Today is Ken’s 88th birthday–he has many reasons to celebrate. Our family will get together for supper at Fritz’s Wooden Nickel in Stillman Valley followed by eating Watergate cake that I made by his request and will serve at our house.
His parents raised him to show love and be a gentleman. He kisses me good morning and good night. When we go out, he holds my coat, opens the doors and makes sure he walks on the outside when we’re strolling along a sidewalk. I’m an independent woman who gets along fine on my own but we both enjoy those little niceties.
After serving thirty-seven years in law enforcement, Ken is enjoying retirement. Since personalized license plates became available, the ones on his Ram truck read FSHALOT. Every April, he and our son, Kurt, take our boat and spend a week at a resort on Kentucky Lake. They hope to catch enough crappies for the family dinner he’ll cook on Mother’s Day. The rest of the summer, when the weather cooperates and a buddy can go with him, he likes to fish for catfish at Lake Koshkonong, about an hour away in Wisconsin.
Last spring, Ken planted his usual, big garden. He shared his excess vegetables by putting them on our picnic table with a sign, FREE VEGGIES, for anyone to help themselves. He has cleared the plot and a friend with a small tractor did the fall plowing. He’s making plans for another growing season next year.
Ken takes care of many chores around the house including mowing the lawn during warm weather and using the snow-blower on our walks as needed during the winter. If I’m gone or not feeling well, he takes over as the househusband.
How do you celebrate your birthday?