CATALYST'S AGES

After posting those pictures of my career meet-ups the other day I thought it might be interesting to get a closer look at how I've aged through the years.

So brace yourselves . .  here we go.

Awww, what a cute kid!

Starting out with my dad.

That happy smile has turned into The Smirk.

But who dresses this kid, huh?

Ah, high school graduation and just a flicker of mischief there.

Then the serious radio and television journalist.

Looks like a lot of Brylcreem up top but I know, you were stopped by that natty seersucker sport jacket.

Speaking of natty, a few years later in Miami to cover a Republican National Convention while sporting a Nehru jacket?

What must those Republicans have thought, eh.

Oh the good old days of dope craziness.

(Just kidding. It was actually a posed picture taking a whiff from a bottle of rubber cement.  Just ignore the eyes.)

Some years later, with the gorgeous SWMBO at a Scottsdale Arts Fair.

This may or may not have been taken the same day though I know it's the same turtleneck.

I loved that chair but I don't think we bought it.

And yes those are muttonchops.

The 1970's, and I still hadn't learned about the dangers of smoking.

Then the 80's and lending my IMMENSE wisdom as a producer to reporter Ron Talley in Washington at Sandra Day O'Connor's hearing to become a Supreme Court Justice.

Later on, after my first retirement and four-plus happy years living in Mexico, Judy and I are heading back to the U.S. of A.

Our friends threw a party for us.

(Did you notice the first hint of gray in my beard?)

A few years ago, not only the beard but the hair have turned gray and I'm seeing wrinkles I didn't have before!

Which brings us to this morning and an older and . . . well, let's just leave it at older, shall we?

Nearly 85 and a half but still kickin'.

As a friend used to say about old age, it beats the alternative.

P.S. The BAD contacted me and told me to replace the last picture to something brighter. So I did.  I hope your (BAD) all satisfied!