Thursday – A Little Personal – The Birthday Tree Arrives

July 15, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in A Little Personal · 141 Comments

“Lucy. Do you see what I see?”

“I do, Little One. Looks like a monster truck to me.”

“You are right. What the heck is it doing here?”

“Looks like they are going to plant the Boss’s birthday tree.”

“It is about time. Do they know what they are doing?”

“Yup. Mom went out there and gave them their instructions.”

“Why are they digging so much. The hole was already done.”

“The tree needed to have the best side out. That means making a diagonal hole out of a square.”

“Come see this, Lucy.”

“Coming.”

“It looks great, doesn’t it?”

“It sure does.”

“I have to wonder where those guys went.”

“Why? You think they’ll come back, Lucy?”

“You never know. Sometimes they do.”

“Why would they come back?”

“What if they dropped off the wrong tree.”

“You think Mom would allow that?”

“I suppose you are right. Looks like this may be here a while.”

“So we can relax and enjoy the tree?”

“I would say that is the perfect thing to do. After all, it marks the Boss’s eightieth birthday.”

“How much is that in dog years?”

“About eleven.”

“Woo wee. He’s got some mileage.”

“Keep that on the down-low, Little One.”

Tags: A little personal, author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, Lucy, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Twiggy

141 comments

Liz Gauffreau · July 15, 2021 - 4:14 am ·

The tree does look great!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Thank you, Liz.😊 I love it.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · July 15, 2021 - 8:44 pm ·
    
    You’re welcome, John. Will it bloom this first year or not until next year? The magnolias I had in Virginia were very well-established when we bought the houses.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:24 pm ·
      
      Not sure about the blooming, Liz. It was in bloom when we bought it back in May. They are supposed to bloom twice. I think the transplant will have an effect.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Liz Gauffreau · July 15, 2021 - 10:30 pm ·
      
      You’ll keep us posted?
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 6:46 am ·
      
      For sure. 😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Keith Edgar Channing · July 15, 2021 - 4:23 am ·

What manner of tree is it, John? Not that I could think of planting anyting that size in my 540 sq ft back garden. I am planning a tricolour dwarf buddleia once the new patio is laid next month. Then I’ll have to train Robbie not to bump into it!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  It is a southern magnolia. Gets big white flowers twice a year.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Keith Edgar Channing · July 15, 2021 - 10:03 am ·
    
    I shall look forward to seeing it in bloom, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:54 pm ·
      
      Me too. Thanks, Keith.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale · July 15, 2021 - 4:25 am ·

Wow! You gotta a pretty mature one! Love it. Can’t wait till it blooms next spring.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:14 am ·
  
  It was a biggie. After all I don’t have forever to wait for it to grow up. Thanks, Dale. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · July 15, 2021 - 7:16 am ·
    
    Bite your tongue. But I get it… And hey, if we don’t deserve a biggie at 80, when do we?
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:19 am ·
      
      I agree.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Dale · July 15, 2021 - 9:31 am ·
      
      🤗
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:36 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Chris The Story Reading Ape · July 15, 2021 - 5:34 am ·

Fine looking tree, John. Is the chair to the right behind it located so you can put your feet up in it’s lower branches? 😃

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:15 am ·
  
  I think The Producer would not be happy catching me with my feet in the branches. The real answer is the first level of branches are too high for feet resting. 😁 Thanks, Chris.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · July 15, 2021 - 5:36 am ·

The tree looks great! That was a big crew.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:16 am ·
  
  I thought so too. Thanks, Jill. I guess it takes a few to get the tree in place. 😁
  
  LikeLike
Joan Hall · July 15, 2021 - 5:38 am ·

The tree looks great!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:17 am ·
  
  Thanks, Joan. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
davidprosser · July 15, 2021 - 5:43 am ·

Never any secrets with the girls about is there. All those doggy years eh. The tree looks great there.
Hugs

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 7:17 am ·
  
  Thak you, David. I really like it.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
shoreacres · July 15, 2021 - 6:06 am ·

Hmmm… someone got you a great birthday tree! I wasn’t expecting one quite so large, but it’s a real beauty. It looks like a saucer (or Southern) magnolia. If it is, that thing is going to grow into a real shade provider.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:13 am ·
  
  Yes it will. That mountain laurel and the oak will need to be trimmed in about five years. Thanks, Linda.😁
  
  LikeLike
quiall · July 15, 2021 - 6:11 am ·

Ha ha ha! So you are 11? Got a love math. The yard looks great!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:14 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pamela. Yes only 11.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · July 15, 2021 - 6:30 am ·

Ya gotta love the girls – they tell it like it is!
All the best with your tree, John. Magnolias are outstanding!!

