B-Day in the Magic Kingdom

The skipper's 65th B-day finally came, no fireworks, just another work day in the Magic Kingdom.
When the age of 65 was made the retirement age, a time to start receiving Government benefits, and the "oldies" were put out to pasture, the average life expectancy was around 60, The governments of the west knew they wouldn't be supporting many of those "oldies" for a long time. Once upon a time I too believed that reaching 65 made one "old"! Times clearly have changed(??). I suppose I have reached a landmark of sorts, although still in the salt mines working for my daily bread, my B-day the same as any other day. My father as an engineer worked until he was 75, my Uncle Dick is still active, although slowing down, at the age of 88. Is this what to expect, or do the vagaries of time have other plans in mind? Although another day for the skipper it is a time to reflect.

Several years ago I quoted to an individual retiring early (due to health issues) that "tomorrow is promised to no one". He apparently used this quote in his retirement speech, as he was planning to spend more time on the golf course. In this regard Joseph Campbell has suggested that an individual should "follow your bliss". The current self help literature is full of concepts related to "living in the moment"; "work play balance"; the importance of loved ones, family, and friends; understanding "wants versus needs"; making appropriate financial plans; and setting priorities for what is truly important to each of us...................................................................
We talk of "running a marathon", "enjoying the journey" not the destination per se, smelling the flowers along the road, instead of a sprint, exhausting one's energy and missing the view. Yes to do what we need to do now, while we still can, to fulfill our individual sources of happiness.
All heady concepts, that at this point of the life journey, leads to more and more reflection. Hence continuing to enjoy our adventures as best we can while we have the opportunities, deciding on choices of what comes next, and making the most of each day and our individual celebrations of life.
My B-day was no exception, although a work day, we decided to enjoy a quiet celebration by ourselves with dinner at the Park Hyatt on the corniche sitting on the edge of the Red Sea. Although it would have been nice to celebrate this "landmark" with family and good friends we had to "reframe" our situation and make the most of it with "plan B".

The relentless passage of time, nearly time for dinner and a quiet celebration of life.

A view from our balcony of the sun setting in the west to dip next into the Red Sea just beyond the buildings.

A view from our table of the Jeddah Fountain sitting in the Red Sea.

Dinner was a buffet - although no wine was available, we enjoyed a glass of "Saudi Champagne"!

A word on the Jeddah Fountain. It apparently is the tallest fountain in the world, spewing water from the Red Sea nearly 1000 feet into the air, powered by three 600 hp turbine engines. It really is quite impressive and a great view to our backdrop for dinner. Reaching new heights?

All in all a great way to celebrate this "landmark" in the life journey.
Thanks to my Admiral for her love and support.