Well, I have learned the hard way to never ask a lady how old she is, but I can safely say that the celebration of Pat Morris's birthday today, May 7, 2015, at the Fillmore Senior Center, I heard from my wife Carolyn, was a big one! Not as big as Gertrude Ness's 109th, but significantly bigger than my nearly 68th which is right around the corner! There was only one other person in the room older than Pat! And, it is an even numbered birthday! Probably an annoying riddle for most of you, but remember I am a slow learner! To prove that I am a slow learner I asked Pat and she proudly told me that today is, “My 80th Birthday! She then proudly followed with, "I am looking forward to my 90th!"

A quick stop at the Fillmore Senior Center on my way home from the airport allowed me to witness the love and friendship friends of Bardsdale resident Pat Morris, felt for Pat. In the room were twelve wonderful ladies there to celebrate Pat's Birthday! Most of the ladies present, in the back room of the Senior Center, are Sisters within the P.E.O. Chapter GY here in Fillmore. Because Pat is very active in the Community, others in attendance were from The Bardsdale United Methodist Church, Fillmore Historical Museum and the ranching community here in the Santa Clara Valley. Those in attendance were; Carolyn Diaz, Jane Kampbell, Joanne King, Lia Veiekade, Rae Bretzing, Bev Hurst, Sue Cuttriss, Lanie T. Doll, Rita Rudkin, Linda Gilden and Carmen Zermeno.

Pat is married to Bob Morris of Bardsdale and together they farm on about 119 acres in the Bardsdale and Santa Paula area. Together Pat and Bob have raised 4 children; Gregory Seely, 48 of San Francisco, Treacy Seely, 44 of Long Beach, Sean Morris, 49 of Fillmore and Tonya Peters, 51 of Melbourne, Australia. Pat and Bob have two Grandsons; Ian, 14 and Jack, 10 of Fillmore.

Pat is a retired educator in both public (Santa Monica and Beverly Hills) and private school. Pat retired as a Principal with the St. Patrick's Episcopal Church and Day School. After retirement Pat held positions as Vice President and President of The St Patrick's Episcopal Church and Day School Board.

Pat and Bob are both active as Board Members with the Fillmore Historical Society, and are members of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church Choir as well as serve on various committees within the Bardsdale United Methodist Church. Pat would like to invite the entire Santa Clara Valley Community to attend the Memorial Day Observance at the Bardsdale Cemetery where the Bardsdale United Methodist Church Choir will be performing as part of the Memorial Day Observance. Pat is the Past President, and sitting Vice President of P.E.O. GY Chapter. Bob serves on the Board of Fruit Growers Lab and the Southside Improvement Company which serves the water needs for the Bardsdale area. Both Pat, born in Los Angeles on May 7, 1935 and Bob born in Santa Paula, are life-long Californians!

I would like to thank Sue Cuttriss for the great lead on a good story! Although I wasn't offered any of the Birthday Girl's cake, I would still like to say Happy Birthday Pat from all of us here in the Santa Clara Valley! I hope to be at your 90th!