January 11. 2pm. “Happy birthday. How’s your day going?”

“No complaints except for the fact that I’ve suddenly got this horrible cold, a headache and nose block and can’t breathe at all. But the birthday hug you gave me compensated for everything. Do you realize how cuddly you are? Even my younger daughter said the same thing the day she hugged you.”

“Then let me hug you one more time since it’s your birthday.”

“I’d be thrilled.”

“What are you people doing for dinner tonight? I’m positive your daughters have some plan in place.”

“Have called in for some vegetarian Chinese grub from Oh Calcutta after which we plan to watch a movie.”

“Don’t you sometimes feel that you want to hold on to your age and not let that day pass?”

“You feel that way when you get older? At your age you would want to move ahead and see more of life. Whereas at my age, one would want to grab that number and hold on to it for dear life. Come for dinner.”

“Coming in a minute. I’ll go and wash my hands”