I hesitated to bring an OT thread back up but I did want to thank you fellows for your kind wishes.
Now that RR has opened the door I will add that yes there are some very nice Birthday cards with "90" on them - I saw 3 yesterday among the many thoughtful cards he received. My sister got the winner in my opinion expressing the lessons imparted along the way. That had been my train of thought concerning Dad the past few days.
Many times I have cause to reflect on the tips Dad provided. I ask myself, how did I know that, then the memory returns and it was Dad that showed me. From making kites from scratch (Dad was the Scout leader)to making the molds and pouring babbit mains in a Model A Ford block. House moving and building, raising animals, butchering, farming, camping and fishing, repairing and making tools to do a repair ..... lots of lessons just for the taking. I've made use of much that I learned from Dad. Son of a butcher he worked for Grandpa then Packard and Dodge in Detroit to Instrument journeyman at Dow for 30 some years with numerous other job/life experiences along the way. At 80 he pretty much stopped working in his home shop. No grumbling about it - I think he knew it was time to finally take a rest from the "always busy" making something to have more time with family and relaxing. Dad has Alzheimer's and after a year at home with care progressing to 24 hour status went into a nursing home <3 months ago. He actually seems to be doing better in the nursing home than when he was last at his home. He was fully alert and had a great time with all the festivities yesterday.
A good turnout and lots of fun for all, the young and not so young.