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1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:15 am ·
  
  Thank you, GP. I love it.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · July 15, 2021 - 7:17 am ·

Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Head over to celebrate the arrival of a wonderful tree to celebrate the 80th birthday of John Howel.. You will be given a guided tour by two of his girls who might just be hoping for some cake too.. Happy Birthday John.. keep rockin’

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:20 am ·
  
  Thank you, Sally. What a nice birthday wish. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · July 15, 2021 - 7:29 am ·

Love the tree, John – what a great present!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:36 am ·
  
  Thank you, Teri. I love it too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia · July 15, 2021 - 7:34 am ·

Congratulations on your BIG birthday, John! (I’ll be hitting that milestone pretty soon, too.) I love your birthday tree! Did you know magnolias have been around since long before people? Fossils have been found from 20 million years ago! How cool to have one in your own backyard now! Can’t wait to see pictures of it in bloom, and I’m sure Twiggy and Lucy will have some delightful commentary when those flowers appear. Lovely post! 🙂 ❤

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:35 am ·
  
  Thank you, Marcia. Yes they will have much to say when the flowers arrive. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · July 15, 2021 - 7:35 am ·

Awesome milestone birthday present. Can’t wait to see how it looks when it blooms.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:35 am ·
  
  I’ll have photos for sure.
  
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John Hric · July 15, 2021 - 7:37 am ·

Betty Smith would approve of your choice. And a magnolia is a much better choice than a chinese sumac, aka tree of heaven. Now it is three fingers time. Cheers !

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:34 am ·
  
  Thanks, John. Good idea on the three fingers.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Sikes · July 15, 2021 - 7:45 am ·

Some mileage, indeed, my friend. 🙂 Congrats on finally getting the tree. I had to chuckle at the typical work crew. Two doing the work, the others standing around. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:34 am ·
  
  The two were the digger expersts. The others will do the heavy lifting. It makes a funny picture though. Thanks, Jan.
  
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Teagan Riordain Geneviene · July 15, 2021 - 8:18 am ·

I’m glad you are still celebrating your birthday, John. Applesauce! That magnolia is huge to plant. Just gorgeous. I hope you get lots of blossoms. I felt stunned when this post made me realize how long we’ve been blog buddies… nearly a decade. You’re still a bright star of my blog family. Hugs on the wing.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:33 am ·
  
  A decade???? Wow. This gives rise to the adage, “Time flys when you are having fun.” Hugs, Teagan 🤗
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · July 15, 2021 - 8:24 am ·

A tree is a great present, and it looks really good.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:30 am ·
  
  Thank you, Craig. I think it looks healthy too.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene · July 15, 2021 - 8:42 am ·

Two guys to install and four to supervise!! The tree looks great and will do well. Lots of shade for the pups soon.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:30 am ·
  
  Thank you, Darlene. These guys look like every work crew I’ve seen.😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Darlene · July 15, 2021 - 1:54 pm ·
    
    All over the world too.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:09 pm ·
      
      Hahaha. Universal productivity.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Annette Rochelle Aben · July 15, 2021 - 8:48 am ·

May you have the greatest times under the birthday tree! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:29 am ·
  
  Thank you, Annette. What a nice wish. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Gwen M. Plano · July 15, 2021 - 8:48 am ·

Beautiful Magnolia…and it’s perfect for celebrating your well-traveled “mileage.” 💗

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:28 am ·
  
  Hahaha. Thank you, Gwen. It has been a wonderful trip. 🤗
  
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Staci Troilo · July 15, 2021 - 8:54 am ·

The tree is gorgeous, John. And the girls are going to love the shade. I think it was the perfect way to celebrate the “miles.”

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:27 am ·
  
  Thank you, Staci. I think it is the best way. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Pit · July 15, 2021 - 8:56 am ·

Congratulations, John, to your birthday (tree). That Magnolia is magnificent. I hope it will do well. We have a Magnolia as a birthday tree, too. We had it planted last year for Mary’s daughter’s 40th. For ourselves, we don’t plant birthday trees, but a Christmas tree for every year we have been living here.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:26 am ·
  
  Thank is a nice thing to do, Pit. This is the first birthday tree but 80 is a good year to do it. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Pit · July 15, 2021 - 9:41 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLike
Becky Ross Michael · July 15, 2021 - 10:29 am ·

Wonderful birthday gift, John! Now the challenge will be getting enough water to it?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:53 pm ·
  
  Yes it has to have 20 gallons everyother day. We make sure it happens. Thanks, Becky.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Becky Ross Michael · July 15, 2021 - 1:10 pm ·
    
    It will be worth it!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:09 pm ·
      
      Yes indeed.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
The Coastal Crone · July 15, 2021 - 10:43 am ·

