Barbara McNichol recommends giving Books for Treats, a nonprofit program that encourages giving new or gently read children’s books instead of candy at Halloween. Says its founder Rebecca Morgan, “With the burgeoning numbers of kids with diabetes and obesity, it’s time to shift Halloween treats to something that feeds their minds, not their cavities.” Giving books instead of … [Read more...] about Give Books for Treats
Articles
An Attitude Of Gratitude
I don’t celebrate a Thanksgiving Day only in November; I celebrate my Thanksgiving Day EVERY DAY. I am grateful for so many things! I would not be able to list all of them. During the day – and sometimes night – I say, “Thank You, Lord”…because I know where my blessings come from. First of all, my good health allows me to live alone and do whatever is needed during my days. … [Read more...] about An Attitude Of Gratitude
Achieving Dirty Old Man Status
I am a firm believer in setting goals. Over the years I have achieved many of the goals that I set for myself. On the other hand, I have also missed a lot of them. I am sure that I’ve said this before but I believe that if you are achieving 100% of your goals, you are not to be complimented; you’re just not setting them high enough. Now having said all that, I … [Read more...] about Achieving Dirty Old Man Status
An Offer I Can Refuse
I noticed I've been thinking a lot about death lately. I guess because I'm getting older and the future isn't as wide open and expansive as it used to be. It's like I'm reaching the crest of the hill of life, whereupon it’s all downhill from here on out. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the ride down that hill (in a car without any brakes) to one's final destination (a … [Read more...] about An Offer I Can Refuse
A Caregiver’s Guide To Dementia
Baby-boomers by the thousands, and a growing number of younger adults, are dealing with the issues that arrive when a loved one—parent, grandparent, sibling, other relative or friends—begins the descent into dementia. They all tell the same story, often saying: "Mom has nothing to do—/ 'm concerned about her quality of life. " "My husband gets … [Read more...] about A Caregiver’s Guide To Dementia
Joan Rivers: She Did It Her Way
Joan Rivers has passed away and I am sad she is gone. I don't know why I lament her passing because I did not care for her acerbic "humor". Nevertheless, you had to admire her. She said things that were politically incorrect and often, there was an element of truth in what she said. She had guts, and if there is one thing I appreciate, it's a gutsy woman who speaks … [Read more...] about Joan Rivers: She Did It Her Way
A Conversation With Expat Linda J. Brown
I've been corresponding with 76-year-old world traveler Linda Brown and recently asked how she managed to travel with practically no luggage. (She travels by herself.) I also asked other questions about living the expat life. BM: Linda, it's hard to imagine you are traveling around the world with practically no luggage. What's your secret? LB: It's the … [Read more...] about A Conversation With Expat Linda J. Brown
Healthcare in the US: It Is Time To Vent
I spoke with a 74 year old man last week who had classic symptoms of multi-infarct dementia, a condition previously referred to as senility. He was on a drug called Losarten for a mild elevation in his blood pressure. He had visited his MD shortly before I spoke to him who added Lipitor to his regimen, because of a cholesterol level above 200. The treatment he is receiving … [Read more...] about Healthcare in the US: It Is Time To Vent
Book Review – Mary Lloyd’s Widow Boy
Mary Lloyd's new book, Widow Boy has everything you could want in a story about life in the untamed West in the late 1800s -- love, lust, greed, intrigue, murder, and the foibles of human nature. Make no mistake, this novel is no hastily thrown together shoot 'em up. It is evident author Mary Lloyd spent an enormous amount of time on meticulous research including … [Read more...] about Book Review – Mary Lloyd’s Widow Boy
Loneliness Versus Solitude
Many are lonely but few have learned to enjoy solitude. These are two different worlds which can teach us many lessons. In order to appreciate each, we need to learn from the negative as well as the positive. How we react will determine our days. In other words, whether or not you realize it, we decide what kind of day we have. Loneliness doesn’t mean being … [Read more...] about Loneliness Versus Solitude