The whomever was Gail, John and friends. 
The whatever was to be low keyed. Good thing because I had been sick for a month and was not feeling any better. A small cookout would be perfect. 
I enjoy the getting’ ready stuff and I arrived at Gail’s in time to watch her and John working in the yard.
Later, I parked myself on the couch with a cup of tea, a good book and some candlelight. I think most things in life should be done by candlelight. 
So, my birthday celebration was what I wanted. The following day we enjoyed the morning, a hike behind Gail's house and an unplanned dinner with friends.
Now that the birthday is over... What I don’t know: how much time I have left. But that is not unique to turning 60. I am no different from anyone else…it has nothing to do with age.
What I do know: 60 is the mark of getting old. But it is the youthful side of old. I have met all the life challenges thrown at me for 60 years and am able to tell my life story. As I consider all those experiences, good and bad, I still say I have had a good life. It has certainly been interesting. I have never been afraid to live life. At times, I have walked out on the most fragile limb to take another bite of life. Things did not always turn out so well for me, but I have no regrets. I never lost the nerve to jump again. I see that as a wonderful thing because it means that the beatings I took did not diminish my desire to keep experiencing life. I have loved a couple of good men and I have had some interesting relationships. I have been abused and let down by a few. But I believe I am still worthy of someone’s love. I still hope. I know there is more good than bad left for me. I look forward to every day. I try to live each day as peacefully and simply as I can. And I still want to dance.
What I do know: 60 is the mark of getting old. But it is the youthful side of old. I have met all the life challenges thrown at me for 60 years and am able to tell my life story. As I consider all those experiences, good and bad, I still say I have had a good life. It has certainly been interesting. I have never been afraid to live life. At times, I have walked out on the most fragile limb to take another bite of life. Things did not always turn out so well for me, but I have no regrets. I never lost the nerve to jump again. I see that as a wonderful thing because it means that the beatings I took did not diminish my desire to keep experiencing life. I have loved a couple of good men and I have had some interesting relationships. I have been abused and let down by a few. But I believe I am still worthy of someone’s love. I still hope. I know there is more good than bad left for me. I look forward to every day. I try to live each day as peacefully and simply as I can. And I still want to dance.
My 60th birthday came and went without causing any bumps in the road. I don't feel "old" at all. Quite the contrary. My body may get tired quicker than before and it may take longer to recover from the stresses I give it, but my mind feels like I'm 25! I really don't want to grow up and won't think about feeling "old" until birthday 70 comes around.
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