Monday, September 16, 2013

Happy Birthday Daddy!

My dad, Joe Bifano (90) and my mom (Joni Bifano)

My dad is turning 90 years old this week!!! Do you know anybody that has lived that long??? Life, as he knew it growing up, has TOTALLY changed! Imagine what it would be like to live back in 1923.


  • Time magazine published it's first issue costing 15 cents a copy. Today it costs around $4.50.
  • Movies such as the Hunchback of Notre Dame starring Lon Chaney and The Ten Commandments directed by Cecil B DeMille were released.
  • Louis Armstrong's music was the rage!
  • The first radio was developed in the US.
  • A five passenger roadster cost $525!
  • Adolf Hitler and Mussolini were in power.
  • 1923 Roadster
  • The Ku Klux Klan burned a town to the ground massacring many African Americans

Can you imagine life without a cotton swab? A band-aid? A television? Frozen food?  Life Savers candy? Stainless Steel? Zippers? Traffic signals? Aerosol cans? Bubble gum? Or penicillin?

The list goes on and on as to what he lived without. More mind boggling is what he has learned to use over the years. My dad can now read a digital copy of his favorite magazine on his computer. He watches old TV shows and movies in HD on demand; he is now the proud owner of an iPod which has a Louis Armstrong play list; his wife of 63 years text messages the family on her iPad; they drive an older model seven-passenger Dodge Caravan that probably cost them about $29,000 when purchased new; and an African American man is his president!

I love to reminisce about days gone by and hear how difficult life was without all of our modern conveniences. It makes me appreciate the era in which we live.

Dad walking the Appalachian Trail this May (age 89)
Before I ask the "Question Of the Week," I want to wish my dad a very happy, fun-filled birthday. Several of his children are coming into town for this extremely rare occasion and we plan to make him feel very special. God has blessed him above and beyond, extending his life. As far as he can see, his eternal appointment calender for the planet earth still holds an agenda. Until the day that Jesus calls him home, he chooses to give Jesus all the glory and honor for filling his life and fulfilling his days.


Dad's first "Hot Now" Krispy Kreme Donut just last week!


GOD BLESS YOU DADDY - I LOVE YOU!!!

Question of the week - 
What one or two items couldn't you live without?



32 comments:

Jenna said...

I could live without cell phones, one because land lines exist, and two I am a more old fashioned communicator, I like to talk to people in person. I think I could also live without TV because it is an entertainment device which I like but I don't feel is necessary in order to live.

Anonymous said...

I'd have to say that the three things I couldn't live without would be music, my friends, and my family! My family and friends just keep me going every day and I really don't know what I would do without them. It doesn't matter if we're at my aunt and uncles house for a big family get-together or if I'm just hanging out with a couple friends at Yobe up the street from my house. I can’t help but smile whenever I’m with them.
Music is just something that is also there for me whenever I need it! Some days I just feel so overwhelmed with school and my other activities. Listening to music for a few minutes will calm me down and help collect my thoughts. With music, you can always find that one song that relates to whatever situation you’re in!

Grayson :)

Ginger said...

Ok will I could not live with out God that is a givin. But I also think I could not live with out sports.
I LOVE sports there is no way I could live with out them. They let me get out my anger and I have fun doing them. Also you can alway try to get better at them so they go on forever! YES!!!!
Music is also a big part in my life. If we did not have music the world would be so borring. :(
Now you all are going to think I am crazy but I think with out work I could not live. Work takes my mind of everything and it stays on my work. Work can be fun if you make it. It also keeps me out of trouble because I can't do anything elss. $amuel T.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Hi Jenna,

I agree with you about being an old fashioned communicator. I think more people fit in this category than they realize themselves. Have you been running into folks (especially waiting in lines) who seem to run off at the mouth? These people don't realize they are verbally starved! FB and texting will never replace a real-live conversation!
Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Grayson,
I truly LOVE my friends; I love you! But like you, my most treasured friends are my family. I choose to spend time with them first and that is rare in this society.