Beautiful tree – I like that it is big enough for you to enjoy now and don’t have to wait around for it to grow. Producer did a great job of having it positioned just right! It is a great addition to that part of your yard. I like the low maintenance of your yard. Happy birthday to the Boss!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:52 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jo. We are adding one more low. maintainence feature. Artificial Turf due to be installed on 7-22. 😁
  
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Dan Antion · July 15, 2021 - 12:14 pm ·

That’s a very nice birthday gift, John. It’s a beautiful tree. Good that Lucy and Twiggy are girls, I’d hate to see how a male dog would welcome it to the yard. I like the thought of you having some mileage, but I hope you still have plenty of miles to go. I’m laughing a bit at them having to dig a different style hole in order to get it just right. Someone powerful is in charge.

Happy Birthday.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:51 pm ·
  
  She stands at almost five feet and weighs in at 95 pounds. It’s Super Producer. Thanks, Dan.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dan Antion · July 15, 2021 - 2:57 pm ·
    
    Tough little number.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:08 pm ·
      
      When we were dating we were fooling around and somehow the words ,”Go ahead give it your best shot,” came out of my mouth. She knocked me over withone punch to the arm. I never said that again.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Dan Antion · July 15, 2021 - 3:46 pm ·
      
      Hahaha – You learn well, grasshopper.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:58 pm ·
      
      Indeed.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
alexcraigie · July 15, 2021 - 12:32 pm ·

Happy Birthday, John! That presents looks like a considerable improvement on socks and after shave…

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:49 pm ·
  
  Yes it is quite an upgrade. Thank you, Alex.
  
  LikeLike
Writer Lori · July 15, 2021 - 12:35 pm ·

A good looking tree, John, and a beautiful remembrance of your special day. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 12:48 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lori. It is. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Cynthia Reyes · July 15, 2021 - 3:15 pm ·

Great looking tree!
Congrats.
What kind of tree is it?
And how often will you have to water to ensure it makes the transplant?
and have the dogs baptised it yet?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:27 pm ·
  
  Thanmks for the questions, Cynthia. It is a Southern Magnolia. It has to be watered every other day with at least 20 gallons of water. We have female dogs so they pretty much ignore the tree. 🤣
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Cynthia Reyes · July 16, 2021 - 9:36 pm ·
    
    Happy watering! That’s a great tree to have.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 7:07 am ·
      
      Thank you. 😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacqui Murray · July 15, 2021 - 3:30 pm ·

For me, the pups steal the show. Look how curious they are!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:59 pm ·
  
  They are very curious. Twiggy is the worst.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
kethuprofumo · July 15, 2021 - 3:52 pm ·

Happy Birthday, dear John! Happy birthday, dear Magnolia! Hurrah!🥂🎂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 3:58 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Dear Maria. We are all happy the tree and me.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. kethuprofumo · July 15, 2021 - 4:32 pm ·
    
    I hope this little tree will bring you a new turn of youth, dear John! The dog inspection is on duty…as usual.😊😊😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:22 pm ·
      
      Yes dog patrol continues. Thanks, Maria.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. kethuprofumo · July 16, 2021 - 3:49 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 7:57 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    4. kethuprofumo · July 17, 2021 - 1:14 pm ·
      
      😎😎😎
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · July 15, 2021 - 4:12 pm ·

Yay! It’s beautiful 🙂 Happy birthday tree!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 4:14 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Denise.
  
  LikeLike
Bette A. Stevens · July 15, 2021 - 4:53 pm ·

Awesome! 🎉🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 9:21 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Bette. ❤️
  
  LikeLike
Vashti Q · July 15, 2021 - 5:37 pm ·

Ah, ha, ha! Those girls are too cute❣️ The tree looks amazing. It’s big too. How long before it blooms? Remember, eighty is the new fifty!😘

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 8:10 pm ·
  
  Some are blooming now. I think this one has to get over the shock of transplant. Thanks, Vashti. I agree on the Eighty is fifty. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Vashti Q · July 20, 2021 - 12:33 pm ·
    
    Good for you. 😀 ❤
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 20, 2021 - 1:38 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · July 15, 2021 - 6:45 pm ·

What a fantastic birthday present, John. The tree looks gorgeous. I love how excited the girls are about it. I’m excited, too! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 15, 2021 - 8:08 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Mae. We are all excited here.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
petespringerauthor · July 15, 2021 - 9:42 pm ·

What a great present! Something that everyone can enjoy. Congratulations on making it to a new decade. Well done, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 6:44 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pete. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Audrey Driscoll · July 15, 2021 - 10:03 pm ·

Wonderful present, John. May you and the tree grow old together.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 6:45 am ·
  
