The difference between this year and the earlier years is this is the age at which my father died of a stroke in 1973. A smoker since the age of 16, he couldn't break the habit at 50, although he tried. Sleep apnea as well, although nobody knew about sleep apnea then and the problems it created along with high blood pressure, irregular heart beat and a stressful job that combined to take their toll.

I'd long before escaped to school, the army and then San Francisco and when I thought about it, dead at 56, I thought well, that's probably my fate. The male members of my line haven't lasted very long and its best, probably, to not count on seeing much beyond 60, maybe not much beyond year 2000. Don't have to worry about retirement, at least, just hope whatever happens is fast, preferably in my sleep after a good dinner and a hot shower.

Now I'm not so sure. I have most of the symptoms my father had, although I only smoked for about five years and haven't had a cigarette now in 20. Sleep apnea yes, but they know how to correct that now and after next month, with any luck, it will be gone. Same with the high blood pressure. Sleep apnea contributes to it, but they have pills today they didn't have in my father's time. My blood pressure is normal and has been since I can remember. Irregular heart, but with a blood thinner (most people use aspirin), that's not a factor either.

So, let's not be too concerned. The sun is shining this morning and I think I'll go into San Francisco with a camera and get some air.