FINALLY, AFTER SIXTY SUNDAYS

Before the pandemic hit, my husband took me out every Sunday for brunch. It didn’t seem like anything that spectacular—just a way to make the day a bit more special, and relieve me of having to cook a meal. And then the covid-19 pandemic gripped the nation. At first, we weren’t too worried here in the Heartland. Only one or two new cases a day. And then it began to skyrocket. Hundreds of cases, numerous deaths in what we had considered our safe little city. The Sunday brunches we had taken for granted came to a grinding halt. And now, finally, after sixty Sundays of frying bacon & eggs, fixing toast, peeling oranges, making hot chocolate– my days of fixing Sunday brunch at home had ended. Hallelujah!

And yet, as I was preparing to get dressed, I was surprised to feel a bit of social anxiety. What should I wear? There were clothes hanging in my closet from two summers ago, that I hadn’t worn since. During that last, lost summer, I wore nothing but old jeans and shorts and t shirts. After all, I was wearing a mask. No one would recognize me at the supermarket. . There was no point in wearing makeup, or caring about my appearance at all. Now, I was going out in public, barefaced. . It gave me a bit a stage fright.

Surprisingly, my old pants and tops still fit. I’ve gained a pound or two, but not enough to bump me up a size. That was a big relief. But was my summer apparel outdated? Were people still wearing culottes? I finally decided on an outfit that hadn’t been worn since the summer of 2019. Consequently, looking at myself in the mirror surprised me. I looked okay. When we were ready to leave, my husband and I eyed one another with approval. It had been a very long time since we had been that “dressed up.”

Finally, after sixty Sundays, we were able to eat at a restaurant without wearing a mak — Finally, after sixty Sundays, we seniors could go to a restaurant without wearing a mask.

The restaurant was nearly full, and few customer’s wore masks. The wait staff was still masked, and I felt sorry for them, knowing how hot and sweaty they feel after an hour or so. Otherwise, things seemed pretty normal. There were no surprising new fashions to make me feel out of date. People were dressed much the same as they had sixty Sundays ago. Men in shirts and shorts, women in slacks and sundresses. Little kids so excited that they could barely finish their meals. As we walked out the door, a wave of contentment washed over me. Finally, after sixty Sundays, things were getting back to normal.

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021

OLD DOG LEARNED 10 NEW TRICKS

No one can predict how much time we’ll spend on this earth, but there’s a general perception that everything goes downhill after 80 years. In some ways, that’s true in regard to physical capabilities. There’s arthritis, high blood pressure, and all those other physical conditions that the elderly must cope with. However, this old dog learned 10 new tricks after her 80^th birthday. Since that milestone, I have learned to:

1. Start a blog. This was like learning a whole new language. I could never have done it without the generous help of younger folks at Ivy Tech Community College and the Vigo County Public Library.

2. Make a smooth omelet. My omelets were always lumpy and falling apart. Finally, I went on You Tube and learned the secret is using a blender to whip up the eggs before pouring them on the skillet

Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can learn to play Mahjong after 80 — Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can play Mahjong at any age.

3. Play Mahjong. I was a bridge player since college. Years ago, I attempted to play Mahjong, but soon gave up, as it seemed too complicated. And then, three years ago, I was lucky enough to find the right teacher. I still enjoy bridge, but Mahjong is just as challenging, without the pressure of pleasing a partner. And you can play online!

4. Navigate Netflix. We started sending for Netflix CD’s several years ago. But when the pandemic hit, we kept hearing about all the Netflix series that could be streamed . It seemed way too complicated, but a Netflix customer service person walked me through all the details. Binging on a Netflix series like Bridgerton helped us through the long winter of Covid-19 isolation.. We’ll be watching less TV this spring, but I’m so glad I learned how to stream.

5. Rebloom an amaryllis bulb. Three years ago, my husband ordered a pot of amaryllis just in time for Christmas. I had never seen anything so miraculously blooming in the winter. After reading the instructions, saved the bulbs, and repotted them the next winter. It was exciting to see the leaves shooting up slowly, and 6 weeks later when the flowers bloomed again. Now I’m hooked. My basement has nearly a dozen bulbs hibernating until next winter.

6. Stop a nosebleed. My husband is prone to them because he’s on blood thinners. Usually, we called the doctor if it happened. But during the pandemic, we didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office with other patients. We got online and found this advice: : Have the patient lean forward, not back. Take a cotton ball and soak it in liquid nasal decongestant. Put the cotton up the nostril that’s bleeding. If you have a nose pincher, use that. Otherwise, pinch with your fingers. Within 15 minutes, the bleeding has usually stopped.

Other new skills acquired were: 7) Online banking: transferring money and paying bills via the internet, 8) Practicing daily meditation using the Calm app. 9) Texting messages and sending photos on my cell phone 10) Completing jig saw puzzles.

If you dread turning 80, or have already reached that milestone, just remember: It’s never too late for old dogs to learn new tricks.

