A Lee Smith Birthday & Appreciation Thread

Today is Lee’s birthday. He claims that he’s had so many that he’s lost track of which one this is. Sure he’s getting older but the Lee Smith that I know is a crazy azzzzz kid! Lee is my neighbor and a genuinely gneiss pal! He's pretty smart too! There have been many occasions where I would shoot him a random text at 4:00 pm and ask him to slog or ski up a peak, in the worst of conditions through the night, with little notice and he almost always responds with an enthusiastic YES! He’s my safety when I go out on solo trips into the hills. He’s my dog watcher. He helps me with my car troubles and he makes a mean plate of spaghetti. He lets me cry on his shoulders (even the one with holes in it) when I simply need to feel that there is someone around who cares. If I won the lottery, I know he would be truly happy for me, not because I would totally hook him up but because he would like to see something so awesome happen to one of his friends. I’ve been humbled on a climb or 2 and he always still manages to convince me that I’m some sort of a badass. He brings chocolate when we climb. He’ll belay me when he can’t climb. Lee’s got my back. He’s a great road trip companion. He doesn’t get upset with me when I forget approach shoes and only have heels to wear to the crag. I think he thinks it’s funny. We had the best time chasing off a crazy mountain lion. I hope we get to do that again. We’ve done some most excellent climbs and when the shoulder heals, we’re getting back after it. My buddy Lee, may this year be less trying for you and full of happiness. You are a wonderful friend and my life would knot be the same without you in it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FELLA!
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Happy Birthday Lee! I'll buy you a beer or four tomorrow night.

Hey Lee, Happy B-Day to an excellent human being & friend!

The way I see it, we could just call ourselves 29.95 or best offer at this point. Granted, I'm nowhere near as sexy with the leather as you are; so I'll defer to your experience on that one.

Hope you continue to heal up and have a few on me when you get the chance.

Happy Birthday, Lee!

Hope you have a wonderful day! Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Lee darling! Thanks for your support and friendship - I can't tell you how much it means to me.

Bwah-hah-hah-hah! Happy birthday, old man. Hope your wrist/arm is healing up nicely.

Happy Birthday Lee! I've never had the pleasure of meeting you in person yet, but your harem seems to think quite highly of you. Take care of that shoulder and hope to run into you at the crags or a beer night some day.

Happy Birthday from one old man to another!

Happy Birthday, Lee!! You are a great man! I wish you the best in 2010, and every year to come!

Happy birthday Lee! It's awesome having you on the HERA team!

Happy birthday Lee! See ya tomorrow...

Tracy -- Thank you for the kind words, the wonderful adventures and the supportive friendship we share. You are the best! It will only get better.

To all my MP friends and family -- thanks for all the birthday wishes and companionship through the years. You people are awesome.

I measure my success not in fame nor money nor power. The currency of my life is in the fellowship of my excellent friends, new and old, with whom I share the bond of adventure and delight in the natural world. I am livin' the life thanks to all of you, and I cherish it.

Happy B-day Lee. One year closer to retirement, and true freedom! Keep rehabbing that shoulder by the book! Give it time; no hurries = no worries. =)

I've got to add my birthday wishes, Lee. It's always an interesting and fun conversation when you stop by the library and your unfailing generosity around this building is MUCH appreciated!

Happy birthday Lee! I hope to get to out and climb with you once you're shoulder is healed.

Chris