A Salute to OilMan

In Sebastopol, we lived in a place the owner/landlords called the "Farmhouse". On our Golden Anniversary we stayed at a very posh inn called "The Farmhouse". Today, on our way to walk the dogs we drove past what I think of as a real farmhouse--a frame Victorian with a wrap-around porch. It is in the middle of a walnut orchard, but presaging things to come, there are grape vines in the yard. They are taking out another whole orchard of beautiful healthy looking walnut trees to plant a vineyard. Apparently walnuts are no longer profitable. I do think that sometimes enough is enough. Sonoma County is losing its agricultural diversity. Prune trees, apple trees, and dairies are all giving way to grapes. Will there really continue to be enough people to drink it all?

Today is OilMan's birthday, and he has had quite an eventful year. He handled all the papers and documents (piles that were literally a foot high!) for our move. I just signed them--in some cases all I did was agree to the use of a "virtual" signature chosen for me! He stayed alone in our old house, amongst the boxes and trashed walls, the night before the movers came. He moved furniture everywhere and made endless phone calls sorting out glitches. He has dug in the garden and loved watching his veggies grow, hung from his arms from the arbor when the ladder fell over (calling fruitlessly for help) and finally rescued himself. He arranged a wonderful road trip and did all the driving. He has suffered through family crises, and kept me from falling apart. He has put up with Blipping stops and delays and made helpful suggestions. He is the man I married 50 years ago "for better or for worse" and I salute him for the fact that it just continues to get better. Happy Birthday OilMan!