Old friends, and anniversaries.

I headed to Lansing today to see the fam, and to be present when my dad was honored for 40 years of service to Lansing Community College. He officially retired in 1997, but has still kept his fingers involved since then. It was fun to see my dad receive a standing ovation from his colleagues. I pulled him aside, and asked him if he's going for the 50 year service pin. Scratching his chin, with a mischevious grin on his face, he said he'd been thinking about it. I'll plan to be there.

My brother Dave also works at LCC, and it was his 20th year anniversary. I couldn't believe he'd worked there for 20 years--it seems like just yesterday that he started working there. And to top it all off, it's my parents 48th wedding anniversary today. God bless 'em for hanging on so long! Amazing to think that they're so close to their golden wedding anniversary! Congrats, mom and dad!

At the reception following the ceremony this morning, I saw across the room one of my favorite teachers from high school, Roberta P. When I saw her, I instantly got up out of my chair and ran over and gave her a hug. She's been working at LCC since she left LCS, and just hasn't looked back. She's done very well there, and looks great--really hasn't changed a bit, if you ask me. It was great to see her. I thanked her for teaching me how to type, and for enriching my vocabulary with TANSTAAFL. She said to be sure to say hi to my blogging buddies, so here are greetings from Mrs. P.

I then had lunch with Belinda L. at our regular haunt, Red Lobster. I'm reaching an age when I've had friends for 20 years and longer. I've been friends with Belinda since I was a junior in high school, and so that takes us up to exactly 20 years. I guess Belinda deserves a 20 year service pin herself for putting up with me all these years.

Makes me think of my two blogging buddies, Scott and Alison. We've been friends for close to 30 years--amazing, isn't it?

I'm counting on at least 50 more years of friendship, and shooting for 60. Can you imagine saying to someone, "man...can you believe we've been friends for 80 years?" That makes me chuckle...