Happy Birthday, Robbie!

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Celebrating, Part 1

More to come . . .

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Ronald Reagan's Birthday and a Field Trip

Robbie and I did something really intellectual last night (a sort of Bachelor protest, if you will - sorry Bachelor lovers). We attended a lecture given by Presidential historians Michael Bechloss and David Brinkley. Can I say, if I haven't already lost your interest, that it was a really thoughtful, and not too long, discussion of the legacy of the Presidents of the second half of the 20th century. It was, in my mind, super interesting. Of course, I've long professed my love for all things Presidential. Mr. Bechloss said, it takes about 40 years from the time a President leaves office for his legacy to really solidify but that a legacy is perhaps a very fluid thing, regardless. I won't attempt a recitation of all that I learned last night but trust me when I say it was super informative and left me even more curious about the 44 men who've served in the country's highest office.  

But, the real point of this post is that today is Ronald Wilson Reagan's 102nd birthday!  Now, I've written before about President Reagan. He was the first President I was old enough to cast a vote for (November 1983) and I had the good fortune to see him up close and personal in the White House Rose Garden (why yes, lucky me). But this year, while we were visiting California, our family made the trek to Simi Valley to visit the Reagan Library (the most visited of all of the Presidential libraries). A spectacular setting, an endearing childhood, Americana, an enormous time capsule of the 80s, Air Force One, it was all a treat.

The view from the library.  

The statue of President Reagan, rancher-style,  that welcomes visitors.

A portion of the Berlin Wall.

The burial site.  

I could probably wax on incessantly about this, but suffice it to say, if you have the opportunity to visit  a Presidential Library, regardless of the man's policies, politics or persona (though if you're an admirer, it will no doubt enhance your experience), it is totally worth it.  

Trouble

About 8 weeks old.  You can see how we were deceived by that sweet face.

"Trouble.  That's what her name should be," said my sister.  And it would be appropriate too, except her name is Brownie (and no, your eyes aren't deceiving you, she's not brown). Today is her birthday and she is 5.  Which means she'll, no doubt, do some of this

Asleep on the ottoman.

and probably a little of this

Resting on the sofa.

and she'll definitely do this

Yes.  Asleep, on the back of the sofa, front paws outstretched.  

B.F.'s Birthday

Today is my dad's birthday.  He's 78!  

Born at home in Star, NC, sometimes called "Twinkle Town" (at least by the members of our family), the doctor wrote "Billy", rather than my grandparents' intended "William", on his birth certificate.  He's been known as Billy since, though almost always signs his name B.F. (Franklin).  

In a Popeye suit with a Popeye doll!  

My dad moved with his parents and older sister to Newport News, Virginia when he was 5.  Raised by hardworking parents in tough times, he was athletic (football and baseball) 

That's him, number 16, front row, right.  

and industrious (paper route stories abound) and well-liked (voted Best-All-Around in high school).  He married my mom (a classmate a few year younger) just a couple years out of high school and served in the Army in the late 50's stationed in Germany.  When he returned, he resumed a job working for the local telephone company (did me proud when he put his install skills to use connecting all the girls' phones on my hall my second year in college).  

Father of the bride. 

He helped raise 4 kids and worked long and hard (overtime when and where it was offered).  And, he's smart, I might add. He made his way to and up the corporate ladder and is a true American success story, though I doubt he ever thinks of himself that way.  I'm proud of him and what he's accomplished. 

With his mom in 1997.  He was the "apple of her eye" but his temperment is more
like his own dad's, who was referred to, interestingly enough, as H.F. 

My kids call him "Pop"

I wrote a post back in February about my dad, but didn't want his day to pass without acknowledging the loving and sentimental husband, father and grandfather he is today.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  

Nolan Ryan's Birthday

We're baseball fans at our house.  We're also recent transplants to Texas.  So I'm thinking we have something new to celebrate this year:  Nolan Ryan's birthday; his 65th to be exact.  


Mr. Ryan, a native son,  is revered in Texas.  Here's why.  

Ranger Ballpark in Arlington, Texas

My husband and son seek a refreshing reprieve from the summer heat.

We went to our first Rangers game shortly after we moved here in July.  Aside from the heat (the temperature was over 100 degrees after 10 p.m.), the thing that struck me most was the attention that Nolan Ryan drew from the fans.  Taking a photo of Mr. Ryan (not unlike this one that I took) 

Nolan Ryan (right) chats with fellow Hall of Fame member Bert Blyleven

was obviously important to many of the attendees.  He seemed to garner as much attention (perhaps more) as star players Josh Hamilton and Michael Young.  


In addition to being the birthday boy, it's my understanding that he's a great manager and a really nice guy too.  Happy #65 to  #34!