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Thursday, 5 July 2012

Even Further Back.

It had been suggested in a comment by Laura, at this site, Austanspace and I quote, "I gotta get a scanner.  We should all show of our funny clothes from the 70s." And a follow up comment in the article I'm referring to, "Briefly Back To The Seventies", was made by Sharon at this site, Random Thoughts, that we might attempt this, " I don't know how to do it, but I think it would be good fun to do a photo blogfest from the 80's. For women we had great hair and fashion....Maybe I'll try and figure out how to organise a blogfest....."
Okay, the seventies, the eighties, or whatever. I shall see what transpires and if a blogfest is organised, than so be it. It might be fun to reflect and could provide some rather interesting history lessons for the younger generation.  

And now I go even further back. Yes, that's me, the one sitting on the pony.  The year is 1958 and I'm about four and a half years old.  The location is the London Zoo. I wonder what the young me was thinking.  How would he react to the older me.  I believe he would be encouraged to know that despite the passage of time and the influences of the more cynical world, that the older me has never lost the childlike curiosity that beat in the heart of a little boy on a pony.

To the little boy on the pony.  Here is a photograph of your own beloved son when he was of a similar age.  His name is Tristan.  Through the good times, the tearful times and the times of rejoicing, your son has been a source of inspiration that kept you alive.  Today your son wished you a happy birthday.
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56 comments:

  1. Kelly5 July 2012 at 02:43

    That's a great picture of you on the back of your pony, Gary. It seems like you were enjoying your pony ride. I say that because you're smiling a bit. either that or someone yelled, "Say cheese!" And you said, "Giddy yup!', instead.

    I think it's good to have pictures of your younger years and special times. They do help you remember when you get older and it seems like your fondness for those good memories grow over the years when you look back on those same pictures.

    Good picture of Tristan, too. You've done well. Take care, sir.

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 22:35

      Hi Kelly,
      Thank you very much, kind sir. I cannot remember being on the pony. I'm sure I was having a good time. I think a bit of a "Giddy Yup!" might well have caused me to end up on a tour of the London Zoo. Next thing you know you've got a bunch of chimps trying to pull apart the saddle :)
      I think it can be a rather cleansing exercise by reflecting upon the past and seeing how we're doing now. It could well bring up a whole load of vastly different emotions.
      Thanks and my son thanks you for liking his photo.
      You take very good care, my good buddy.
      Gary

      Delete
  2. PT Dilloway5 July 2012 at 02:50

    Wow, I'm not sure I ever got to ride a pony. Nice knee socks.

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 22:38

      Hey PT,
      Don't you remember? You used to be a rider for the "Pony Express" :) The socks were awesome...
      Thanks dude.

      Delete
  3. KimT5 July 2012 at 04:29

    How utterly adorable you were! And Tristan, too, just like his father. Happy Birthday, Gary; may you be blessed with a day rich in love, beauty and bounty!

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 22:41

      Hi Kim,
      Wasn't I just adorable. And then I got older :) Tristan was a lovely looking boy and the girls used to chase him around the school playground. Sorry Tristan! :)
      Thank you for the kind birthday wishes, Kim. You really are a treasure :)
      From big Gary and lil' Gary :)

      Delete
  4. Suzanne Bean5 July 2012 at 04:45

    I do love the photos!!! Both so very cute!! And Happy Birthday to you!! Make it the best year ever. :)

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 22:45

      Hi Suzanne,
      Awe thank you. That's very nice of you to say that. Your birthday wishes are warmly appreciated and I shall endeavour to make this a most positive year :)
      Kind wishes to you in Victoria,
      Gary

      Delete
  5. All Consuming5 July 2012 at 07:27

    What a lovely post. Your son is so cute, how old is he now?
    And of course, wishing you many felicitations and warm wishes for the day. (*raises a Jack Daniels, bit early but I'll go wild as it's you) Happy Birthday Gary, it only gets better :) x

    ps. Loving the pudding bowl haircut, do you still have it? ;p

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:06

      Hi All Consuming,
      That's very kind of you. My cute, 'cheeky chops' son is now 23. Yeah, I know, how could I possibly have a son that old! LOL
      Thank you for such kind birthday wishes in the um true spirit of things. Better Jack Daniels than American beer, eh!
      I lost the pudding bowl :) These days I usually shave it off. That way, I can go to a football match and make out like I'm a football hooligan!:)
      Thank you and I wont mention that I think more folks should go and check out your blog. No indeed, we shall keep you a well kept secret. Oops!
      Take care, eh
      Gary x

