Its hard to keep up with so many winter birthdays in our family

With a large family like mine, I must confess that it is hard to keep track of all the winter birthdays. Especially when they all seem to be lumped close together.

First we celebrate one son's birth in January, followed closely by my own birthday in the very beginning of February. My daughter's arrives almost immediately after mine, at the beginning of the next week, only to be superseded by that of my oldest son, a scant 10 days later.

After a brief respite, the next two appear in early spring. Of all these, I have to admit that it is perhaps the cold February day my daughter was born that really stands out in my mind.

It was a Sunday noon when the family was sitting at the lunch table when I decided a trip to the hospital was in order. My mother-in-law was staying with us, waiting her cue to take care of the three sons already born. The oldest two boys were already very used to Mom's trips to the hospital, expecting her to return, as usual, with another little brother.

Once I was at the hospital, I was embarrassed that the elevator the nurses used to take me to the delivery room was filled with Sunday visitors. My doctor was involved elsewhere and could not be located. After a two and a half hours in the delivery room the powers-thatbe decided it was not yet time, so I could be taken back to my room to await further developments. Back into the elevator again with the curious visitors. I kept my eyes closed and tried to appear unconcerned.

After leaving me in bed for about 20 minutes, the nurses once more decided I should make the trip back to the delivery suite. This time, two interns and the nurse delivered the baby.

"Look, it's a girl!" they said with astonishment.

After all those boys, finally, a girl. And guess who runs the whole show these days?

***** If you are looking forward to the next drama to be presented at Pensacola Junior College's Ashmore Auditorium, Feb. 22 and 24 and Feb. 29 through March 2 will bring "The Hairy Ape" by Eugene O'Neill. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is only $8 for seniors, and $10 for regular seats. Ooooh, hairy ape - sounds scary, doesn't it!? You'll see me in the front row. Call 484-1847, the Lyceum Box Office, to reserve seats.

*****

Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?

A. Honey.

It might be a good idea to remember using "honey" on a lot of occasions when we might FEEL like using vinegar . . .

See you next week!