80 Different Things: Big Finish

 Celebrating Me 

One of you didn't know many of the Different Things listing and have never seen my childhood photos with my brothers. Another knew only a few bits.

That's good. At least, I'm not repeating stuff. Continuing on.

71. Hmm... Maybe, I don't have to go through all these because...

YOU KNOW THE REST OF THE STORY!

Halloween In Phoenix, Arizona

Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up. - Anonymous

When I was young, I couldn't wait to grow up. Now, I'm just waiting for my next nap. Life has been a series of, I can't believe this is my life now moments.

But I've been content thinking that nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember because that's how we fill our minds with memories, like thousands of stars in the sky.

Memories, such as those of my 80th birthday which has been comprised of several perfect days.

First, a day filled with

precious and most-thoughtful gifts.

Far left: A wrist watch and monstera-design gown through Second Daughter's Walmart gift card 

Above right: Grilled stufft burrito lunch after shopping with First Daughter and the cutest six-pack mini Coke topped with a mini red bow from Favorite Son-In-Law

An adorable umbrella from Kyoto with a pixie-face Japanese doll handle and a Ross gift card (not in pic) from First Daughter

No gift is too small to give, nor too simple to receive, which is wrapped in thoughtfulness and tied with love.

Left: Japanese parasol unfurled. Note new wrist watch in full view

Leftmost: Telefora red roses and chocolates from Youngest Bro (who now resides in New Zealand)

Left: Yellow and lavender tulips from Jach (including a rogue African iris picked on the wayside)

Secondly, a time for cuteness overload at Don Don Donki, a Japanese-style discount store.

As First Granddaughter comments, Woah woah woah.

And Second Granddaughter: OMG AHHGGGG SOO CUTE!!

Thirdly, a super sarap birthday lunch of fried pampano fish, kare-kare, monggo guisado and halo-halo at Seafood City.

Then, capping it all, a Thai dinner treat at The Sister by First Daughter and family.

I may not have it all together, but together with family here and abroad, I have it all. TOGETHER is my most-perfect day, and for this I'm grateful. 

Ho'onani i ka Makua mau,

Ke Keiki me ka 'Úhane no.

(Praise God, From Whom all blessing flow.)

THE END?

Nope.

Here's to MORE DIFFERENT THINGS

and BEYOND!

By The Light Of Tiki Torches. Photo: V.E.V., Outrigger Canoe Club, Waikiki: March 2025