      Delete
  6. RHYTHM AND RHYME5 July 2012 at 09:52

    I have a photo of when I was 2 yrs old.Many years ago.
    I think it a great idea for people to show photo's of us when younger.
    Have a great day.
    Yvonne.

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:18

      Hi Yvonne,
      It could make for an interesting theme to put up photos of our younger days. Snippets of our history and many emotive memories.
      Thank you and may you have a great day.
      Gary :)

      Delete
  7. raydenzel15 July 2012 at 10:32

    Wonderful pictures. I hope that they took you back to a happier time.
    with or without the mustache!

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:20

      Hi Ray,
      Thanks dude. It transported me back to some simpler times. Would have been quite something to see a four and a half year old boy with a moustache! :)
      Take care,
      Gary

      Delete
  8. Alex J. Cavanaugh5 July 2012 at 10:35

    So it's your birthday? Have a good one, man!
    Wonderful words for your younger self.
    And you were either thinking can we take him home or get me off this thing. One of the two!
    Oh, and sorry about the scrolling. One of these days someone is going to hit China.

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:24

      Hi Alex,
      Indeed, July 5th was my birthday and thanks for the good wishes.
      Thanks for your kind words and I think you might be right about what I might have been thinking. One of the two or maybe I was thinking about setting up my very own pony empire.
      No worries about the scrolling. Maybe someday, scrolling will be almost down to China on my site. Probably not :)
      Cheers, friend.
      Gary

      Delete
  9. Anonymous5 July 2012 at 11:46

    Happy Birthday Gary...may you always have the adventurous spirit of that happy four year old on the pony.

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:28

      Hi Delores,
      Thank you very much for the birthday thoughts. I shall continue to embrace the sweet ideals of the little boy on the pony :)
      I remember your birthday posting for me, last year. That was a very nice demonstration of your kindness.
      Thank you, dear lady.
      Gary

      Delete
  10. Joylene Nowell Butler5 July 2012 at 14:06

    A blogfest for the 80s, great idea. Do I have time to remember the 80s? Ah, the good ole days, especially when they're all a blur. My sons were teens! What else can I say. I remember my hair was thinner, so was I!

    Off to give blood in the big city of Prince George. Will check back here when I get home tonight. Meanwhile, try to stay out of trouble. I have this suspicious feeling your photos of the 80s might be a big too risque for this ole bird. As if!

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    1. klahanie5 July 2012 at 23:37

      Hi Joylene,
      Ah yes, a blogfest for the 80's or the 70's or the 60's or all of them. The 80's were a blur for you. Heck, compared to my recollection of the 80's, your blur seems quite clear.
      Very good of you to give blood to "Prince George". Of course, you have royal blood coursing through your veins. Sorry, that was me being rather silly.
      I was a good boy and stayed out of trouble on my birthday. "Ole bird."? Young chick, please! Now where did I put those Polaroids?

      Delete
    2. Joylene Nowell Butler6 July 2012 at 02:19

      Okay, home now, and reconsidering. I think you should go for bust, get in trouble, Gary. Be risque, eh. You were a beautiful boy, and judging by Tristen's pic, he takes after you. Nice. Love the happy little boy smile.

