Howard Kuhns and his wife, Pat, are long-time family friends. Mrs. O and I were happy when they moved from Rathdrum into Coeur d'Alene recently, buying a house on 12th Street. And Howard, who enjoys playing various instruments for church and personal enjoyment, was delighted July 1 when he heard the Perfection-Nots marching band practicing near his home for its annual performance in the Coeur d'Alene 4th of July Parade -- so excited that he raced up 12th Street to ask director Larry Strobel and the marchers if he could join them. Strobel said, sure. Then, Howard made another request. Would the band mind playing "Happy Birthday" for his mother-in-law, Ella Mae Chronic, a long-time Bonner County resident who would celebrate her 90th birthday on July 2 during a stay with the Kuhnses. Ella Mae was sitting nearby. Strobel couldn't decide which key to play the birthday anthem in. So the band turned and sang, "Happy Birthday," to Ella Mae. Who was thrilled. And here's hoping she enjoys many more.

• Factoid: Coeur d'Alene mail carrier Larry Strobel founded the Perfection Nots in 1977 after sitting through a parade that had no music. He contacted his friends with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony and family to join him in forming a zany marching band. 54 people showed up that first year.