In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on!

. . . from the BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC

Sunday, February 22, 2009

The Birthday Boys (and Their Girls) Whoop It Up

It's that time of year for the Fleming Clan--February Birthdays! Rob and Colin were both born on February 23, four years apart (a mere coincidence of scheduling by ob-gyns). Rob is now 24, and Colin--no longer entitled to plead the disabilities of teenager-hood--is 20. Their old man turns 54 on February 25. To celebrate, we--the boys, plus Rob's wife Sheila, Melany, Melany's sister Melinda, and of course moi--went out Saturday night to my current favorite restaurant, Red Robin. Can't beat that A-1 Peppercorn Burger! We had a great time; the boys and I got our meals free for our birthdays, and after the main course the staff brought us out ice cream sundaes and sang us their version of "Happy Birthday." Understand, this is wild and crazy stuff in Fleming-Land! You can see the boys in these pictures; I'd be in them, except that I took them, and with advancing age find it harder and harder to be in two places at the same time.

Rob and Colin can be proud that they share their birthdate with George Frederic Handel (1685). On a further musical note, on February 23, 1963, The Chiffons' "He's So Fine" was released. Since neither Rob nor Colin was even a glint in their father's eye on that day, it can only be concluded that the song was titled in honor of . . . well, their father. Why not? His eighth birthday was only two days later. I can tell you're not convinced.

Speaking of February 25, it was always my understanding, and a matter of pride on my part back in the 1960s, that I shared a birthdate with the Beatles' George Harrison. Only tonight, however--thanks to On-This-Day.com--I discovered that in 1992, Harrison reportedly said, "I only learned recently after all these years that the date and time of my own birth have always been off by one calendar day and about a half hour on the clock." His birthday is actually February 24. I'm crushed; there's no point in living any longer! But wait--also according to On-This-Day.com, on February 25, 2000, it was announced that Britney Spears would be releasing her own brand of bubble gum. OH MY GOSH--I'M SAVED! Life has meaning once again!

Enough excitement for one birthday, or even two.

5 comments:

Donna said...

Great post dad! I wish JoJo and I could have been there for dinner! Maybe we can all go out to Red Robin for my birthday this summer! PS.. the boys should have been girls. I really wanted a sister! I guess it worked out okay. The boys are pretty cool...

It's A Wonderful said...

I want to party with you! Happy Birthday, boys! Someday I'll be there to whoop it up with you all!

I tried leaving a comment the other day, here's hoping it works this time.

Anonymous said...

What a fun time! We just got a Red Robin in Idaho Falls and can't wait to go! You should've had the waiter/waitress take the picture so we could see YOU too! And....I'm so glad that Britney Spears has brought so much meaning to your life again! hahahaha!

P.S. Thanks so much for letting us "anonymous" folks leave comments!

Donna said...

Happy birthday dad! I hope you have a great day and enjoy your spice cake! Eat a piece for me!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Tom ,from us Flemings in PA! Michael has been down and out since Sunday. He was out of work for the past two days so you know he must be sick! His co-workers were all concerned as he has never taken a sick day at work! The boys gave it to him. I must be next! Cold, cough, chills, fever, etc. He is on the mend though. So, I am sending you the birthday wishes this year. Hope that is was a good one! Hey, Donna, ... this year your Uncle Mike can officially be a member of AARP... cannot wait for the membership card to get those discouts. I have arranged for his membership ... shhhhh!! Love to everyone.... xoxoxoxo