoming, whose name I don’t remember. The most famous was Jodie Foster during the filming of the Very Large Array for the movie Contact. She and her support crew stayed with us for a week.
Wow I envy you. I have never met anyone as famous as her. Thanks for the reply!