Today is my dad's 80th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad!
I asked my dad if he had any advice about living to the age of 80 and he laughed and said ...don't get into trouble.
My parents met in church as teenagers and married in 1950. They spent their first married night together at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.
Here's my dad with me and my brother Steve.
Dad always made a great Santa Claus. At least he fooled us when we were younger.
Oh my gosh, check out those hair styles and clothes! Christmas with the family; Dad, Debbie, Christine, Steve and Mom
My mom and dad were very active in the Sons of Norway.
My dad's favorite car is a Corvette. I actuallly had this red one when I was single! When I decided to move to Arizona, my dad drove out with me in this car. My dad and I were always pretty close. I always found it easy to talk to him.
This picture was taken in Norway, one of Dad's favorite places to visit.
Dad's father came from Sumstad, Norway. He took the name of the town when he moved to America. That was a common custom. My parents loved visiting the family farm in Sumstad, Norway.
One year both my dad and I were having trouble at the same time. He had surgery on his knee and I tore ligaments in my ankle. We looked funny hobbling around but it didn't stop us from going to San Diego.
My dad took good care of my mom as she became more fragile and sick. They were married almost 55 years when she died.
Several years later, my dad was fortunate to meet Shari and they got married.
Here is Dad holding a Norwegian almond ring cake that one of his friends made for the newlyweds
Here's Dad and Shari with granddaughters Katie and Kristin
So Dad, although I can't be with you on your 80th birthday, I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated.
Happy Birthday Dad!
That is great Debbie! Happy Birthday to your Dad!!! I love the pics (but had to giggle at Shari's hand placement on the couch!) -- oh dear!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are a delight to you Daddy!
Bless you today!
Dear Debbie,
ReplyDeletefirst of all I hope things are well with you.
I bet you'd travel to celebrate your dad's big day if you could.
Your daddy is so good and fit looking.
I guess the two of you had a wonderful time in the Corvette.
That is a cool car.
Also good to learn that your dad took care of your mother when she got ill.
It's in times of trouble we learn what people are really made of.
By the way, I think your mother must at least have had two bunads. This one is from Hardanger.
You know each county has at least on, often more bundads specific for their region.
In Norway the custom is either to have a bunad from the place where you are born, or from the place your mother is born.
Even the in the royal family they follow that tradition.
Our crown princess Mette Marit often wears one from Rogalnd (like mine) or from Hardanger (like your mother's)
The queen and her daughter usually wears a bunad from Telemark.
Now this was a digression, far away from your dad's 80 year anniversary.
Tell him I'm singing the birthday song for him in Norway, hoping he gets a tasty kransekake tonight.
Fro Felisol
With that vikings hat and remembering the character you said your Mom was (sticking out her tongue) I can see why they were a match made in heaven. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures remind me I don't have any of the "history" pictures, I think Mom is hiding them. Next trip to Phx I think I need to raid her closet. ;))
Heartly Happy Birthday wishes to your belove Dad, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteI must admit that Beth in NC is a very observant in deatials person, but as they say: "details make the diference"!! :)
Bes wishes and regards to all of you from Cyprus. Philip
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your Daddy! How he must take delight in you! Happy Birthday to him.
I've missed you my friend...thank you for your kindness to me while I was away!
Just wanted to add my Happy B-day to dear ole' Dad, too. I missed the day of the post - but still, want to send my heartfelt best wishes to him.
ReplyDeleteWish you still had that corvette - we could all go for a ride! h.