Many years ago a neighbor from across the street came over to borrow a tool from Bob. Well, he wasnt home and I told him if he could find what he was looking for he could borrow it even though Bob wasnt home. So our son and daughter were nosey and went down in the basement with us. We starting going through the drawer where hubby kept some tools. Ollie knew what he needed and what it looked like and I dont know anything about tools except a hammer, screw drivers, and a few wrenches. So I let him rummage through the tool drawer. He picked up a paper bag & said wonder what Bob has in this bag? I said I didn't know.

"Open it open Ollie", I said, and so he did. There was a plastic box with a box of playing cards with butterflys on both decks but different designs. He handed me the plastic box and I took off the cover. I took the deck of cards out and there wrapped around the deck of cards was a "brand new fifty dollar bill".

"Oh heavens," I said to Ollie. I bet Bob got this for me for my Birthday, and I shouldn't about it. Now, I can't tell him you were looking for a tool or he will know.

So, I put the $50 bill back and put the cover back on the plastic box. I put the box back into the paper bag and back into the drawer and told the kids, "Dont tell Dad. He wanted this to be a surprise for my birthday and I don't want to spoil his surprise.

Ollie said, "No, we all had better keep this from Bob or he might get mad or feel bad." So mum was the word.

Well, the next day was my birthday and Bob went and got the bag. He gave it to me along with a sweet birthday card he had the kids sign, and which he signed himself. We all felt so guilty. After we hugged him and thanked him, we all told him about Ollie's visit and what had happened. He got a big smile on his face and said, "That durn Ollie. Just wait till I talk to him. We all knew he wasn't mad because he didnt have that kind of nature.

Well, that was many years ago and the other day Bob gave me $50 again for my birthday, and I remembered that day in the basement when Ollie came to borrow the tool. A big smile came to my face. This year Bob took me to Walmarts and I bought me some slacks and we ordered a real large Pizza today for my 73rd birthday.

I was elated cause this morning I saw a lovely red Cardinal when I looked out the back door, but I was peeved at a big ole crow that stole the bread I had just thrown out. I wanted to raise cane with that big ole Crow. I laughed at myself. Mad at a crow!!!

I Was thrilled to get messages and birthday greetings from so many lovely people from AARP chatroom. So many of you have been so meaningful to me and to Bob. All of us have had so many trials and tribulations in our chat room. I think the thing that would make me deleriously happy would be to have what they used to call in CB Radio, an "eyeball party", and meet everyone you know in person. That way we could chat away and eat and drink together, and be lifelong friends. I know many of you have been to bashes and talked about how much fun it was. I dont think Bob and I can do that because of too many health problems. However, I want you to know even though we cant, there are many of you I would love to meet. And I will always feel close to so many of you. Our truck-driving son got me interested in the computer and to me that is what "Happiness Is". May God bless all of you and keep you well, safe, and Happy, and have a Wonderful Easter.

RRose 188 and Clockwatcher Bob alias Betty Ellen