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I used to joke that I lived a very un-American life (Note to ScienceNet Chinese readers: “ un-American” in American English usage has a badmeaning that is “ not loyal or patriotic to the US”) Of course I am using it playfully here to shock and really to mean not typically American.  This is because  all my life since finishing school

1.      I worked at one job from which I retired (mostAmericans have several jobs in their lifetime)

2.      I married a woman 55 years ago to whom I am still married (one in three marriages in the  US ends in divorce)

3.      I bought and lived in one house in which I still live (Americans move all the time due to job and opportunities)

4.      All my children went to the same kindergarten,  elementary school, middle school,  high school, and university (very unusual due to reasons1-3 above)

To these I might add

5.      I had the same insurance agent ( for my home,auto, liability, and life insurances) for over 54 years  until his death and now works with his son who has taken over the business

6.    I was the first client of my lawyer. He is now retired and his younger law partner inherited me.

7.      I use the same CPA for my income tax preparation for over 54+ years

Thus, my life may be boring but at least consistent.

However, today I received a letter from this CPA informing me that due to age and health reasons  he must retire and have his son take overthe business.  He is 91 years old. This invariably brought certain amount  of sadness and poignancy since it invariably reflect on my own  end stage of life

http://blog.sciencenet.cn/blog-1565-757535.htmll       On turning 80

http://blog.sciencenet.cn/blog-1565-338821.html       On the End Stage of Life

Fortunately, so far for both myself and my wife, our physical health and mind still functions more or less regularly.  We are savoring everyday we can spend in such state. For the fourth time in these  blog pages, I’d like to say -”I am a lucky guy” and lived the “American Dream”.

Reflection on life during holidays 2014!

Note added 10/11/2105: I might add that I had my current phone number for 49 years and my cell phone number since i bought my first cell phone.