It's About Time -- For a Birthday

Although the Birthday Boy is firmly entrenched in his mid-50s, he is still a kid at heart. 

It could have been coincidence, but I am sure that it was just meant to be that Mr. Smith's b-day fell on a Friday, which is typically pizza night at our house. 'Za happens to be the b-day celebrant's favorite food -- especially when paired with a really good brew. Since it was pizza night, it only seemed fitting to have pizza for dessert.

The old guy got some really great gifts, but the timeliest of all was the gift of time. I had to search and search to find a clock repairman who would take on the task of getting this old clock ticking again. Yes, it has taken a licking...

This "kitchen or parlor" clock is from the late 1800s, and is in great shape now that it has been cleaned up and tuned up. It was a gift to my mother-in-law back in 1950. We like to say that Papa Smith, who was a barber, acquired it "horse trading" or as barter payment for a shave and a haircut -- or other goods/services. I'm certain there is a really good story behind the acquisition of this clock. 

A worn out label on the back of the clock says that it is a New Haven Clock Company, 8-Day Dandy Line Striking Clock. Wow -- what a mouthful! When Mr. Smith was growing up, this timepiece counted the minutes and hours from atop the fireplace mantle. We have it on the buffet in our dining room. It has a comforting tick-tock, and according to the teenager who sleeps near the dining room, the chimes are annoying -- especially in the wee hours of the morning! They sound melodious to me.

The b-day boy was certainly pleased to get this gift of time, and I think he also had a good time turning older; however, in spite of being given a timely gift, he still doesn't have quite enough time on his hands.