Thursday, August 30, 2012

Officially Old


Certainly, I’m not ready to admit being old, but Gene on the other hand....

Jack, Ansley, and Kayley came this past weekend to help “Big Dad” celebrate his 62nd birthday.  Gene has been counting the months and the days for this birthday--the one on which he was finally eligible to purchase the senior edition of the America the Beautiful pass from the National Park Service.


We’ve been buying the American the Beautiful pass for many years, originally for $50/year and more recently for $80/year.  Now, with the senior rate it is only $10 and is good for the rest of his life.  What’s so special about this pass?  It allows the cardholder entrance to the National Parks and National Forest facilities for free.  That includes parking at trailheads in National Forests where a fee is charged.  Campground fees are reduced to half price. We use these areas so often it was a good deal even at $80/year without the additional reduction of camping fees.  $10 is fantastic.  We’re jumping for joy.


We had a great weekend with Jack, Ansley, and Kayley.  It’s hard work to get ready for such a big birthday and Nana needed plenty of help from Kayley.  We made cookies and decorated cupcakes.  There were birthday cards to make and little messes to clean up.



It wasn’t all work and no play, though.  We found time to check out the local playground at one of the parks in Maryville.



It was a fun-filled, busy weekend.  Nana and Big Dad were moving pretty slowly Sunday afternoon.


That’s all for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

8 comments:

  1. Glad you've joined the keenager group. Congrats. Just think, you can start drawing SS as well - and, if Obama doesn't get re-elected and kill it, in three more years you'll be eligible for Medicare. However, you're still not a senior citizen; senior citizens are those who are much older than us.

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  2. happy birthday Gene!..enjoy all the 'perks' of being 62!

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  3. I'm jealous! I'm a month older and Gene got his Park Pass before me me!!

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    1. Oh, but you're out there doing good deeds for your mother. The park pass can wait.

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  4. Happy Birthday, Gene! Age 62 sure doesn't seem like old age to me!

    You sure have a cute granddaughter!

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  5. Wishing Gene a belated happy birthday! Looks like he was celebrated in a great way. Nothing like the grands to make you feel young (and old at the same time!!) Have a great rest of the weekend.

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  6. Gene, Gerri and I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and hope it was a good one. Congrats on the America the Beautiful pass...great item. Looks like you had a great day enjoying. We are proud for you!

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