A Birthday Party for a Stranger

Last week on my way home from town, a very dapper gentleman approached me in front of our driveway. His arms were open wide, one hand holding his cane, and he bellowed, "Well pet, it's a fine, fine day, isn't it?" I agreed and then subsequently found myself in conversation with him for a good long while. Probably 45 minutes. It was mostly me listening to my new friend, Raymond, about subjects ranging from local history to cheesy puns to how the Chinese are taking over the world. He also sang me a few songs before we parted ways. More on this later.

Normally I'm not big on talking to strangers, even friendly, elderly English gentlemen, but 1) I didn't have anywhere to be just then, 2) I wanted to improve on being more flexible and engaging, and 3) I wanted to tell Nathan that I was being friendly with the locals.

During the course of our conversation, I learned that Raymond was having a birthday soon, so I invited him to come over for a little party. We exchanged numbers, but he told me he didn't talk on his mobile on account of his deteriorating hearing. He just texted. He asked me if I knew how to text. When I told him "yes," he seemed relieved. "Oh good! So I don't have to teach you!"

So today Raymond came round for tea, brownies, cookies, raw veggies, and hummus (I can't be eating cookies all the time!), and Nathan even blew up a few balloons that said, "Birthday Boy" on them. Raymond was "chuffed" (really pleased), as they say. During the four hours he was over, we covered quite a range of topics and sang a few more songs. We also took some pictures and a few videos.

Nathan and Raymond sort out the world's problems.

Happy 77th Raymond!

Here we are after finishing his song. I love his smile!

And... here's his song. Nathan's faking like he knows it, but he really doesn't. :)