Babies are impossible to resist.  Have you ever noticed that a baby in the room immediately commands all attention? Our newest family member, Haley Mae, was born on July 15th, and was welcomed by all.  Literally, practically the entire family was present in the delivery room.  Way different than in my day, when even the fathers waited outside.  Haley weighed in at 7 lbs, 14.5 oz, and had gained one pound at the time of her 13 day checkup.  Mom Bess and Dad Kurt are also doing fine.

I've posted a photo in my profile.

INDEPENDENCE is certainly a concept that goes beyond a holiday, a day off from work, a day for picnics and parades and fireworks.

Besides the fact that July 4th represents our country’s “birth,” our severance from ”Mother England," and the oppressive nature of that colonial relationship, INDEPENDENCE represents for each and every one of the citizens of this country the FREEDOMs and RIGHTs that we guaranteed ourselves by Constitutional Amendments that were ratified by the several states as part of the agreement to accept the new Constitution drafted by the Convention in Philadelphia back in 1787-88.

Those FREEDOMs and RIGHTs are put to the test DAILY when it comes to Aging Americans and their LIFESTYLES. What expectations do you have of a decent retirement, of a decent standard of living, of a decent level of medical care, of a decent quality of life, of a decent dignity in death, and a decent burial?

I believe it is our continuing responsibility as active older Americans to remind this generation, and the next, and the one coming after that, of the very real obligations they carry toward their elders and that we are to be honored, not endured; that we are a blessing to them, not a burden.

I say it is Our responsibility because we, as active older Americans still have a voice, and we can demand to be heard. I’ve heard that one out of every four voters (people who actually VOTE) are members of AARP. There is tremendous strength in those numbers, and we have the power to positively affect the way we (and our descendents) are treated and cared for in America for decades to come.

Let’s be united. Let’s ensure that our own INDEPENDENCE is respected and guaranteed.
 

I was shaving my face this morning (got rid of the beard) when the topic of today’s post came up.

Wait a Minute!  The topic “came up?” 

I WAS ALONE.  IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR!

Discussing my day’s agenda with my reflection in the mirror?  How long has this been going on? 

I’ve heard all the old jokes about talking to yourself and answering too, and arguing and losing, etc. etc., but is talking to yourself normal?  Is it really so different than ”thinking” to yourself about what you are going to do this day while also shaving?  I guess I might be talking outloud to myself when there are no other people around.  Do I only do this because I am alone in the house?  Perhaps I would do it all the time but restrain myself from talking outloud when other people might hear me.   I fear it may be related to aging, but then I see little kids who frequently talk to themselves while playing.  Perhaps I am nearing my second childhood. (I refuse to believe I am already there.)

I tell you, people look at you funny when you talk to yourself.  They will change direction or speed up just to avoid coming near you.  I know this because I do it when I am shopping for groceries and there are odd balls walking around talking to themselves. 

The other day I was in Wal-mart and a guy in a wheelchair was talking about the various sizes of the Clorox bottles.  Then I look again and decided he looked pretty normal and seemed to be having a conversation with someone who wasn’t visible.  Oh, wait a minute!  He had one of those wireless cell phone thingies attached to his ear.  I should have realized that, since this guy was talking WAY TOO LOUD to be talking to himself.  (I think most people who talk to themselves in public kind of mumble anyway.)

By the way, topic of today’s post was going to be whether or not ”older” folks are less able to tolerate the VERY hot weather (high 90’s) that we experience in summer, even here in Montana.  Oh, yes.  Hot weather makes us talk to ourselves.

I invite you to read and enjoy my RETIRED AND RESTLESS blog at Today.com.

I have created a substantial body of work concerning retirement issues, including Unpleasant Surprises, Retirement Challenges, Joys of Retirement, Retirement Fears and so on, with new entries each day.  The blog is hosted by Today.com and the address is http://gruggersway.today.com. The name of the blog is Retired and Restless. 

I looked around the internet and could not find anyone else writing about personal experiences encountered during the transition to retired life.  That is what Retired and Restless is about.  I hope you will visit, leave a comment if something strikes a chord with you, and return often.  I thank you.

Gruggers