Back Home And a Year Older

"Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart."

     - Victor Hugo (1802-1885), French writer

I wish I could have stayed longer. The weather was beautiful, the companionship delightful and the food scrumptious. I can't say much about how I played golf, but there were moments, even there, that were memorable. As always, it's good to be back home.

I was thinking about what I might write tonight when my wife suggested my birthday as a topic. "Yuk, no one cares about my birthday, Lisbeth--not even me!" She prevailed, however, and talked me into sharing some of the things I've learned in the 63 years I've been living. So here goes:

- There is more to anything than what is apparent.
- We don't always see ourselves as we really are.
- It is never too late to change.
- You can learn something from everyone you meet.
- Finding someone to blame never solves a problem.
- There's a way to do anything you really want to do.
- The most confident man may be the least secure.
- Children may not walk the path you wish them to.
- Facing your fears makes you a better person.
- Faking it rarely gives you the result you desire.
- Hatred hurts you more than the one you hate.
- Children's dreams should never be discouraged.
- Every solution creates another problem.
- If everyone agrees with you, check your plan.
- You can choose to be happy--or sad.
- Facing death gives you a great appreciation for life.
- Listening is harder than talking.
- Helping someone else almost always helps you.
- Criticism rarely brings anyone to your point of view.
- Tough times teach the most profound lessons.
- Great strengths can also be great weaknesses.
- You get what you give.
- Comparing yourself to others is a fruitless exercise.
- Telling the truth works out better than telling a lie.
- Always put a date on your photographs.

Okay, enough. Now you tell me some of the things you've learned. Maybe we can write a book.