April 26, 2021April 26, 2021

WEARING YOUR MASK AT HALF MAST

Things are looking up in our city. Covid-19 cases keep going down, and vaccination rate is very high. About 50% of people over 65 have received 2 shots. So naturally, we’re feeling more relaxed when out in public. What I’ve noticed the past couple of weeks is that while most everyone is still wearing their masks, they’re letting them slip down below their nose. Is wearing your mask at half mast OK?

Wearing your mask at half mask feels better but it's not okay. — Now that you’ve been vaccinated, it’s tempting to wear your mask at half mask. But it’s not okay.

I can definitely see the point. Wearing a mask that covers all your breathing apparatus is a sweaty experience. By the time you’ve spent some time at a supermarket, your face is wet when you finally get back to your car. But scientists warn us that it’s no use wearing a mask that doesn’t cover your nose, because you’re still breathing in all the polluted air around you. Also, contrary to common belief, you can still blow polluted air out your nose and infect others if you’re carrying the virus.

Unfortunately, there have been several cases of people coming down with the virus, even though they’re fully vaccinated. I read that a psychologist caught it from one of his patients and died. I suppose that’s possible in a crowded room where you can actually smell the other person’s breath. Same thing if you’re on an airplane where you’ll be in close contact for a long time.

I would feel more comfortable wearing no mask at all as opposed to one under my nose. It wouldn’t look half as silly. But I have the feeling masks are going to be in style long after we’ve reached herd immunity. Especially in the winter months, it would make sense to protect yourself from all the cold and flu viruses floating in the air. But it won’t do any good to wear your mask at half mast.

March 22, 2021March 22, 2021

WHY DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE?

College enrollment is nosediving everywhere. In college towns, that affects overall prosperity, as retail businesses and restaurants see less revenue coming in. Obviously, the covid-19 pandemic has started this downward spiral. It’s not just because so many people are unemployed, and college is less affordable. It’s also because the main appeal of higher learning isn’t all about academics. Why did you go to college?

When I graduated high school at age 17, I lived a mile from campus, and could walk to class every day. Coming from a small Catholic girls school, most of my 17 classmates entered the workforce as secretaries, factory workers, and other occupations that didn’t require a college degree. But I didn’t want to go on with my same old life. I wanted to re invent myself. Meet new people. Go to parties. Get involved in clubs and activities. Socialize with students from all over the state, the country, and a few foreign students. If college had meant enrolling in online learning, I’m sure it wouldn’t have had the same appeal. In order to broaden my experiences, I would probably have moved to some exciting new place like California.

Another reason many women went on to university was to get what was laughingly called an MRS. degree. They really didn’t want to have a career. But they did want to meet an educated man who could provide them with the ideal life at that time, as a stay at home wife and mother, with a house in the suburbs, a car, and two or three children. That’s all changed. Many people do meet “the love of their life” in college. But now, most female graduates move on to careers in accounting, engineering, and other formerly male dominated occupations. They may decide to marry around the age of 30, or not at all.

Still, the major appeal of college life has more to do with the social aspects. Getting away from home Making friends with new, like minded people. The partying, the activities, clubs, sporting events. When you take away all of that, college loses it’s appeal to those less academically talented. Maybe that’s a good thing, in the end. There are plenty of careers that don’t require a college degree.

Why did you go to college? .

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

POLITICIANS WITH FEET OF CLAY

Before Donald Trump ever ran for office, psychologists had written that all politicians are narcissistic. That they are driven by a lust for power, prestige, status and authority. Supposedly, they run for office to confirm their sense of superiority to others. Their feelings of entitlement cause them to lie when necessary, in order to satisfy those needs. I guess all of us are acquainted with politicians who seem to genuinely care about the constituents they serve. So, I’m not buying into that one-size-fits-all characterization. But politicians with feet of clay continue to disappoint us.

I’m not a New Yorker (except by birth) so I didn’t pay much attention to what Governor Cuomo was saying and doing at the start of the pandemic last year. He talked a pretty good game. The news media suggested he should run for president, because he was handling the covid-19 crisis so well. Turns out, he wasn’t. In fact, he was handling it very badly. Shipped covid-19 patients off to nursing homes, where they infected elderly patients. All of which resulted in over 1,000 unnecessary deaths.

And now, this last week, Senator Ted Cruz from Texas skipped town, leaving his constituents to suffer and freeze to death during a power outage. But somebody spotted him on a plane to Cancun, and all hell broke loose. The media pounced, and rightfully so.

Cruz and Cuomo now have one thing in common—feet of clay. Although Cuomo’s actions are far more egregious than Cruz’s trip to Mexico, you have to wonder. Why did they not care about the feelings and needs of the people who elected them?

Politicians with feet of clay continue to disappoint us. — Politicians with feet of clay. Cuomo and Cruz disappointed their constituents.

Politicians’ career killing gaffes are nothing new, of course. Remember Gary Hart, who was thought to be headed for presidential stardom? Many politicians do stupid things, but they slip under the radar. Sadly, most of us admire and respect the people we vote for. We hang on their every word, and believe that they care about us. But politicians with feet of clay will continue to disappoint us.

