Yesterday was a lovely experience. Morning coffee at the Lost Forest Coffeehouse and Pub to Birthday dinner at Global Gourmet. The birthday greetings on Facebook were more than the Old Man expected. Even a shot of Grey Goose to end the night from the owner of GG. Fun times as I begin my trek to 69.

At times, it seems a bit of a dream. How did I get here from there? There were many turns in the road. Hills and valleys in equal proportion. Faith and fear walk hand in hand. Mellow is the secret ingredient. We look for outside stimulants to bring us peace. There is a reason drinking is so popular. We have a bit of anxiety. We feel the need for an aid. Peace possesses our souls. Most things we worry about never happen. Throughout my life, many people have been kind to me.

‘I must admit I am a mellow fellow,’ Frankenstein admitted. ‘I like walking in the Woods with the Old Man,’ Frankenstein said. ‘Today we smoked some little fine cigars,’ Frankenstein reminisced. ‘I told him that cigars were good,’ Frankenstein laughed. ‘It is one of my most famous movie quotes,’ Frankenstein danced on one foot and then the other. ‘The Missus says I am too mellow and that I should get upset when someone wrongs me,’ Frankenstein observed. ‘I told her we are only human, or in my case, several humans.’ Frankenstein laughed heartily. ‘When I hurt someone’s feelings, I feel pain,’ Frankenstein noted. ‘I prefer picking flowers and photographing the changing autumn leaves,’ Frankenstein explained. ‘I am a strict observer of tea time as I am British,’ Frankenstein smiled thoughtfully.

‘Well, I love the Woods as well and all that it has to offer,’ the Wolfman said. ‘I am well read in the classics and walk with a gold-plated walking stick with an ivory skull’s head on top,’ the Wolfman noted. ‘The conflict with our human and animal nature is tricky at times,’ the Wolfman offered. ‘I like to moon watch,’ the Wolfman said with a smile. ‘When leaders proclaim that hurting other humans is good American and what the Bible teaches, I am saddened, the Wolfman quietly observed. ‘The Teacher told us to love others as we want to be loved,’ the Wolfman explained. ‘Mellow thoughts produce mellow actions,’ Wolfy said with a laugh.

‘We have some birthday presents for the Old Man, and Neva J has brought the Merlot,’ Badger said. ‘We will celebrate life while we are all still members of this mortal plane,’ Badger said. ‘Moley is coming and Mr. Toad, along with Chet Jane and Billy B.,’ Badger said. ‘It will be a grand party for our friends in the Wood and those in the city,’ Badger assured. ‘There will be much food and drink, good cheer and peace for all,’ Badger said with a laugh. ‘Fear and anxiety will have to wait at the door as we celebrate a sense of place and love for all,’ Badger promised.