With apologies to Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
"Since I have passed the prime of my life
I find I have the time of my life
Learning to enjoy at my leisure
All the simple pleasure
And so I happily concede
This is all I ask
This is all I need.
Beautiful girls, walk a little slower when you walk by me
Lingering sunsets say a little longer with the lonely seas
Children everywhere, when you shoot at bad men, shoot at me.
Take me to that strange enchanted land,
Grownups seldom understand.
Wandering rainbows, leave a bit of color for my heart to own
Stars in the sky, make my wish come true
before the night has flown
And let the music play as long as there's a song to sing
Then I will stay younger than spring.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
MORE NEW YEARS RESOLVES
I keep thinking about realistic goals and objectives for 2012. This is a reiteration of previous "resolves" that are appropriate for all seniors.
Throw our non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That's why we pay them.
Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, your iPad, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain be idle. "An idle brain is the devil's workshop." And, the devil's name is Alzheimer.
Enjoy the simple things - reading, walking, thinking, dreaming.
Laugh often, long and loud.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county or to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
Throw our non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That's why we pay them.
Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, your iPad, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain be idle. "An idle brain is the devil's workshop." And, the devil's name is Alzheimer.
Enjoy the simple things - reading, walking, thinking, dreaming.
Laugh often, long and loud.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county or to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
GRANDPARENTING IS GREAT!
The Golden Years provides wonderful opportunities. One of the greatest is grand parenting. The minute you become a grandparent, you are bestowed with certain characteristics: bragging rights of the finest, most beautiful, most exceptional children on the planet, expert kissing and hugging skills, and the intense impulse to be a loved and respected grandparent.
Grandparents fall in love with their grandchildren. You want them to know how special they are to you and the way to measure that is by how special you seem to be to them. Here are some strategies.
DON'T BUY THEIR LOVE. Promises of forbidden cookies and late bedtimes may have your grandchildren looking forward to a visit, but that kind of adoration fades when the sugar rush is over. Special gifts, extra money are appreciated but building a relationship based on true affection will be more meaningful to you and children.
LISTEN TO THEM. Ask them questions, then sit back and let them know they are heard. You don't have to correct them or give advise. Just repeat back what they have told you. You won't sound like a friend or one of their friends. You'll become a confidant.
FIND SIMILARITIES. Talk about their favorite things. what are their favorite foods, colors, activities and see if they match your own. Sharing interests strengthens your bond. When they think of their favorite things, they'll associate it with you.
LOVE, UNDERSTAND AND BE KIND. Children make mistakes. They sometimes may annoy or disappoint you but always remember they are your blood. They are "from" you and they will need loving guidance, understanding and patience.
Grandparents fall in love with their grandchildren. You want them to know how special they are to you and the way to measure that is by how special you seem to be to them. Here are some strategies.
DON'T BUY THEIR LOVE. Promises of forbidden cookies and late bedtimes may have your grandchildren looking forward to a visit, but that kind of adoration fades when the sugar rush is over. Special gifts, extra money are appreciated but building a relationship based on true affection will be more meaningful to you and children.
LISTEN TO THEM. Ask them questions, then sit back and let them know they are heard. You don't have to correct them or give advise. Just repeat back what they have told you. You won't sound like a friend or one of their friends. You'll become a confidant.
FIND SIMILARITIES. Talk about their favorite things. what are their favorite foods, colors, activities and see if they match your own. Sharing interests strengthens your bond. When they think of their favorite things, they'll associate it with you.
LOVE, UNDERSTAND AND BE KIND. Children make mistakes. They sometimes may annoy or disappoint you but always remember they are your blood. They are "from" you and they will need loving guidance, understanding and patience.
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