I phoned John at 7 p.m. and just like I figured the busty blond teen bride from just 41 years ago wasn't rattled with birthday gifts in her arms when told the party was in her honor for her retirement in a few days. First generation Irish girls can be like that.

I was also told that Mary was going to bunk at Courtney's this evening along with John and that was good to hear. It means that the wife might have a few with friends and relatives and have a good time while staying off the road. If she's driving she will sip a cocktail until it evaporates and grows mold. She has never met any of my friends in a county drunk tank after a small disagreement with a police officer.

This morning she was sitting in the den in her jammies while scoping the morning news on her PC. I rubbed her shoulders and told her that it would be great to have her home every day after she retires in just six days.

She replied, "Tell me that after a month when I'm breaking your balls about things that need to be done around here."

Love is a wonderful thing and when a marriage goes beyond forty years it only gets better.