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!