73

So that happened: I had a birthday. My 73rd! Plus a doctor visit, and an eclipse of the sun.

The number 73 holds a unique place in mathematics and popular culture. As a prime number, it is significant because it can only be divided by 1 and itself, making it a building block in the realm of numbers. Its the 21st prime number, and interestingly, its mirror, 37, is the 12th prime number1. This mirroring relationship is part of what makes 73 special.ppIn popular culture, 73 is known as the Sheldon prime in reference to the character Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, who claims its the best number because it combines several mathematical properties. Its also the smallest natural number with twelve letters in its spelled-out name in English. And, last but not least, it is the age I just turned today.

In the realm of astronomy, Messier object M73 is a group of stars in the constellation Aquarius. More tragically, 73 seconds was the duration of the Space Shuttle Challengers flight before it exploded. And, to be honest, there are days when being 73 years old feels like, I'm so over it!

But here I am, feeling pretty well today, and ready to face a busy one. Besides blogging about my birthday, I have a doctor appointment and a beard trim to get. And, oh yes, a total eclipse of the sun! Although it will only be partial here in Arizona.

So, while I wait for my prescriptions and supplements and medical marijuana to kick in, let me share the pictures from yesterday's celebration in my honor at Hon Machi Tepanyaki Restaurant in Chandler.

My youngest grandson, Dominic, was there with his best friend Cameron.

And here am I, with my own youngest, John; and there's my eldest grandson, Zach, and youngest granddaughter, Gianna.

And John with our host, my daughter, Jenny.

And here are Jenny and Dawn, the kids' aunt. How are those duck lips doing, ladies?

And here's Dawn on the right, with her friend Tiz who nicely came with.

John's kids couldn't come, but here he is with Jenny's Dominic, Zach and Gianna.

Next to me is my son, John, followed by Cameron, Dominic, Zach and Gianna who is clearly over all this picture-taking. By the way, thanks to my daughter Jenny who hosted the event and took these photos!

I am reminded of the day I turned 50. It was 2001, and my mom was about to have her 88th birthday. And she was ipositively gleefuli at her gift to me, a membership to AARP! At the time, you had to be 50 or over to join. She seemed inordinately tickled that I was aging.

I was so touched by the thought that went into selecting cards, and of course by the generous gifts that were enclosed which, other than the eclipse glasses John thoughtfully included, I am not so tacky as to photograph. I am so fortunate to have such a loving and generous family!

Although it's not actually a birthday present, I am accompanying Jenny and the kids to Kauai at the end of May. I'm counting it as a present, though!

And then I had one of my first visits with my new primary care physician. My previous one vanished after my second visit. I mean, he took his whole office with him—it's just gone! This new guy seems nice, he's a D.O. specializing in gerontology; and we share a first name so maybe that's a good sign. I had my initial intake a month ago and a full blood-panel something on the 1st. So today was to go over my test results, and make of list of complaints.

My current issues are primarily high blood pressure which came out normal at the doctor's office, severe edema in my ankles and feet, and super-bad calluses. On the other hand, my blood sugar level was actually below 100, which hasn't happened inhellipwellhellipieveri! Also, my cholesterol was excellent, though my triglycerides were high. Overall, though, it looks like I may live awhile longer so I'd better get more serious about taking care of myself.

It's weird, being the same age as old people. But at least I'm rocking the beard!

Astrologically, eclipses are considered powerful events that can bring about significant change and transformation. They are often seen as times to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings. Today's solar eclipse occurred in my birth sign, Aries, which could symbolize a time of personal reinvention and the start of, gods help me, yet another new chapter in my life.

For a person born on April 8, 1951, such as myself, an eclipse occurring on their birthday could make it a potentially powerful time for personal transformation. Its a moment when the universe might be aligning to offer me a chance to step into a new version of myself, shedding old patterns and embracing new possibilities!

Or it could just be an interesting astronomical phenomenon. Either way, I'll be keeping on keeping on, adding Gray Pride to my Gay Pride and doing what I can to continue to help others in this crazy trip we've found ourselves on.