  I think that might be “older,” Audrey. Thanks.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
TanGental · July 16, 2021 - 2:26 am ·

Have the girls watered it yet?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 7:09 am ·
  
  Hahaha. They are not much for “open ground” watering. They need to feel the security of the lawn based recepticle. Short answer – no. 😁
  
  LikeLike
Sharon Marchisello · July 16, 2021 - 4:11 am ·

Happy birthday!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Thank you, Sharon. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Jane Sturgeon · July 16, 2021 - 8:17 am ·

What a beautiful magnolia tree, John. Happy Birthday. Much ❤ to you and your girls. xXx

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 10:47 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jane. Much love to you. ❤️
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · July 16, 2021 - 8:26 am ·

Happy Happy Birthday once again, John! What a gorgeous tree. I know Magnolias can be considered “messy,” but I love them — and this one looks to be in an ideal location. Before long, the girls will have a nice, shady spot to chill in.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 10:41 am ·
  
  It is rather messy but I love it. Thanks, Debbie.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
dgkaye · July 16, 2021 - 2:49 pm ·

What a fabulous gift to continue your legacy John. Happy Birthday to you! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 7:57 pm ·
  
  Yes. The idea of a Magnolia is a great one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. dgkaye · July 17, 2021 - 7:26 am ·
    
    Gorgeous!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 9:18 am ·
      
      Thank you, Debby.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. dgkaye · July 18, 2021 - 7:58 am ·
      
      Welcome John
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 18, 2021 - 8:48 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Baydreamer · July 16, 2021 - 6:18 pm ·

What a great looking tree, John, and love the dialogue too! Can’t wait to see the blooms! Happy birthday again! 🎂🎉😁

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 16, 2021 - 8:00 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lauren. I love the tree.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
robertawrites235681907 · July 17, 2021 - 9:51 am ·

A tree for your birthday is the best gift ever. I’ve had three and they’ve all lived and thrived.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 2:04 pm ·
  
  That is good, Roberta. This is my first and I might be so bold to say, probably my last. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · July 17, 2021 - 11:37 am ·

That is one of the all time greatest birthday presents. Genius, really.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 1:44 pm ·
  
  I agree. It will still be there when…..oh wait. Let’s no go there right now.Thanks, Marc.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · July 18, 2021 - 8:16 am ·
    
    We don’t go there.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 18, 2021 - 8:52 am ·
      
      Yes indeed. 😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
jilldennison · July 17, 2021 - 12:26 pm ·

The tree looks great … looks like it was always there! And 🎈Happy B-I-G 80!!! 🎈 But, wouldn’t you be 560 in dog years rather than 11? I always thought you multiplied by 7 … ???

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 1:41 pm ·
  
  In this case you would divide the human by 7 to get dog. If you wanted to know how many human years a dog has lived you multiply the dog by 7. If you want to know how many generations of dogs a human has lived you multiply the human years by 7 and then divide by life expectance of dog. Let’s say 12 years. In my case then 80 times 7 is 560. Divided by 12 equals 4.1 generations.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. jilldennison · July 17, 2021 - 4:59 pm ·
    
    Ohhhhhh … yes … I had it backward! And I’m an accountant??? Thanks, John, for clearing that up for me!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 17, 2021 - 5:13 pm ·
      
      I was a finance concentration in grad school. Being able to find the common units of measure is the hardest part. 😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. jilldennison · July 18, 2021 - 2:19 am ·
      
      Really? I had no idea! By the time I got to grad school I had changed from a finance/accounting direction to Political Science … surprised, aren’t you?
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · July 18, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
      
      No surprise there. 😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Resa · July 20, 2021 - 12:21 pm ·

LOL!
Happy 80th!
Let me rephrase that! Happy 11th! 🎉🎂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 20, 2021 - 1:40 pm ·
  
  Thank you. Of course if I go around telling people I’m eleven someone will start a gofundme given the state of my body. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · July 20, 2021 - 2:35 pm ·
    
    Hahahahaha!!!!!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 20, 2021 - 5:17 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
markbierman · July 21, 2021 - 5:49 am ·

A beautiful addition to the back yard. However, in the words of Stephen King, “Sometimes they DO come back!” 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 21, 2021 - 7:14 am ·
  
  Let’s hope not. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennie · July 21, 2021 - 7:56 am ·

It’s a beautiful magnolia, John. Good thing you have the girls on alert. And, happy birthday. 🎈

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 21, 2021 - 10:33 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Jennie · July 23, 2021 - 8:52 pm ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · July 23, 2021 - 4:54 pm ·

Happiest of birthday greetings, Butch. Love the tree. ♡

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · July 23, 2021 - 5:16 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Audrey. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person

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