Sixty

Assuming that I survive until 06.00hrs tomorrow morning I will reach 60 years of age. That's a proper age, although 70 sounds like real old age now that 60 has been reached. Maybe, if I do indeed make 70, then 'proper' old age will be considered as 80. Time will tell.

I'm very lucky to be here still. Chemotherapy was my saving grace, with 1997 - 2004 being characterised by frequent stays in hospital, drips, chemical infusions, operations, stem cell harvests, bone marrow plugs, intrathecal injections, hair loss (no weight loss though!), finger and toe nails dropping off, nausea, discomfort, a reliance on Countdown to get through afternoons of uncertainty... but, because of the expertise and dedication of the staff of the NHS, and my wife and daughters' support, all of those negative experiences were not in vain. The way this current shambles of a government treat our National Health Service (and much more besides) makes my blood boil.  Cherish it and protect it!!

What next for me? Memory loss? Weaker bladder? Having falls? Werther's Originals? Fur-lined slippers? Whatever comes my may I will try and combat it with more birding, mothing and planting. But, if it all runs out tomorrow then I cannot complain. I must have used up quite a few of my 'cat's lives' already...

ND&B will be taking a break until the New Year (unless something unexpected happens). I do hope that the holiday period is kind to you. Thanks for visiting and all the best for 2019.

Comments

Derek Faulkner said…
Blimey Steve, well done on surviving that lot. Now that I'm 71 and still able to get about pretty much as I always have done, I can assure you that 70 ain't really a lot different to 60 as long as you stay as active and as fit as you can for the next ten years. Mind you, just eight and a bit years away from 80 - now that does seem a momentous place to get to.
19 December 2018 at 19:25
Steve Gale said…
Derek, I do think of you as an inspiration for just 'getting on with it' and not getting bogged down in age. When I reach 80 I'll celebrate your 91st with you!! A gentle five mile walk across the marshes maybe?
19 December 2018 at 19:35
Arjun Dutta said…
Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Birding Steve
19 December 2018 at 22:30
dmcjournal said…
Sounds like you've been through the mill in your time!
I reach 70 in February (if I'm still around by then) but apart from some bits not working like they used to nothing's really changed. In my mind I'm still 21 ;)
Happy Christmas and I'll be looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2019.
19 December 2018 at 23:46
Gibster said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
20 December 2018 at 00:46
Paul Trodd said…
Its just another milestone really, Steve; I remember three years ago passing the 60 line and being apprehensive, but what I have noticed, and this might sound daft, is how quickly the days and weeks seem to rattle by the older you get. Anyhow, a happy birthday to you, keep on blogging and hope to see you down here on the shingle in the New Year.
20 December 2018 at 08:06
Unknown said…
Been an absolute pleasure, as always, to read your blog this year. Have a fantastic birthday Steve, a happy Christmas and a Hawfinch-filled New Year!
20 December 2018 at 17:09
Chris Janman said…
Many thanks for the blog Steve, keep up the good work, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and great birding in 2019 .
20 December 2018 at 22:17
Steve Gale said…
Thank you kind people for all of your positive comments. This blogging lark is, in all honesty, a bit of an ego trip, but to be the recipient of so much positivity is humbling indeed. All the very best to you and yours over the holiday period.
20 December 2018 at 22:43
Gibster said…
Blogging Lark, 1 adult male, Banstead, showing well. Please park sensibly and respect the privacy of local residents...
20 December 2018 at 23:29
martinf said…
Many happy returns, Steve. All the best for the future and keep up your inspirational blog
21 December 2018 at 08:35
Jonathan Lethbridge said…
I had no idea you were so old Steve! Happy birthday!
21 December 2018 at 17:28
Stephen Root said…
Very many happy returns Steve. Thanks for all the entertainment this year and have a wonderful Christmas! I look forward to your 2019 blogs.
21 December 2018 at 18:48
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