Music is therapy for me as well. It takes the edge off when circumstances of life can be so harsh. In fact, I think I'll turn on some music right now!

CHrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Ginger,

I can't say I relate to you as far as sports are concerned but I can see some people thrive on competition. It brings worth and meaning to hard playing.

Work is that way for me as well and good work ethic is hard to find in a society where so much is handed out for free. I always remember that Jesus is watching me and that keeps me honest :)

Chrissy

Jenna said...

I realized yesterday after answering the question; that I answered it incorrectly. I would like to rectify that, by responding to the real question.
I don't think I could live without the invention of Medicine. After a severe injury this past year; I don't think I would ever be sane again if not for the medicine I received. It allowed me to finish the school year, compete in a speech and debate tournament, and tolerate three months of the initial recovery.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Wow Jenna, do I ever agree with you on that! Medicine saved my husbands life as well. He is a two-time cancer survivor and without chemotherapy, I would be a widow. I try to practice a more holistic approach and live a healthy lifestyle but realize God had blessed mankind with wisdom and knowledge concerning medicine. I stand grateful right beside you. I'm so glad you are recovered!

appleautumnjean said...

I could not live without my family but mainly Kayly. We have always said that we are best friends and will be until we get married and our husband takes that role. Instead of signing letters or cards "Your sister" we would say "Your best friend." Another reason I couldn't live without her is because we have shared a room for 14 years today! :) When ever she is not in bed when I go to bed it is hard for me to fall asleep. With her now working and being gone for classes alot it makes me realize the blessing I have in a sister. I secretly wish that I will die before her so I literaly won't have to live without her.

I am going to have to agree with Grayson and Samuel about not being able to live without music. It has always been apart of my life. There is music all around me in the car, in my house, at church, at co-op, even at resturants and malls. I don't think that I could go a day without listening to some sort of music. It would just be impossible!!!!!!

Autumn

Lily Larson said...

I couldn't live without, music, art, or my family. Music is my way of just letting for for a second and listening to some music to get my mind off things. Art is my way of expressing myself or distracting myself, or just using art to bless others. family is something that will ever leave you and they will always love you.

Lily C:

Garrett said...

I couldn't live with out my music, friends, and family. Music keeps my heart on beat, my friends fill my lungs with laughter, and my family puts a tight grip to hold all my pieces together.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Lily,

You are right about familia... they will never leave you and ALWAYS love you. It's a rule!

Those of us who consider ourselves creative beings need an outlet. Whether it's the way we express things about ourselves, or how we express the Lord, art and music are certainly a good choice :)

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

How sweet Autumn!

You talk about your sister with such love and devotion! I hope she finds gher way to this blog site so she can see how truly loved she is.

As you could see from my last blog, I would do anything for my sisters. At one point, all four of us shared a huge room with two full-size beds. Going to bed was chaotic and Mother had a time getting us to quiet down.

The saddest day had to be when one flew the coop. The empty spot could never be filled. But the good thing is there's plenty of room in our hearts and we will always share a very special bond between us.

Now that we are on our own and all of us married, we sometimes get together for a "Sister's Weekend," something you and your sister can look forward to.

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Garrett,

You have a way with so few words! No really, you do. I especially like the part about your family's tight grip holding you together. I feel that way of late and totally lean on family to keep my head above water! What would I do without you!!!!

Chrissy

Briana Kuhl said...

I wouldn't want to live without a pillow, I know that sounds silly, but trying to sleeping without a pillow is nearly impossible:). Also, I wouldn't want give up the use of my camera (or any camera for that matter). I would be just fine without a camera, but life is more exciting when you can look back at picture and see things that you didn't remember before.

Anonymous said...

I have a lot of stuff I couldn't live without, but what I really couldn't live without is my family, my friends, and especially soccer. Some of you might not like soccer, but soccer is my life.

Unknown said...

I could live without an ipod or a computer. I would be perfectly happy in a library or outside. Some teenagers can't keep their eyes off the screen of a t.v. or phone. Some people would go crazy without a t.v. or computer.

Connor said...