February 5, 2021February 5, 2021

6 REASONS TO DISLIKE SPRING

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this has been the longest, darkest winter that most of us can remember. We’re longing for spring, when many will have been vaccinated and life will get back to normal. But wait a minute. The winter months aren’t all bad. Have you forgotten the problems that we face during the warm weather? Here are 6 reasons to dislike Spring:

1. Mosquito bites

In my state of Indiana, mosquito season starts in early March. This means I’ll have to slather myself with bug spray if I walk in the park. Some people, aren’t especially bothered by mosquito bites, but they can make me miserable. Mosquito bites can also be dangerous, causing serious diseases like West Nile virus. Note to self: stock up on anti-itch salve and bug spray before the season begins

2. Bee Stlngs:

Bee stings can be deadly. — Bee’s start pollinating in the Spring. If you get in their way, they will sting.

Starting in April, bees get busy pollinating. If you get in their way, you’ll get stung. Bee venom causes pain and swelling around the sting area that doesn’t stop for a couple of days. Many people are allergic to bee stings, which can cause severe immune reactions, and even death. If you get dizzy and sick, or have trouble breathing after a bee sting, call 911..

3. Tornadoes

While tornadoes can occur anytime, anywhere, they’re most apt to occur in March or April. I lived through a tornado once on April 4, and it was terrifying. First, you hear a sound like a freight train. That’s when you dive for cover in the basement or the Southwest corner of your house, or the bathroom. When it was over, and our house was spared, we saw that the tornado had zigzagged around the neighborhood, totally destroying houses at random. Luckily, no one was hurt.

4. Road Construction

Watch out for road construction in early March. — Road construction begins in early March.
Drivers and riders are often killed when someone doesn’t slow down or stop.

The season starts in March and last through November. How many times have you set out on a road trip, only to get stuck in a traffic stall due to road construction? We don’t travel much anymore, but when we did, we were prepared with urinal devices if we had to stop at an inconvenient time.

Warm weather months bring major road projects, and a lot of danger for drivers and workers. More than four out of five people killed in constructions areas are riders and drivers. A four lane road that’s reduced to two lanes increases the chances of a head on collision. Rear-end collisions can happen when a careless driver rushes into a work zone and hits someone who is stopped or obeying the reduced speed limit.

5. Yard Work

In our city, homeowners typically start mowing their lawns in early April. Some people enjoy mowing their lawns, but most don’t. If you’re one of those people who hires a lawn service, your monthly expenses are going to increase between now and late fall. And if you opt to mow your own lawn, be prepared for frequent mower breakdowns, which can be frustrating and costly.

6. Taxes

Spring is tax time. — Even if you hope for a refund, filing your tax returns can be a headache.

Even if you’re hoping for a refund, preparing a tax return is a hassle. Gathering the proper forms and documents is time consuming and nerve wracking. Many people have their taxes done by an accountant, but that doesn’t save you from assembling the necessary paperwork. Even worse, you may still owe more taxes!

And if you’re a homeowner, you’ll probably be getting a bill for your property taxes.

And so, my friends, don’t look out the window and long for Spring. Enjoy the benefits of Winter for just a little while longer.

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021

VACCINE BYPASSES ASSISTED LIVING

In our state, octogenarians were second in line to receiving the covid-19 vaccine. Health care workers and first responders were ahead of us. The first day we were eligible, I got on the internet and made appointments. Only problem was—you had to get there on your own. Which meant that unless you could drive or have a caring relative nearby, you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the offer. And if you’re locked down in an assisted living facility, you’re out of luck, because the vaccine bypasses those seniors. As an example, 86% of assisted living residents in the city of San Diego don’t have a date to receive the vaccine.

Vaccines Bypass Assisted Living. They're old enough to qualify, but can't get out. iving — Vaccines bypass assisted living facilities. They’re in lockdown and can’t leave. But some of them are over 90 and desperately need to be vaccinated.

Spoke with a lady in that situation who is 10 years older than I am.. She’s happy where she is, and is able to interact with the other residents on her floor at meal times. But when I asked when and how she’s getting vaccinated, she said she wasn’t sure. Said they’d been assured that someone would bring the vaccine to them “pretty soon.”

The state now reports the number of cases and deaths at individual nursing homes—but no such information is provided for the adjoining assisted living residence. At this particular facility, there have been numerous active cases and several deaths reported in the nursing home. Seems like the people who vaccinated the nursing home residents could easily have gone next door and finished the job on the octogenarians who can’t leave the facility at this time.

Nothing’s perfect, I guess. At least our state has used some common sense in scheduling appointments. It’s disheartening to see the long lines of folks in other states waiting to get their vaccines. What is wrong with these health departments? Why can’t they schedule appointments in an orderly way? It’s ridiculous to see people sleeping over night in their cars to get vaccines delivered in a first-come-first serve basis. Did the local state health departments not stop to meet and do some planning? It’s no wonder covid-19 cases are rising, and out of control in some states.

Meanwhile, will my nonagenarian friend get vaccinated anytime soon?