Lets discuss some theories. When Gandalf returns, Tolkien writes him to be virtually indistinguishable from Gandalf the Grey. (Except for those few close to him, who notice some small differences in his behavior, and his character.) He is not recognized as different in Rohan. He is not...
Gandalf uses magic in igniting the crown to light acorns and pinecones and brighten the Fells of Rhudaur. The Necromancer destroys the staff in Dol Guldur as Gandalf tries to fend off Sauron's dark magic. Gandalf’s staff in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” has a crown similar to that of Gandalf, the White's staff.
Known for his iconic quote "You shall not pass!", Gandalf's selfless heroism and strategic brilliance make him a beloved and enduring character in fantasy literature.
I must have missed that part? Would that mean Frodo Baggins was 36-40 years old by the time Gandalf first visited. Then turned 50 when he left the Shire with the ring? However... timeline consistency feels weird here. I dunno. Can someone fact check me. My apologies...
the first time BIlbo and Gandalf meet is in the first chapter of the Hobbit when Gandalf comes to Hobbiton. Though Gandalf did know Bilbo as a very young hobbit, but Bilbo did not remember Gandalf from other than stories form his grand parents' time.
Gandalf, at the council of Elrond, said that Bombadil would be a 'most unsafe guardian' of the ring: he simply wasn't interested in this stuff, and Gandalf knew it. I think it's simply an opportunity for two old men to sit down and have a long blather - filling in the gaps, old memories etc...