Last night, Robin, Steve and I went to see "Young @ Heart," the movie about the chorus of elders who perform rock and roll. We all enjoyed the film and all had a similar question: were we laughing with or at these people? At the beginning of the film there are extreme closeups of some of the singers. You saw the hair on one woman's chin and someone else's bad teeth, causing lots of giggles in the audience. All three of us were uncomfortable. Closeups (not so extreme) were used throughout, probably in an attempt to simulate intimacy. I felt some of this was effective, showing older people warts and all. But those first shots were unnecessary. Also, I noticed few closeups of the better looking members of the group.

What pleased me most was how dedicated they were to being in the group, maintaining a high level of professionalism and performing. I think all of us, as we age, need to find passion and commitment to something outside of ourselves. It's what makes life worth living.

Went for my usual long walk with the walking group and totally wiped out. I guess it was too soon to do it. I spent the rest of the day wiped out. Tomorrow will be better.

Here are a few more photos from New York, from my birthday. This is Julia, who has just lost a lot of weight.

On our way to the theater we stopped at the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square to use the facilities. I fell in love with this basin in the ladies room, and didn't realize I was in the picture when I took it. So this is my birthday portrait.

While we were waiting for the play to begin I saw this wonderful image in the lobby mirrors. I wish there had been more light so the picture would be sharp.