85th birthday for Bush 41

Former President George H.W. Bush marked his 85th birthday on Friday the same way he did his 75th and 80th birthdays: He leaped from a plane and zoomed downward at more than 100 m.p.h. in free fall before parachuting safely to a spot near his oceanfront home.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram wishing former U.S. President George H.W. Bush a happy 85th birthday, saying he deserves to be considered among the "most authoritative" world leaders.

Putin recalled his visit to the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in 2007, when he and George W. Bush were still sitting presidents.

In the telegram, Putin thanked Bush Sr. for his "sincere interest in Russia, its history and culture." He ended by wishing him good health and happiness for his "large and friendly family."

Bush made the tandem jump from 10,500 feet with Sgt. 1C Mike Elliott of the Army's Golden Knights, who guided them to a gentle landing on the lawn of St. Ann's Church.

"Well, we made it. It was a great day in the air," Bush said after he was removed from his harness.

He said he enjoyed it so much that he planned to do it again when he turns 90.

When he was president, Bush was an avid jogger, speed golfer, fisherman and tennis player. He said he has slowed down since then, but he doesn't intend to stop moving.

All five of Bush's children, including former President George W. Bush, were there, along with 14 grandchildren, two brothers and a sister, are Special audience.

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