Happy Birthday, Lovely Husband

Today is my husband's 45th birthday. Now that I've known him for almost 23 years, I think I can tell you a few things about him. Perhaps, 45?

1. He is the kind of guy that will pull over on the highway and help a stranded motorist.
2. He is the kind of dad that will hold you accountable AND hold you tight for a hug.
3. He is the kind of husband that will bring you a latte, flowers AND jelly donuts on Saturday mornings (even though you should not be eating donuts).
4. He is a kind and caring friend who is a good listener AND always has sound and steady advice.
5. He doesn't dislike anyone.
6. He is very traditional and sentimental.
7. He likes to play Angry Birds.
8. He loves a great hike and a great view.
9. He is an adventurous traveler.
10. He is an excellent photographer, painter and artist.
11. He is a fun date.
12. He can read with the kind of concentration and retention that would put anyone to shame.
13. He loves his dog, and she loves him.
14. He has an excellent sense of humor.
15. He likes the thrill of the Indiana Jones last minute, roll under the garage door entrances and exits.
16. He is graceful under pressure.
17. He loves Michigan football.
18. Actually, he loves anything Michigan.
19. His favorite place in the world is the cottage.
20. He secretly likes shopping, once you drag him out there to the mall, once a year, at Christmas.
21. Christmas is his favorite holiday, and he is the best Christmas decorator you will ever find.
22. He is an excellent cook.
23. He is totally fine with staying in his pajamas and watching TV all day on a Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...you get the idea.
24. He is super smart.
25. He is so super smart that he can talk like he knows everything and anything.
26. His family loves him like crazy and he loves his family like crazy.
27. He is the guy you want in your cheering section--he cheers very loudly and enthusiastically.
28. He is an awesome dad that always has time for his kids.
29. As Ruth says, "He is a good cuddler."
30. He holds the door for everyone.
31. He has kind words for all and is very friendly.
32. He does NOT like horror films.
33. He is an extremely hard worker.
34. He plans to clean the garage every Saturday, but it rarely ever happens.
35. He is a total softy.
36. He loves lemon meringue pie and would trade me in for our friend, Deborah, who is queen of the lemon meringue.
37. He loves the water. Boats, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just gazing at the view.
38. His secret favorite color is dark green. Oops, not a secret anymore, I guess.
39. He has two shelves of ball caps in his closet.
40. He loves to go to brunch and read the paper.
41. Supertramp is one of his favorite bands.
42. The hammock is his favorite chilling spot.
43. He also is very romantic and loves a good, cozy fire.
44. He tolerates Halloween.
45. He is the best husband ever and I'm very thankful to be lucky enough to hang out with him and be his wife.

Yes, happy birthday to my handsome, wonderful husband. I can not imagine my life without you.