Anniversary of my birth. Natal Day. Birthday.
Whatever you call it, I’m 70 years old today. Actually, not quite yet, as I was born around 5:30 pm. I like to delay the actual year count until that moment, futile as it might be.
Lucky for me, Don is always about a year and a half ahead of me, so he helps me through it. And he assures me 70 is just fine. He asked me if I wanted some sort of party or celebration, but I really want a quiet day at home with him. I used to love celebrations and lots of excitement, but that part of me has faded and the quiet, introverted Claudia has taken over. Actually, not all that quiet around here, as I’m frequently making a joke or going for a laugh. Nothing makes me happier than to say something unexpected to my husband or do a silly walk or sing a funny song I just made up, or speak in a funny voice (and I have a lot of them) to get a reaction from him. I would say that he definitely feels the same way. We laugh a lot around here and for that I’m so, so grateful.
I wish my parents were here. And my brother. Mom was 25 years older than me, so she’d be 95. Dave was 5 1/2 years older than me, so he’d be 75. And Dad would be 99! What would they think of me turning 70? Mom would have a funny and slightly sarcastic response, of that I’m sure. But I’ve already heard from my beloved sister and youngest nephew. That makes me happy.
I have much to be grateful for and believe me, I am. I’ve accomplished a lot in my life. Whatever goals I had long ago, I think I’ve surpassed. But always, always, it’s the people I’ve met and worked with and grown up with and taught and played with and have come to know online that are the best. That I’m blessed by my family is a given.
Don is making my favorite meal – crab cakes without the crab. Honestly, I can’t tell the difference! I’m sure he’s got a few things planned but, because money is rather tight, I asked for no gifts. He pressed me on that, so I said he could give me Louise Penny’s new book, which comes out a week from tomorrow. That will be the perfect gift.
Thanks, friends.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Brendab says
Happy 70…I have probably told you, but 70 was a blessed year, and then something happened…long story…anyway on THE day, I asked for low key…those around me listened. The next day I flew to Florida. My son, his wife, and the boys took me to get our pictures made together . They know I don’t like that but boys convinced me. I cherish those pictures now. They had lovely gifts and cards, vegan cake…the picture frame was engraved with my 70 th and the boys…I flew home to Wv…opened gifts mailed from friends and those around me. Then to Indiana, and we celebrated…meal out…cards and gifts. Later that year,I moved to Indiana near family…in Feb of next year, two of the grand girls, my daughter, and I celebrated with six days in NYC, my favorite city…we had saved and saved…it was delightful…70 was a good good year…I started on Prolio that year for Osteoporosis and had some better walking…had to quit that…long story…70 fantastic …except for the ending of a part of my life, but eventually, I realized that was for the best…I loved being 70…I traveled to Florida to family here four times that year…loved living in Indy near family…made new friends at a new church where family works…lived near the mall. Took a trip to Amish with daughter for a few days…the next year, I pulled the budget in…lol…I am way way past 70…I will think of you when I read the Penny book and celebrate YOU. An amazing amazing woman…one I am privileged to know…at least a part of you…prayers dear sweet girl…
Ellen D. says
Happy Birthday, Claudia! Hope you have a wonderful day and a year filled with good health, lots of love, and fun adventures!
kathy in iowa says
happy birthday, claudia!
and sorry … i lost track of the date and thought your birthday was yesterday. that is why my wishes were written on yesterday’s post. anyway …
hope you have a wonderful day today and an even better year ahead!
hugs and prayers,
kathy
Dee+Dee says
Happy Birthday Claudia! All the best to you and Don for the coming year!
P.S. There should be a card and a wee gift awaiting you at your Post Office😀
Happy Monday
Barbara says
A very Happy Birthday and many more healthy and happy years to come. Enjoy every day with your husband and do what you love doing. I enjoy reading your posts every day and now at 76 I look forward to seeing them.
Denise S says
Happy Birthday Claudia. I hope you have a wonderful day and are blessed with good health and happiness in the coming year and beyond! I have been following your blog for 12+ years and your daily posts are truly a blessing.
Barbara says
Happy Birthday, Claudia! Hope you have a lovely day. Do you think Don would be willing to share the (non) crab cake recipe?
Judy says
Wishing you a wonderful birthday! I’m 71 now, and it still doesn’t feel exactly right, but accept it I have. Enjoy your special day.
Cathy S says
Happy Birthday, Claudia! Hope your special day is filled with lots of love, fun and laughter.
Shanna says
Happy Birthday!
It’s funny that you remember the time of day of your birth, “around 5:30 pm”—Me, too!! And I’ve always said the same thing, I’m not older until 5:30! (Never knew of anyone else who did that.) Seems like most people were born in the middle of the night. Mr Wizard at 4am, so he’s always two and a half days ahead of me.
We also depend heavily on being silly and laughing to get by. It’s worked for more than fifty-six years, helped tremendously by wire-haired fox terriers!
Marilyn Schmuker says
Happy Birthday Claudia! I hit the same milestone back in February. It is OK. In my head I am much younger and thinner!
I have been shifting to healthier plant based eating. The no crab-crab cakes sound intriguing. Would Don be willing to share his recipe? I am also wondering what your Thanksgiving menu will be. I am cooking a traditional turkey meal but I will skip the turkey.
