40 Comments

OK, I think I pulled this off and am now a subscriber! So here’s my contribution to aging. It’s one of my favorite jokes. “Don’t mess with us old people. The older we get, the less life in prison is a deterrent!”

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Yes, you did it! Congratulations! Welcome to the land of Substack & my blog That's Good To Know. Make sure you go back & read the entry called "Karma's A Bitch." You'll get a kick out of it -- about my mom always driving in the lefthand lane to Sanibel. (You may remember) Ha!

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Happy birthday, Jan. I'm a grandma too - my grandsons are joys in my life. I had the additional blessings of living next door to them for nine years and having the older grandson live with us while he went to college. In March, one more joy, my first great grandchild. They have added so much to my life.

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Thanks, Janice ~ substack is acting goofy today. Don't know what happened with that "deleted" stuff. xoxo

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Love to read whatever you write Jan. I’m a grandma and great grandma too. Best gig ever other than friendships. Keep ‘em coming my friend! 🙋🏼‍♀️

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Thanks so much, my friend! xoxo

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Happy birthday! I was never blessed with children but, I have 13 nieces and nephews, 24 great nieces and nephews and 1 great great nephew.

I don’t normally get any gifts for my birthday anymore. We buried my mom on my birthday 15 years ago, so that time of year is usually focused on her and our family has a picnic in her honor. I actually ask people to not buy me anything. I buy myself gifts all year round. 🤣

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Thanks, Jan! Oh, what an awesome way to celebrate you & your mom. When my mom died, we released Monarch butterflies at the gravesite. Mine flew over & landed on her marker. I wish we would have kept up that tradition, but we live many miles apart.

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Great stories. When I was 18 you could buy 3.2 (low) beer. Then if you were 21 you can get high beer. Seemed silly to me. Aging is definitely a process. Each year is a little different. A different mind set. Trying to enjoy/embrace it. 😊

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And I think you are! Had fun going to see Wicked with you. This next year we will have to find another great show to see. xoxo

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PS. Happy Birthday!

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Happy Birthday Jan! Even though I don’t have children, I definitely concur that my cousins and friends along with God are all the ultimate gifts. Loved your poem. Take care my friend!

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Thanks, Anne! Yes, I think time with family & friends (not just grandchildren) is God's gift to us. He is definitely the ultimate "gift-giver." We owe Him lots of "thank yous."

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Congratulations Jan! I'm sure you had a great birthday. You have an incredible gift for writing and I love reading you. I still don't have grandchildren, I'm dreaming of that moment. Hugs 🤗

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Thanks so much, Elizabeth!!! I love it that you read my blog. Hope your school year is going great. You may not have grandchildren yet, but you have a lot of little ones to love. xoxo

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Happy Birthday Jan! Have a wonderful, fun celebration!

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Thanks, Joan! I had a great day. xoxo

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Jan I love being a grandma. Juniper is 1 year and 9 months. I don’t see her often though I will be watching her this month on the 22nd can’t wait. She loves doing things her self and is. Cutie pie. Best times to make memories. Thanks for sharing.

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OMG Shari ~ you definitely have something to look forward to this month. Have fun with Cutie Pie Juniper on the 22. (my favorite number) xoxo

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Happy Birthday to you Jan

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Thank you, Shari!!!

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The imagination of youth, I miss it. I have 5 grandchildren now and adore every one of them and enjoy every minute that I get to spend with them.

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OMG Shelly ~ I just can't think of you being a grandma!!! So happy you have 5 blessings. xoxo

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Happiest of Birthday Wishes to you, Jan ~ hope you enjoy your special birthday month celebrating you! Cheers 🥂

I love this piece!! Aging is such a funny thing....each milestone brought new anticipation and then all of a sudden you’re like....”whoa....how do I have so many darn candles on this birthday cake???”

Anytime with the grands is the best ever and priceless!! Love that the Big Brown Bear is still present for Hannah and Gabby💝

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Thanks, Cindy ~ you are so right! I don't know how I got here, but it's been a good life. The Big Brown Bear got struck by lightning last year. He's still standing, but he's scarred.

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I love being a grandma, it’s weird this trip they are not with us . I missed the noise of them bickering behind the sets. Thank you for sharing Jan and happy birthday!🙏❤️🎂

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Hope your trip goes well, Lucy! You'll just have to visualize them in your head. Whoever thought they'd miss bickering -- until it wasn't there. hee hee! xoxo

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😂😂❤️❤️

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Happy birthday Jan🎉🎉 Hope you had a good one !! I really enjoy your writing you are so good at it.

Thanks for sharing. X

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Thanks so much, Lynn! xoxo

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Thanks for sharing. And yes being a Grandparent the best!

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Thanks, Bev! Yes, it IS the best.

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Jan I am always your first customer on your blog maybe because I am an early riser.Thank you again for your writing this week.As for me I am 79 and I am turning 80 still scared.What is next to come after 80 only God knows.I am experiencing senior moments but as you have told me I always have my small booklet with me for reminders or my phone.Thanks again for sharing I hope you saw my pictures I passed by Heartland Ranch and visited Amber Marshall country store 2 hours from my place.

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Yes, Elisa ~ I did see your pictures. They were awesome!!! I didn't realize you lived by there. I am definitely a huge Heartland fan. Amber's store looks really nice. I can't believe all the things she does. xoxo

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I can see the bear!😂

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I know! He seems more distinct every year. I'm going to have to give him a name. He did get struck by lightning last year -- so I don't know how many days he has left.

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