Friday, 21 August 1959

The above date is very important in the calendar of mankind.

World News:-
Hawaii was proclaimed the 50th state of the United States of America. At 3:14 p.m. Washington time, 10:14 a.m. in Honolulu, President Eisenhower called William F. Quinn, who was then administered the oath as the first state governor. Quinn had been the last territorial governor, appointed by Eisenhower in 1957. ^[42]. Eisenhower then issued Executive Order 10834, prescribing the standards for the 50-star American flag.
Turkey -

Following the withdrawal of Iraq from the Baghdad Pact on 24 March, the Pact changes its name to the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and moves its headquarters to Ankara, Turkey.

Birthdays:-
Anne Hobbs (1959) - Who?
Bud Schultz (1959) - Ditto.....
Leif Shiras (1959) - Ok, no one I know
Jim McMahon, American football player - Big deal - if you an American I suppose

Ok, so maybe it wasn't such an important date. August 21st does feature a lot in history, but not the year 1959.

Be that as it may, it also happens to be my birthday. Yup, 50 years old this year, and damn proud to have survived this long.

Thinking back over my life to date, and all that has happened, it is safe to say that you will die when it's your time. No sooner, no later.There are events in my life which in any shape or form were life threatening. There were actions taken by me which, in hindsight, were pure suicidal, and I am still here.

I am a cancer survivor, married successfully to a Princess (she really is, no kidding) for 20 years, have two well adjusted and, so far, successful sons.
I have owned and destroyed numerous cars. Have owned, and ridden like I stole them, numerous motorbikes. Have had accidents with both, and survived. Served in the then SADF, with more then 18 months service in "our war", working with explosives, landmines, and any number of crack pots, and I am still here.

So what I'm basically saying is, there are more than a few Doubting Thomases out there who didn't think I'd make 21, 30, or 40 yrs. Even more who didn't think my marriage would last. And more still who didn't think I'd ever be employable (on this one, at one time, I was in agreement). I have proved them all wrong!

This Saturday, the Princess is having a 'party" to celebrate my 50th. i didn't want one, in fact I told here repeatedly I didn't want any kind of function. She persisted, till I agreed to have just a few people round for drinks and snacks.
It's now upto about 30 people. Oh, well, I could always do what i did on my 21st, go out for the day on the bike, and get back home at about midnight....... However, that could be a life span limiting move.
Oh, it's by invitation only, but if any of my readers here turn up uninvited, with this post prined out in full colour, I'll let you in.

Salagatle!