Saturday, May 18, 2013

MAY 19th, or "ARVID'S DAY", AS IT'S BETTER KNOWN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!
(I know I tend to come back to this picture often...maybe because it's a recent favorite...)
The mischievous twinkle in those young eyes, STILL there...he's the little guy in the photos - Arvid Carl Anderson, with big brother Robert, or Bob.  Obviously best of friends, too!
The son of a Swedish immigrant, Carl Rudolph Anderson, who jumped a ship at 16 and came to the United States - married himself an Irish-American gal, Catherine O'Brien, and raised two handsome and gentle sons.
The youngest of whom married and raised three children of his own, who went on to raise children of their own, and so on and so on...OK, mine are still single, and childless, and we want to keep it that way for awhile, at least.  Idolized by kids, grand kids, and great-grand kids, alike.
QUICK witted (Oh, is he EVER!), "all-knowing" (he arms himself with anything he can get his hands on to read, history wise, to this day), and patient enough to pose for some of the goofiest pictures and still smile through it!  He's a veritable walking encyclopedia, he is.  While my kids were growing up (and still to this day), if we couldn't figure something out answer, one of us would look at the other and say, usually in unison, "Call Grandpa!"  He knows some shit about some stuff, for sure.  Big Chief on Campus!
He's a "mover and a shaker" - I had to try and beat him up and out the door one morning, when visiting this Spring, to shovel the walks for him...no such luck.  His yard looks like a park (and that's why he hates on that squirrel in the back so much); his flowers look like a botanical gardens; and he's always fashionable and well mannered.  He's a card, he's a gem - he's my Dad...
HE'S MY HERO, in SO many ways!
Happy Birthday, Dad - I love you, and I WILL be there for the date next year, come hell or high water!
XOXOXOXOXO - TONY

14 comments:

oldgreymare said...

You and I do share that of course. We are both such Daddy's girls. How blessed you are to still have your parents so active and well...(now if only you lived closer) You know I hold that wish for you.

Happy Birthday to your darling Dad.

Hindustanka said...

It is a great post about your dad! So good to see him active and cheerful :) Well done, children! Your love definitely supports your parents :)
Happy birthday to your Dad!May him be happy and healthy always!
Hugs!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Beautiful and wonderful tribute
Happy Birthday Tanya's Dad!

Jackie said...

Oh pooh! I thought it was in june, I have a special card to send him!! Will drop in the mail asap!
You are so lucky to have such a smart and funny dad! Happy Birthday Mr.A!
And remember "Squirrels are our friends!"
hee-hee!

Dagmar said...

Such a wonderful way to celebrate, Happy Birthday to your Dad!

Ahl Cooped Up said...

Happy Birthday to your wonderful Father. I wish him many more healthy years, amd hope you get to spend as much time with him as possible.

Kadee Willow said...

What a wonderful tribute to your dad! How lucky to have had such a loving and caring role model in your life... and such a handsome guy, too! Thanks for sharing him with us.. eat some cake for me!!

Vicki Boster said...

Tanya-- he's a doll!! You are so blessed to have your precious Dad-- I miss mine so much . What a lovely tribute--
Xoxo
Vicki

My Garden Diaries said...

Hey Friend!!! Happy Birthday to your Dad! He sounds like such an amazing man with so many talents!! I can see that twinkle in that picture!!! This post is magical! How lucky you are to have a Dad like him! Life is good!

Createology said...

Happy Birthday to your dad who looks like he is a wonder of fun and excitement with the soul of a gentle giant. You are a lucky girl to have your parents. Glad you got to celebrate with him. Blessings Dear...

Hannapat said...

What a very special post. I love these family tributes or yours they are so heartfelt and special!! You are so lucky to have such a wonderful dad who is still around. Enjoy each moment you can and keep the love flowing. (On a diff note I left you message re bird feeders over at mine just realised yest most prob not the best plan. I used araldite epoxy glue and left it for at least 24hrs). Xo

Colleen Mcgraw said...

love the photos of you and your dad, I am sure you have a few of them framed and in your home. You are so lucky to still have your father, cherish every moment. Happy Birthday to your special father

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a lovely birthday dedication to your dad. Happy birthday Arvid! :) Great photos and family history. Have a wonderful week. Tammy

Dorthe said...

Such a lovely post ,so full of love to your dear father,- happy belated birthday to him, dear Tanya.
And all those wonderful photoes of you and him, I can see you are very close!
To have your father still living is a gift, my dear- mine dyed when 64 years old! I am so happy for you with all the trawels and tours you are able to experience with your parents-and wish you many,many more to come in the future!
Hugs and love ,Dorthe