13 on December 13
Do you remember what young teenaged boys spent their free times doing during the 1980s? Video games.
We finally allowed Dan to buy a used Nintendo from a friend. I can still hear the goofy “music” from some of the games, even though Dan played it in the basement. He’s become so intent on scoring so many points, it became difficult for him to stop long enough to eat supper.
The Iowa State Fair wasn’t as much fun for him anymore, until he discovered an arcade tent.
We’d hosted birthday parties for him, from having a few friends over to watch a movie to renting a party at the local skating rink.
Since his Golden Birthday, age 13 on the 13th, was coming up, we decided this would be the last one with a group of kids. We rented the Aladdin’s Castle arcade at the mall, after hours, and eight boys went to town on those machines.
Video games and pizza. A memorable Golden Birthday–38 years ago.
Oh my goodness, Joy! Yes! We remember! Paul just mentioned yesterday that he remembers (not so fondly) getting up in the middle of the night to get the latest video game for Miss Delaney for Christmas…oof! Thanks for the grin this morning! Xo! 🥰❤️🥰
Oh, Vicki, you just reminded me of the year of trying to find an Optimus Prime!
Yes!!! Our kids and their games! Delaney loved her Nintendo Wii!
😜🥰😜
That’s an easy to relate to memory. A nice occasion to celebrate though.
Thanks, Dan. Two pit bulls attacked their elderly rescue dog night before last, needed stitches and more. They’ve lived in the (Twin Cities) neighborhood just two weeks, so I imagine they’ll be spending the BD sorting everything out.
That’s awful. I had a friend whose dog was similarly attacked a few weeks ago.
Bummer.
The 13th is a good day to be born, because occasionally the date will fall on a Friday. It teaches one to dismiss the superstitions about Friday the 13th and to instead celebrate on that day. My 13th birthday fell on a Friday in 1956. I survived somehow (I know how) and have had a good life. However, had you mentioned video games to me back then, you’d have seen nothing but a blank stare. Portable radios (with tubes!) were the thing in those days. I could carry my tunes with wherever I went until the batteries died.
Bob, he was born on a Friday the 13th (1974). Ah, 1956. That’s when cars began to look good, huh!
56 & 57. Best looking cars ever built.
I agree, and I think it probably announces the decade we’ve attained!
Sharing one’s passion with your buddies (after hours, no less) must have made for a memorable birthday. I never got into video games much, but our son sure did. I remember he had a controller with a fan on it to keep his hands cool. What will they think of next?
I don’t think Dan’s had a fan, but you’re right, Pete, what will they think of next!
That was a terrific birthday party for a 13-year-old. I’ll bet he still remembers it.
As soon as he saw the picture, memories flooded back. Thanks, John!
I’ll bet Dan remembers his golden birthday with fondness!
He sure does! I hope you’re enjoying your “shared birthday.” Dan is caring for their elderly rescue dog that was attacked by two pit bulls Thursday evening. His wife was walking Luna and ended up at urgent care for her hand. Dan got home from the vet with Luna at 2 a.m. with stitches and a deep puncture drain. Another memorable BD?
On, no, how awful! I hope everyone is all right.
The port thingy comes out at the vet tomorrow, and he’s allowed a sort of wrap-around jacket instead of the awkward cone. Kate was in the Christmas play at their church just now, so I don’t think they’ve done much about the perpetrators.
Sounds like things are moving in a positive direction, so that’s good.
What a great memory, Joy! I’m sure he remembers it too!
As soon as I mentioned it, he started naming games and friends!
So very sorry to hear about the pit bull incident. Awful! I hope Dan’s wife is okay and that Luna is mending. I love the birthday photo!!!
Thank you, Linda. They’re in a new neighborhood, just two weeks, which is why they didn’t come down for Thanksgiving. I think many of them may get more acquainted quickly since it happened just a block away and another neighbor got involved–and she was also bit!
What a great idea for a 13-year-old boy’s birthday party! I have an 11-year-old grandson who likes to game. His birthday in June may include a trip to Dave and Buster’s arcade at our local mall. Thanks for the idea, Joy. 🙂
They still have arcades at the mall? It would certainly be memorable for him, Nancy!
That great, Joy! I bought Madden Football video games at my son’s request for eight years until he was 21.
Thanks, Tim. I bet your son still has them!
What a wonderful memory Joy and hard to believe it is 38 years ago… brilliant. ♥
Thank you, Sally. Alas, his short beard even has grey in it these days.
Six days after Dan was born, I turned 12. And the best-looking cars were in the 60’s! Although I do love a ’57 Nomad.
Craig, you were born the same month Great Grandmother Laura Goff died (the great grandmother who was born three years after President Lincoln was assassinated). I was a freshman in college. Cars were better in the 1950s! (So was the music.)