ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CRACKERJACK SON

My son, Richard Kevin Potter, will be 27 on Friday. You see, my intellect understands this, but my heart still sees the little boy with the smiling brown eyes and dark curly hair. The little boy, who with one quick karate kick to a 50-gallon aquarium, filled our living room with giant goldfish, miniature frogs, half-dollar-sized turtles and 50 gallons of water.

This is the little boy who fractured his skull in a swing accident, broke his arm while biking and rearranged the storm door glass with his hand.

This is also the little boy who hit home runs, had an English shepherd named Candy for a sidekick, hunted arrowheads with his Granddaddy and forever had a joke to tell (this has not changed.)

It has never seemed strange to me that I am a "Mimi," but it still astounds me when my precious grandchildren say "Daddy" to Rick. How quickly the cute little brown-eyed boy becomes the handsome man that answers to Daddy.

I am very proud of this fine young man who calls me Mom. It is a privilege to be a part of his life, and, after all, he and his wife, Johnna, did make me a "Mimi."

Happy birthday, Rick. Love, Mom.

Happy birthday card, son

Hand letter message with real candy bars taped to poster board.

Happy birthday to our Cracker Jack son. We wish you Mounds of Almond Joy as you Zero in on another year. We want to see you on a trip to Mars, or shopping on 5th Avenue, but our Payday just slipped through our Butterfingers. We hope that eating this card, doesn't make you Chunky (Snicker-Snicker). Have a Whopper of a day. Bit-O-Honey and Kisses, Mom and Dad.

Happy birthday candy card friend

Hand letter message with real candy bars taped to poster board

Happy birthday Wat-cha-ma-call-it. I was going to give you 100 Grand, but my money slipped through my Butterfingers and it wasn't Payday. I did look on 5th Avenue, but you didn't need another pet Kit-Kat nor did a trip to Mars seem appropriate. I do wish you Mounds of Almond Joy as you Zero in on another year. Bar none and eat this card and I hope it doesn't make you Chunky.

P.S. I promise not to Snickers at your age! Also may you Dear Bit-Of-Honey or Sweet Tart, have a Whopper of a birthday!

Angie Holtzhouser is author of Drop Dumplin's and Pan-Fried Memories ... Along the Mississippi. Her cookbook is available at local bookstores. In addition, it can be purchased through the mail at: Drop Dumplin's, P.O. Box 10, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862. The price is $19.95, including tax and shipping.