Another candle on the cake means the likelihood of a fire. I’ve got the extinguisher ready. Today we head for Tampa and another attempt to party with Carlos Santana and Earth, Wind, & Fire. Last year, if you’ll remember, we drove to the concert gate only to be told we were a year early. Instead, we went to the casino without a lucky outcome, thinking that another year was a long time to wait. Suddenly, it’s here and the only threat is rain. 

Another day of life, of course, is a win, but I can’t say that I’ve been very lucky of late when it comes to money or sports. IU soccer lost last night to Clemson, while the Cubs and White Sox are almost a joke. Now, it’s time for football season where the Hoosiers are picked once again to finish near the bottom. The slot machines have not been kind to me either, even though I go out of my way to avoid them. I’m prepared to lose my birthday money tonight, thinking that there’s always a chance for a jackpot. 

We’ve been lucky on our car travels, driving thousands of miles cross-country these past few years without delays, accidents, or mechanical problems. I’m thankful for that. However, cancellations have twice thwarted plans for spring training, along with delays like tonight’s Santana concert. Fire ruined our plans for Tahoe last fall, coupled with Covid cancellations for St. Kitts, Bali and Kauai with Marriott and three Viking cruises. Plans have changed several times on our upcoming Alaska, and we’ve hoping there won’t be other issues. 

We’ve been lucky with health, family, and friends, so I can’t complain too much. However, I would like to hear the sound of coins falling in the slot machine tonight and feel the euphoria of being a winner. It hasn’t happened for a long time, so I feel like I’m due after investing thousands in these machines. Let’s hear it for a long overdue birthday jackpot!