Bill @ 70; Who's Counting?

Happy Birthday!  

You are 70.  

Usually, those age-specific greeting cards are corny at best. 

Instead of noting his chronological milestone in life, Bill's birthday card this morning from Ma Love focused on something far more important than age:  you make the world a better place. 

Bill didn't complain. 

He seldom complains, after all he has a wife who's really good at that. 

Yes, Bill is now 70.  He has reached a life milestone.

His permanent record reflects a life of persistent, meticulously planned adventure, community service, mentoring, quiet but notable leadership and daily goodness. 

A wonderful, patient spouse, a revered father, a little brother (he's a few minutes younger than his twin Margaret), brother-in-law, uncle and a good friend to so many----that's Bill Love. 

And, when you have the name "Love" for your lifetime, you tend to put it to use.  

In Bill's case, the list is endless and incremental:  tennis, biking, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing,  snow shoeing, geocaching, mountain climbing, scout leadership, fishing, music, especially classical; faith (deep faith as a Presbyterian), the ZAGS (both men's and women's basketball teams) nature, trees and the forest, Border Collies, Ireland.

And, in each individual case, he has given it all with his good and gentle soul to make the world a better place. 

And, so to my husband of nearly 46 years, I send out a 70s salute.  

In keeping with Bill's 70 years of existence on this earth and his habit of making it a better place, especially at this time, I'll put in a special pitch today. 

Bonner County Community Food Center can use all the help possible providing food for its increasing number of clients.  

So, if you wish to honor Bill on his 70th birthday, send a check in his name to:

Bonner Community Food Center

1707 Culvers Drive

Sandpoint, Idaho 83864.  

We know the lady in charge.  I'm sure she'll pass along news of your generosity to Bill. 

He will be pleased, and people will eat. 

And, at this time, every little bit will continue to help. 

Thank you. 

Enjoy the photos of an exceptional human being and the love of my life. 

Bill and his twin sister Margaret at Yosemite a few years back and at Kylemore Abbey, Ireland, a few years later. 

Kilkee Cliffs of Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean, 2018. 

Boy Scout Troop 111 reunion last summer. 

Our friend Erroll in Chicago.

Bill and Pastor Andy Kennaly, First Presbyterian Church in Sandpoint. 

Love family, including Swiss Miss, sisters Barbara and Laurie and family friend Maryann on Christmas Day, 2019. 

Bill, Debbie and Emma from Berlin at a ZAGS game. 

Bill with the late Simon Feist, our neighbor for 30 years and log scaler for the Idaho Dept. of Lands at Bill's retirement. 

10, 000 geocaches for Annie.  She arranged it so her dad would be with her when she reached this milestone. 

A good and patient dad. 

Bunion surgery last year. 

Probably talking geoaching with "Grandpapa" Pat Broehl, an avid cacher. 

IDL foresters and friends, Bill Love and TJ Johnson off for a bird hunting trip. 

Visiting a fly and tackle shop in Ireland. 

Not at this point in the northernmost part of the Republic of Ireland today, as planned, but it will happen. 

Bill saved water from our trip to Ireland last fall.  We held a toast at Christmas time. 

Seventy years of adventures for this Luzianna man who, in the past decade, fell in love with Ireland.

On this milestone in your life, Bill Love, we'll just shout out:  TO BE CONTINUED!

~~~~~
The first time I ever heard Bill play on the harmonica was  a summer night on a Pend Oreille River beach with a crackling bonfire, created by friends Helen and Dick Whittaker.

Surrounding the fire:  a bunch of my beloveds at the time/and still:  Ponderettes and softball team members.

As Bill pulled out his harmonica, I can remember vividly sounds of "Shenandoah" wafting through the night air.

Then, he played his own harmonic rendition of the following, which ever since that night in 1973 I have considered "Bill's song."

So, Happy Birthday to you, Bill. 

Enjoy.