      Delete
    3. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:46

      Hey Joylene,
      How was Prince George? I bet the 'big city' of Prince George, ground to a halt with fevered excitement, when the locals were aware that a celebrity was in their midst. You think I should show off my 'bust'. Yes, lets go for the gusto and dazzle them with saucy polaroid photos from my dubious seventies and eighties and...
      Seriously, thanking for such a nice comment in regards to Tristan and this old and not so beautiful dude!
      Have a good weekend, eh :)

      Delete
  11. Diane Perry5 July 2012 at 17:49

    What a wonderful picture Gary. To be at one with another animal is so special and you look like you are with this lovely little pony. It is a special bond that we have with our animals and it is something we should all cherish. You obviously started at a young age. Best wishes to you. Di x

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:12

      Hi Diane,
      Wow, thanks for those very heartfelt thoughts. I know, just like you know, that the non-judgemental world of our precious animals friends, are trying to teach us important lessons. If only mankind would listen.
      Thank you, my dear friend.
      Gary x

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  12. Rebecca5 July 2012 at 17:56

    i'm jealous I've never rode a pony

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:13

      Hi becca,
      I'm sorry you've never had the chance to ride a pony. I don't even remember being on that pony.
      Take very good care,
      Gary :)

      Delete
  13. MunirGhiasuddin5 July 2012 at 19:18

    Happy Birthday, may you be happy and healthy and may all your dreams become realities.

    This is wonderful, I mean getting to see you as a young boy. I am sure that the younger you would be delighted to meet the older you.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:17

      Hi Munir,
      Thank you for those lovely and inspirational birthday wishes.
      I am very sure that the younger me would be heartened by how I continue to embrace the ideals of the younger me :)
      Thank you for that, my friend.
      In kindness, Gary

      Delete
  14. Empty Nest Insider5 July 2012 at 22:24

    Happy Birthday Gary! Great picture of you on the pony, and your son is adorable! I agree with Munir about the younger you and the older you! Hope you have a wonderful celebration! Julie

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:19

      Hi Julie,
      Thank you kindly for the birthday wishes. Thanks for liking the photos and my son was, I mean, is adorable :)
      I believe that Munir and your good self, are very much correct :)
      I had a nice, peaceful birthday, thank you.
      Kind wishes, your way, Gary

      Delete
  15. THINGS YOU'D NEVER GUESS ABOUT ME5 July 2012 at 22:49

    Back in the 50's in the US, people used to walk the neighborhoods with a camera and a pony, so everyone of that era can be seen in black and white, sitting on a black and white pony.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:22

      Hi Beau's Mom,
      Ah yes, I'm very familiar with what you allude to. And having lived in Vancouver, Canada, I also remember folks taking photos and then asking you to buy the photo of yourself, off them.
      Thank you and very kind of you to visit.
      Gary

      Delete
  16. Golden Eagle5 July 2012 at 23:42

    Happy Birthday!

    Those are great pictures.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 00:23

      Hi The Golden Eagle,
      Thank you for the birthday thoughts :)
      And thanks for thinking they are great pictures.
      All the best and happy writing.
      Gary

      Delete
  17. Danielle L Zecher6 July 2012 at 00:23

    What a cute picture of you on the pony. I hope you have a very happy birthday.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:19

      Hi Danielle,
      Thank you for your kind words and I had a nice, peaceful birthday, thank you :)
      Have a lovely weekend,
      Gary

      Delete
  18. Teresa Ashby6 July 2012 at 08:19

    Happy Birthday for yesterday!
    Lovely pictures of two very cute little boys and a very pretty pony! :-) x

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:22

      Hi Teresa,
      Thanks for the birthday wishes :) And thank you for the nice compliment on the photos.
      Here's to us actually having some sort of sunshine over the weekend! :)
      Gary x

      Delete
  19. unikorna6 July 2012 at 09:44

    You are mighty cute on that pony. I have to mention that you are about my boyfriend's age, he was born in 1956, so I must confess I love your generation. It produced the loveliest people I know :). Kisses Gary.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:26

      Hi unikorna,
      Dear friend, you are most kind. There were a number of very cool folks from my generation. And your kind, caring boyfriend of a similar age to me, will know how blessed he is to be with you.
      Enjoy your weekend.
      Gary x

      Delete
  20. GEM6 July 2012 at 10:00

    Happy Birthday Gary! I've got a photo of me on a donkey but I'd never dare put it on the Internet! You're photo,however,is really cute. You looked like you were having so much fun :)

    Take Care

    GEM

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:28

      Hi GEM,
      Thanks for the birthday wishes. I'm sure you were adorable on that donkey :) I reckon I was having loads of fun that day. If only I could remember :)
      All the best in your Russian adventure.
      Gary x

      Delete
  21. River6 July 2012 at 12:01

    It's your birthday?
    Happy birthday.
    I can't get my laptop to recognise my scanner, although it recognises the printer just fine and it's the same machine! Luckily I have scanned photos from my old laptop transferred via flash drive, so I can participate in the 70's, 80's photo fest if it comes about.

