And, yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days, it is brought home to me: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.
(A big banner wishing Bilbo a Happy Birthday is set up.)
(There is another knock at the door and Bilbo sags in his chair, slightly annoyed.)
Bilbo: Frodo, the door! (Bilbo listens a moment and there is no noise, then there is more knocking at the door again) Sticklebacks. Where is that boy? (v.o.) Frodo!
(Frodo sits beneath a tree, reading a book. Suddenly, he hears someone singing and looks up. He smiles as he understands who it is. Gandalf drives his carriage through the fields while he sings.)
Gandalf: (humming and singing)(v.o.)
Down from the door where it began
And I must follow if I can
The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began
Now far ahead the road has gone
And I must follow if I can
(Frodo runs towards the grassy rode and comes to a halt, crossing his arms.)
Frodo: You're late.
(Gandalf stops the carriage. His face can barely be seen under his big, pointed floppy hat. He slowly turns to look at Frodo.)
Gandalf: A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.
(He looks at Frodo with a strict look that softens until they both laugh. Frodo jumps onto the carriage and into Gandalf's arms)
Frodo: It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!
Gandalf: You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?
(Frodo sits besides Gandalf in the carriage as they drive through Hobbiton. Gandalf starts smoking his pipe.)
Gandalf: So, how is the old rascal? I hear its going to be a party of special magnificence.
Frodo: You know Bilbo. He's got the whole place in an uproar.
Gandalf:(chuckling) Well, that should please him.
Frodo: Half the Shire's been invited. And the rest of them are turning up anyway.
(They both laugh at this as they pass the Hobbits hard at work in the fields. They cross over a small stone bridge over a stream and into the little town square, making their way towards Bag End. They pass through the little town of Hobbiton and observe the other Hobbits while doing so.)
Bilbo:(v.o.) And so life in the Shire goes on very as it has this past Age full of its own comings and goings, with change coming slowly. If it comes at all. For things are made to endure in the Shire passing from one generation to the next. There's always been a Baggins living here under the Hill in Bag End. (Bilbo pauses momentarily looking up and mutters to himself) And there always will be.
Frodo: To tell you the truth, Bilbo's been a bit odd lately. I mean, more than usual. (Gandalf listens intentively, his face looking concerned and full of thought) He's taken to locking himself in his study.
(Bilbo is seen holding up the map of Middle-earth.)
Frodo:(v.o.) He spends hours and hours pouring over old maps when he thinks I'm not looking.