I could not live without computers.We rely SO MUCH ON THEM!!! Research, games, communication, encyclopedias, news, and much much more! I also could not survive without hot chocolate. I LOVE hot chocolate on a cold morning. Personally, I like whipped cream and small marshmallows in mine because it changes the whole flavor! Hot chocolate helps me relax before I begin my busy day.

Connor

Cyberpsalmist said...

Briana,

I wholeheartedly agree about the pillow! My pillow isn't just any pillow either. I used to have a latex foam version that eventually turned into a bag of crumbs. I replaced it with one of those contoured memory foam pillows and it's just not the same. But I'd still say I couldn't live without it, just like you.

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Evan,

Your passion for soccer is evident and although not everyone shares this, it is the very ingredient that will turn you into a MVP! Who knows, one day when you're a world famous soccer player, we'll all be bragging about how we home schooled with you!

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Jared,

I understand your frustration with those consumed by "the screen." It takes away from face to face communication, wastes precious time when better things are just outside our door. Like right now... you and I are blogging when we could be hanging out by the waterfront, talking about something fun and interesting!

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Connor,

Now that you mention it, I like hot chocolate too. I forget how satisfying it is, especially as you mentioned, on a cold morning.

I say we have hot chocolate one cold morning in January during class just to see if it improves our disposition at co-op. Remind me please.

Chrissy

Unknown said...

I couldn't live without my family, my friends, and my art/music stuff! My family keeps me going, my friends are always there for me, and my music/art is a way I can express myself.

Unknown said...

I couldn't live without a vehicle, music, friends, and my phone. Life without a way of transportation besides walking or riding a bike would be tough. Without music or friends life would be completely boring and dull.

Zach Appelo said...

I probably couldn't live without sports and my family!! Sports are a HUGE part of my life, and they help keep you fit and the are a great source of recreation! i love the opportunity to compete with other people in different sports, even if i'm not exactly the best! ;) My family, is not only a continual source of entertainment, but they are always there to love and support me!! Without my family I couldn't do anything well! They inspire me to try my hardest in whatever it is i'm doing.

Glen Drummond said...

I couldn't live without my dogs Irene and Duke, God, family and friends.








:)

Cyberpsalmist said...

Hi Abbey,

Great to have you back! I know family means the world to you and will always be high on your priority list. Your parents and siblings have all set a fine example of the importance family plays in everyone's lives just by the way you stick together and show strong support in so many ways. I'm sure you'll carry this on into your own life.

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Preston,

Now that you drive yourself, you can see how convenient it is to have your own set of wheels. I'm sure by now, your mom (like me) has asked you to be her errand boy more than once or twice. Funny how you lived without your own car for 16 years and now, there's no way!

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Welcome Zach!

I agree with you on most points, although I don't exactly share the passion you have for sports. I understand it's a healthy driving force for so many and that's productive.

I liked the part about your family being entertaining. It's so true! A very notable and prominent woman once gave me a good piece of advice when I asked her the key to her success. She said, "Always laugh at your mistakes." We have quite a bit to keep us rolling here at our house. Sounds like you do too.

Chrissy

Cyberpsalmist said...

Glen,

I think your dogs names are cute and I'd love for you to tell me why you couldn't live without them.

I can only guess it's because they are fun, faithful animals who show you unconditional love. Surely there are other wonderful things about them that give them such a high ranking. Please tell me sometime.

Chrissy

Mallory said...

Two THINGS I could not live without . . . my guitar and a phone. My guitar has become such a part of me that I would be devastated without it. Making music brings me peace and allows me to escape from reality. It's sad to say, but it would be quite hard for me to manage life without my phone, too. Communication is a big part of my survival and my phone plays a vital role.

Cyberpsalmist said...

Mallory,

I agree whole-hardheartedly about music! It's very much a part of my life and unless you share the same passion, no one really and truly understands.

I recently had to get my phone fixed and wondered how long I would have to be without it. When the salesman said it would take at least 30 minutes to fix the phone, I felt alienated from the outside world! Who could imagine life any other way. There's no turning back now!!!

Chrissy