When I answered the phone last night, the voice on the other end said, “God Damn, Sydney! You’ve never looked so beautiful!”
No Caller ID necessary. It was my Cousin Virg calling from Lake Chelan. Well, technically, he’s the husband of Cheryl my second-cousin twice removed (maybe) but…whatever. Virg is one of the most positive, cheerful people I’ve ever met. And, definitely the most outrageous. You never know what’s going to come out of his mouth next. As my mother might have said, he often goes where angels fear to tread.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your politics or his sex life or an opinion of the director of the symphony he has played with (clarinet), he talks about whatever to whoever and whenever. He’s funny, forthright, and refreshing. Plus, did I mention, his wife is a saint!
Today is Virg’s 70th birthday and he is spending it doing what he likes best – a day on his boat out on the lake followed by a few couples in for steaks. He’s doing the barbecuing. We wish we were there. No one cooks a steak like Virg does!
I asked why not a big celebration. After all, it’s a milestone year. The answer surprised me but probably makes perfect sense. His birthday invariably came on the first day of school or the day before or the day after – not just the years he was a student, but for all the years he taught music, too. Not conducive to big parties or celebrations on the day of. So just doing exactly as he chooses now that he’s retired is perfect.
Many happy returns, Virg!
Happy Birthday Virg! Had no idea you were anywhere near 70!! Have a wonderful day and hope to see you at the beach sometime this winter.
You’ll have to tell Virg that he and I share a birthday! I wonder if he was born on Labor Day also? (I can’t do the calendar math, given Leap Years, etc.)