Have a lovely day.
Take care
Judy Clark says
Hope you have a fantastic day! Happy Birthday dear friend.
Martha Scales says
Happy birthday, Claudia!! I hope your day is extra special. I’m sure Don will make sure that it is <3
Beverly says
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Amy says
Happy 70th Birthday, dear Claudia!
Wishing you love & laughter, good health, happiness, and contentment, today and all the days after.
carol o'connell says
Wishing you a wonderful birthday, Claudia! Enjoy your special day with lots of laughter and happiness!
Carol says
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Deb in Phoenix says
Happy 70th birthday Claudia! I am going to let you try it out before I still have 2 years before I hit it. Just knowing you through your blog, I cherish you as a dear friend who I look forward to reading about every day. Enjoy your low key day with Don and I wish you all the happiness you deserve. Take care!
Susan says
I add my heartfelt wishes Claudia to all of these heartfelt messages.
Vicki says
Happiest ‘Milestone’ Birthday to you, Claudia! Enjoy the day.
Marion says
May you have a special day, Claudia.
Wishing you all the best!!
Barrie says
Happy birthday!
Hope your day is just the way you want it!
Enjoy!
Chris says
Happy Birthday to my friend I’ve never met! Chris
Christine says
Happy, happy 70th. I’m surprised that the girls aren’t celebrating with you.
Do you think that Don would share his crabless crab cakes? They sound heavenly.
Dottie says
Happy Birthday, Claudia!!! I wish you many more birthdays to come and good health to enjoy them. I turned 72 exactly one month ago. It is kind of a shock to reach your 70s, but I still feel much younger than my years. I read your blog every day, and I am so thankful for you and this community.
Eileen+Bunn says
Have a great day!!!!
Love you,
Eileen
Patricia Norton says
Happy Birthday Claudia , I have read that it is not the years in your life but the LIFE in your years. Your joy abounds when you post of your joy in working.. You are loved and love. We are blessed by your generously sharing you journey with us. Thanks for giving us a part of your timeand talents, The girls are cooking up a surprise for you I am sure …Blythe fantasies are the best .
Elaine in Toronto says
Oh, my Claudia, 70 years young! Enjoy every minute of your birthday. We’ll be drinking a toast to your health tonight (with apple cider). Hope the girls have been practicing that Happy Birthday song for you. Crab cakes with no crab, interesting. Would love the recipe, too. Hugs, Elaine
Cheryl says
Happy Birthday!
Tana says
Happy Birthday Young’un!! I am 74 and so happy to still be here. I have been in remission for 8 years and my oncologist said in September, “Don’t think I need to see you anymore!” I danced out of the office!! I am always so thankful to be here. You and Don have a great day, and like Don said, “70 is just fine.” Enjoy you crab-less crab cakes. Sounds great.
Betsy B says
Happiest of birthdays to you, Claudia!
Life is better when you’re laughing!
xo
Betsy
jan says
happy birthday! I am a few years into my seventies and it is not so bad. Yours will be even better. Crab cakes with no crab? I would love that recipe!
jeanie says
Well, first of all, Happy 70! It really isn’t as bad as the lead-up seems. OK, a few things are more likely to go amiss with the body but hopefully nothing too terrible. The big thing is that by that time — maybe before — we really know who we are, who to trust, what matters and what is just noise. There’s a contentment that comes with 70 that is grounded in gratitude, appreciation and grace. We’ve realized how to make the best of each and every day.
You have all that already so I suspect it’s just onward! All good wishes (and I, too, would love the crab cake recipe is Don is so inclined!)
Grace says
Beautiful Claudia! Congratulations on this very special day!
Your spirit shines agelessly through ‘it’ all! Thank-you!
May your day and year hold you well in Peace and Love
Donnamae says
I laughed out loud at your second paragraph. At least most of your day….you are/were 69…lol.
Best wishes and Happy Birthday Claudia!! ;)
Janette says
Happy birthday, Claudia. I hope you had a wonderful day and that the year ahead brings you some sweet delights.
Lisa says
Happy Birthday! I’m a fairly new reader but your blog always brings me hope daily that there are people who have like minded views than I see in my daily work life. Enjoy your special day!
Alicia Tillman says
Better late than never!I want to wish you a very happy birthday dear Claudia.I hope you have had a peaceful day the way you wanted it to be.The best for you! Take care!
Alicia
Buenos Aires
Wendy T says
Happy birthday, Claudia. I read all your posts but don’t comment because of personal priorities. However, I couldn’t miss giving you felicitations for the day. Hope you enjoyed the vegan crab cakes!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. My daughter is making a vegan lentil loaf with cranberry sauce topping for our Thanksgiving.
Colleen V says
Happy Birthday, Claudia! I hope your day was a wonderful one, full of love and joy.
Joyce F in Kansas says
Belated birthday wishes. Today is mine but I’m 77. The 70’s aren’t so bad. My husband just turned 80 and that still sounds old. Maybe it won’t by the time I get there.
Martha says
You are a joy, Dear Claudia! A treasure. The Best of Birthday Wishes to you – continue celebrating! I, too, have surpassed the 70 mark and am alive to tell the tale ;-) May this year and all the years to come be blessed with more Humor and Play.
XO