MILESTONE BIRTHDAY

September 29, 2012 was a banner day in my life. It was my 80th Birthday. (Gasp!) 80!! I can't believe it and neither can my doctors.

On Saturday night, my four daughters and their husbands treated Joyce and me to dinner at my favorite Salt Lake City restaurant - The New Yorker. We had a private room and the management went to great lengths to decorate the table and provided a nice centerpiece with many balloons, Great food, great conversation and a memorable evening.

On Sunday, Kristy hosted the entire family for a barbecue at her lovely home. Twenty eight of us for dinner and visit. Each person went around the backyard after dinner and told an interesting tidbit about old Fred S. It was heartwarming and a little emotional for me as they talked about the things that were the most memorable about their relationship with their dad and grandpa (Poppy.)

It was interesting how no one mentioned the big things that I thought they would mention. The Disney family cruise for example. It pleased me that they things they mentioned were things like encouraging one of them to become a voracious reader and how I instilled a love of books a reading. Another talked about one on one dinners and deep discussions about school and careers and the value of education.Another remembered about letting them sit tall in my little Mercedes convertible and let the wind hit them in the face when they were little girls.

I had an absolutely great birthday. One of my dear neighbors, Hob Hobson, was on a cruise with his daughters but before he left he arranged to have a giant poster professionally made. It was on an easel at my front door with balloons attached. I was in the house and heard fireworks outside. I opened the door, saw the poster and suddenly a sound system began to play (very loudly)_ an original song with original lyrics about "Happy Birthday Fred Ball. All the neighbors were out in front and gave a cheer as I walked out. Over kill? Yes. But sure was fun and very appreciated./