Very Old!

I am celebrating my 85^th birthday today.  And “celebrating” is the operative word.

When I look through the obituaries, more often than not the deceased was younger than I am.  When I received my latest Blue Shield Supplemental bill, I saw that my payment amount was the end of the line – there is no category for ages older than mine.

And I’m told that when I transition from 84 to 85 I’m moving from Old to Very Old!

So what to make of all this?  Not much.  I feel fine physically and mentally.  I let each day unfold in its own way.  Sometimes there are surprises.  Sometimes it is routine.  Always it is a joyful celebration for which I am grateful.  I take nothing for granted.

Whether it is Old or Very Old, I celebrate – today and every day!

Obama Portraits!

I’ve tried.  I’ve tried to get behind the Obama portraits, to like them.  And I’ve failed.  I don’t like them.

I know there is symbolic importance in the vegetation that surrounds him.  Even so, the bushes diminish his power and presence.  Don’t like it.

About hers, I’m at a loss to find any symbolic or other justification for the dress, which overpowers the image.  As with his, this portrait of her diminishes her power and presence.  Don’t like it.

Magnolias +

There is never a bad time to visit the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park.  It is a peaceful place in which to sit or stroll or just soak up the beauty of it all.  But at this time of year, with the magnolias in full bloom, it is particularly special.  And so it was the other day when I was there.

I’ve never been able to predict when the magnolias will be at their peak.  I assume it depends on a combination of factors – temperature, moisture, wind, the timing of each – and so choosing which day to go is a guessing game.  This year, thankfully, we guessed right.

The trees were magical.  A wonderland of pink and white and red, some large, some small, all contributing to the expression of joy they communicated to us and others fortunate to be in their presence.

The magnolias were not alone.  Also in bloom were camellias, rhododendrons, and gladiolas.  Did I say it was a wonderland?  How fortunate we are to have such an extraordinary amenity close by.  Just another thing for which to be grateful.

Same Old Same Old!

Haven’t I seen this movie before?

Partisan political bickering about everything.

Another school shooting and endless theories about how to prevent another one.

Tweets – and more tweets.

More bad weather is on the way.

The Russians are after us and won’t stop.

Innocent blood spilled in Myanmar, Afghanistan, Syria, etc. etc. etc.

Americans are not winning much at the Winter Games.

Drug companies are profiting from the opioid epidemic.

White males are still in control.

You should lose weight, and here’s the best way to do it.

Have a nice day!

Super Game!

For Eagles fans and neutrals, a great game.  Entertaining and fun to watch.  For Patriot lovers, maybe not so much.  As for the ads, Tide rolls.  Halftime?  I dunno.  I was watching the game recorded on my DVR, so it was delayed and I fast forwarded through Timberlake and friends.

Did it live up to the hype?  For a change, without a doubt.  Now on to less important things, like the fate of the country.  Onward . . .