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The Remarkable Ronnie–Happy Birthday

The Remarkable Ronnie-Happy Birthday

You’re sixty-six years! What a wonderful age! A brand-new "Route 66" turn of the page. In the town of old Cuba, right where you began, you’ve retired ... and become a much busier man!

You raised up three children, all sturdy and true, plus one extra child—who, of course, is just YOU. For though you grow older, you’re stubborn, it’s true, you refuse to grow up! (And we’re glad that you do.)

Now grandkids arrive with a zoom and a shout, Like geese on espresso, they’re all let-let out! They’re frantic! They’re loud! They are bouncy and bright! They’ll keep you awake from dawn till night.

So you grab up a pole or a gun, and you flee, "Gone hunting!" you yell, just to let yourself be. With a nap in the woods or a fish on the line, you tell yourself, "Ronnie, you’re doing just fine."

So here’s to the garden where big veggies thrive, To the tall-as-a-mountain fish stories you drive! You’ve hit Sixty-Six! Now enjoy the whole ride, with a grin on your face and your "kids" by your side!

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