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:32

      Hi River,
      Yes it was my birthday. I suppose it was kind of cryptic. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
      I think those who mentioned a blogfest would hopefully get some sort of photo extravaganza organised. I don't have a scanner, but taking a photo of a photo has worked out quite well. Should really invest in a scanner, though.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Gary :)

      Delete
  22. bazza6 July 2012 at 17:06

    There's nothing in life more precious than family Gary.
    But I think you already know it!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:36

      Hi bazza,
      Indeed and due to certain youthful sadness, I have done my utmost to compensate by trying to be a kind and loving dad to my beloved son. Something I missed in my life...
      Take care, good friend and have a peaceful weekend.
      Gary

      Delete
  23. Dixie@dcrelief6 July 2012 at 20:25

    I missed your day, but hope it was fun. Be careful now; you've almost caught up with me! Happy belated Birthday!

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    1. klahanie6 July 2012 at 22:39

      Hi Dixie,
      That's okay that you missed my day. It's fair to say, I had some fun, anyway :) You, young lady, are way younger than me :)
      Thanks for the happy birthday wishes, Dixie. Please have a peaceful weekend.
      In kindness, Gary

      Delete
  24. Susan Kane6 July 2012 at 23:51

    Happy Birthday, Gary!! You might even be my age now! I love the pony photo. You look happy, Mom looks a little worried. Your son is adorable and probably still is!

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    1. klahanie7 July 2012 at 00:07

      Hi Susan,
      Thank you, my kind friend. I am 59 and I shall now start counting backwards and change my name to Jack Benny :)
      Glad you loved the pony photo and I do look quite content. Don't know who the lady is in the background. I know it's not my mother. The lady might be worried that I ride away on the pony without her being paid :)
      Tristan is um still adorable. He'd hate me to tell him that. Thanks Susan and have a very nice weekend.
      Gary

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  25. David7 July 2012 at 08:41

    Hi Gary,
    Sorry I'm a little late to this post, so I hope you had a very happy birthday.
    Is that really you on the pony? Who'd have know that such a cute kid could grow up to be such a hirsute man. Tristan looks like a good looking boy, too. Are you sure you're related?
    Speak to you soon, Gare.
    Very Best Happy Birthday Wishes, you old fart, your way,
    David.

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    1. klahanie8 July 2012 at 23:23

      Hey David,
      Thank you for the birthday wishes. Yes, it really is me on that pony. Yes, the ravages of time and the wonders of gravity, have been most unkind to me. Then again, I'm a hairier, happy chappy.
      Tristan is a fine looking lad. Questions may well be raised as to who is the daddy...
      Take care and talk soon, eh.
      And it's Mr. old fart, to you.
      Thank you, you little 'chimney sweep', you.
      Gary

      Delete
  26. Austan8 July 2012 at 05:02

    Happy Belated Birthday, Gary! I hope this year brings your heart's desires.
    What an adorable little boy you were, and are. ;)
    I'm still working on getting a scanner...
    Laura
    x

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    1. klahanie8 July 2012 at 23:29

      Hey Laura,
      Thank you very much for the birthday wishes. And thank you for such positive thoughts.
      In my heart, I shall always be that adorable little boy :) Thanks for that.
      Hope you find a scanner, very soon. I've been taking photographs of photographs.
      Gary
      x

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  27. Jenny Woolf8 July 2012 at 19:23

    What a cute little boy you were! It's a pity that kids can no longer ride on animals in the zoo. Many kind wishes on your birthday!

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    1. klahanie8 July 2012 at 23:32

      Hi Jenny,
      Awe, thank you :) Yes, those were fun times at the zoo and riding on a pony. Thanks for the kind birthday wishes.
      With good wishes, your way, Gary

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.