Dad's 80th birthday

I can't believe my dad is 80 years old! I'm sure he feels the same way. We went to a wonderful concert the week before his party where Benny Goodman music was performed by a great jazz quartet. I was looking around and realized that there was mostly old people in attendance. I was hoping more youth would have the opportunity to hear the music—more young folks like myself—then it dawned on me that I too am getting older. My dad has always lived his life. he has always found something fun, exciting, and challenging to do. He used to have a sign that hung on the outside of his daekroom that said "work fasinates me, I could sit a watch it for hours". This saying was the complete opposite of what he does. He's not afraid of work, and he plays just as hard. I have the same passion for hobbies as he does. When I was young he liked to build balsa wood airplanes with small engines. he liked the ones with small engines and flew free-flight. I helped him, but the detail work was too much for me. Photography has been the constant interest for my dad. Our family is his favorite subject. Recently, I have taken many of the family slides and scanned them into my computer to preserve them for the future.
The other constant in dad's life is my mom. They were made for each other because they are so different from each other, but also because they have similar values and desires. They ussually did everything by the book and it paid off. For example, they always started out small and worked there way to the top. No instant gradification here. From their houses, to their boats, to their cars, they always lived within their means. As they prospered they moved up to bigger and better, but never in a pretentous way. In fact, my parents shared their success with everyone, including people they hardly knew. Dad's other passion is automobiles. At 80, I know he secretly goes down to the Lincoln dealership and looks at the new cars. It wouldn't surprise me if he drove one home one day. He doesn't see to well at night, but put him behind the wheel during the day and he is happy. A car in the hands of my dad is an art. Family trips to California and across the country is where he shines. I think that's why mom and dad bought a moter home, so they could enjoy the road, but for me it will be the Sunday drives to every small town within 30 miles, to visit friend and family, and the inevitable stop at the 24 flavors ice cream shop to close out a drive.
Computing is the current interest of dad's, and of course digital photography play into it. I hope he continues to enjoy whatever catches his interest because as long as he finds joy in something new, I do too.