I meant to post this on June 14th when my father celebrated his 80th birthday.

Ha! I bet you just did a double-take. Yup, that handsome gentleman is my beloved father with his wife, my stepmother, of 38 years. Hmmmm, she's not 38 - they've been married for 38 years - but in addition to the grammatical confusion, they both could nearly pass for 38.

Since his birthday falls on Flag Day in the United States, when I was little, I thought the zillions of flags were raised in his honor. Well, I still feel that way.

My Dad's nickname is Buddy, and that's what he's been to everyone he's ever met. Not only is he gorgeous - he's funny and kind and smart and gallant and a fine golfer, and a splendid husband, father, brother and uncle. And what ya see is what ya get - no nips and tucks for this man.

This particular photo was taken in Ireland. I've had the pleasure of traveling with them to County Cork where my father's cousin has a magnificent estate where racehorses are trained. But that's another whole story.

I mightily deliberated my gift to him for this auspicious occasion. I chose a monogrammed silver compass. You see, no matter how lost I've been or felt, my Dad's been there to guide me - to keep me on track. Always the jokester, he commented that he'll use the compass to navigate his home when his mind starts to fail him. Yeah right, that ain't gonna happen any time soon.

Of note, there have been many times when he's been mistaken for Bill Clinton. He's actually been mobbed by hordes of giddy women wanting to touch him or get his autograph. Seriously! Personally, I think he's far more handsome than Bill.

Dad and Mary recently visited me here in Fallbrook. We had a blast. Mary and I giggled whenever I introduced her. I loathe the moniker stepmother. Obviously, the story about Cinderella had a great impact on me. Yet, I stumble a bit when I introduce her as my mother, because it always creates triple-takes. I find it easier to introduce them together as my folks - this only causes double-takes. Call me crazy, but after 38 years, I feel she's deserving of a title more befitting with affection than stepmother.

My Dad reads my blogs, so any belated wishes will be enjoyed.

Dad, thanks for being my beloved Dad. xoxo