M. sent over some carbonara and fish fillet. I asked him how old he is now but he wouldn't tell me. Had the carbonara because the granddaughters aren't fond of it. Hoping I don't have bangungot later.

Celebration still ongoing in the cafe. A lot of singing and handclapping, and it even sounds like they may be dancing. As for myself, I no longer celebrate my birthday--the last time I may have done so was in college--except for having quiet dinners with my family.

A cozy Friday night. I'll snuggle up in bed and resume reading Herge's biography. Afterward I'll turn off the lights and turn the TV on.

I love my life now. I would never trade it for anyone else's. I watch my colleagues hopping from one activity to another as though they were escaping from loneliness and boredom and obscurity, and I know that that causes them more stress than happiness. I can even see this in their faces.

I love being retired and spending my days and nights caring for my family. Time and resources are at my command. The only obligations I seem to have are to keep myself healthy and try to stay alive as long as possible--if not for anything else, to finish my 40-volume collection of my works and my 40-painting project for Maryhill School of Theology.