My parents lived very long lives, my mother to 88 and my father to 94.
Watching them age I learned all of the things I don’t want to do, or be. My parents were both the youngest in their families and outlived all of their siblings by many years. As is often the case their friends seemed to disappear and they made no efforts to make new friends or even acquaintances. At the end, they were terribly alone. My father managed to alienate his few concerned relatives with his increasing paranoia, and finally was left with just my brother, his soon to be wife, and me. I was always amazed he did not turn on me, since our relationship over the years could, at best, be called difficult. 

This is not how I want to age. Most of my life my parents showed me what not to do, and they continued into their old age. But there are always exceptions to these things, and I have a funny one. My parents always bathed; they never showered, probably because the shower curtains were never adequate to keep the water inside the tub. After my mother died we finally moved my father into an assisted living facility. The thing he liked best about the facility was the shower; he often commented on it. Each morning, as I shower, I think of him. As the water hits my body all of my aches disappear, and I contemplate remaining there all day or until the hot water runs out. He probably felt the same.

Most of the guests have returned to their homes, and Eli went back to Chicago. Renee is still here and Charna has no school today for the first day of hunting season. That’s a holiday we urbanites certainly don’t understand. But Renee and I will take the opportunity to take Charna to lunch then shopping on Carson Street. All of this just to be with her. Here is a picture of our Thanksgiving turkey, a handsome devil, you must agree.
And here are Eli and Charna.
My Osher classes finished before Thanksgiving, but my Japanese art history class continues and I am obligated to do some work. Back to the books, after lunch and Charna.

With so much to be thankful for, I am having two Thanksgivings this year. Robin is having a big vegetarian dinner today. Renee and Carol, who are visiting, decided they wanted turkey. So we had our turkey Thanksgiving yesterday. This is the first time I’ve used my kitchen for anything other than the most basic cooking. Actually Carol did most of the cooking and reported that the kitchen was OK, even though I got rid of so many things when I left Chicago. Maybe some day I’ll try a bigger party.

Carol made the turkey and cranberry sauce. I made Kabocha squash portobello mushrooms and gravy. And I opened the wine bottle. Renee made the salad. We ate in the dining room, using my new dining room set for the first time. We all agreed we had much to be thankful for.

One of my cousin’s kids, Kenny Sachs, who is no longer a kid, has decided to pursue a second career. I recently received an email from him with the following:

Many of you knew me in my previous life in the mortgage business.
Today, I have been fortunate enough to pursue my dream as a songwriter,
musician, and artist. After months of writing and recording in a studio
in Nashville, I’ve just released my debut CD "Waiting For You" and I
wanted to let you know that it is now available online.

After some instructions about buying his CD he continues with:

There have been a few challenges along the way, but mostly I’ve been
having a blast writing, singing, and performing my music. And I’ve
realized that it’s never too late to follow your dreams!

The experts say many of us will live long enough to have several careers. Kenny certainly exemplifies that. I’m impressed with his drive and his courage, and I wish him all the luck. Kenny, now Kenny Harlan, has samples of his work here.

One of the reasons I had such a great time in Chicago was visiting with my cousins. They always make me feel well-loved. This time they even made me feel beautiful. What more could I ask for?

Also had lunch with one of my nephews; a great guy. I feel blessed that I have such a good family. Maybe with Eli in Chicago I’ll get to see everyone more often.

Eli came back from Chili on Monday, and Renee came to visit on Tuesday. Also, my Osher classes began on Tuesday. This weekend is the crafts fair in Mellon Park, where I made 2 visits but only bought one thing. The jewelry was very tempting, but I have a large box full of jewelry I rarely wear. Most of the time I wear only earrings, and I seem to alternate amongst the same two or three pairs. So I resisted all temptation.


Eli and Charna