Oh, how times have changed . . .

There was a time (not SO long ago) when the birthday of yours truly was celebrated in a much more Bohemian style.

But, today, the highlight was coming home to a nice, quiet house; putting my feet up on the Ottoman; eating a ham and Provolone "sammich"; and watching 24.

And, in between commercials, I began perusing my favorite birthday present, the book "The Next 100 Years," by George Friedman. Although I've just begun to delve into his prognostications, I am already enjoying it. He makes some pretty astute observations, and has already made me view some recent world events in a different light.

Ah, well, time for this old man to head off to bed . . . tomorrow promises leftover birthday cake for breakfast!!