Christmas Shopping

Oh my, two blogs in two days--I have beaten my record. Now that I am completely in the Christmas spirit, I decided to go shopping at Fashion Valley after my sumi-e class. I have some specific observations:

1. That mall has become so UPSCALE that the entire look has changed. I noticed it earlier, but during Christmas-time if seems even more upscale. The calendar kiosk has even been relegated to the first floor in a corner when it has always been right in front of the movie theater.

2. There were transgendered folks asking if people had time to talk to them. At first I walked by, but made a point to stop as I walked back in the other direction. It was for a group soliciting support for their cause--can't think of the name of it, but it has Cause in it. I returned to talk to them remembering that I had a transgendered student when I was teaching. Their cause was the law which permits transgendered (the only word auto correct would accept) to use whatever restroom, etc. She was surprised that I knew about it (I try to keep up). I didn't donate, but it was interesting. She told me I was funny. Some things absolutely do not freak me out.

3. Went to the Hollister store to get gift certificates and realized why I always sit outside in front of the store while the grand boys shop. The music is too dang loud, aside from the fact that it is so dark inside.

4. Was fortunate to find a parking space quickly.

5. Two days ago, I would have done everything on-line, but now that I am back in the holiday groove, I will visit the mall a few more times before we leave.

6. I then went from there to Walmart where I thought I could get $30.00 on a 25.00 gift card. Now, I know that I saw that somewhere in the paper, but Alas, manager after manager could not find it. I usually don't make BIG shopping mistakes like that, but I read too much stuff and couldn't remember where I saw it. I did go on-line on my phone, but still couldn't find it. Oh well, I bought them anyway.


So, Merry Christmas!!!

Grateful, Grateful!

After a magnificent family cruise to the Caribbean, and a great time before and after, somehow I could not muster any enthusiasm for Christmas and the holiday season. I did put a wreath on the door and on the fence, but considering how much I love decorating for Christmas, it was a small thing. I had been busy resting (yes, that is possible), because our second Family Cruise was so spectacular and the time we spent with our girls, their husbands, and our four grands was priceless. We missed Christmas with them last year (because of the first cruise) and were prepared to miss it this year as well. We would have been content to eat our smoked turkey and look at each other.

Imagine our surprise when we were face timed by all of them, yesterday yelling for us to read my email. When I looked, they had purchased both of us tickets to Atlanta to spend Christmas with them. Wow, how exciting is that? We are so grateful that we have such caring children. What an expression of love. We always pay for the cruises (and everything else related to their travels) for the grandchildren, but of course we do that out of love, and never expect anything in return. It gives us great pleasure to be able to give them the gift of travel, just as we gave to their mothers.

We are overjoyed by the love our children continue to show us on a daily basis, and this surprise ranks right up their with the Panama Cruise they surprised us with for our fortieth anniversary.

Thank you daughters, sons-in-law, and grands. How we look forward to spending two weeks of the holidays with you in cold Atlanta. Although we seemed to have just gotten off a plane, we are certainly excited to get on another one!!!

Grateful, Grateful, Grateful!!!1

Wow, What Celebrations

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for my birthday. Facebook blew up and they stopped counting the birthday posts. I have seen so much creativity, especially in some of the pictures posted there. I am overwhelmed with the breakfast, lunch and dinner dates which I am trying to get in before November 19th. Great lunch, for example, yesterday at Saigon on Fifth, and then the movie "12 Years a Slave" which was excellent. I love when I see our history being kept alive.

Besides, it is always interesting to see people at places, and they don't know that you saw them.

Happy Birthday to me and I thank God for real friends.What a blessed woman I am.

Revolution Square in Havana

Viva Cuba: Amazing and Fascinating

We just returned from eight days in Cuba. It was one of the most fascinating trips we have taken. We have visited many islands in the Caribbean, but right now, I am ranking Cuba, the largest island, as number one. It is vast, and if you looked at the map of the island vertically, it exceeds the length of Florida (would probably extend into Georgia). I thought I would share some of my personal insights of the trip. I will try to compartmentalize it just in case there are particular sections you may be interested in—at least that is my thought as I begin.

WHY: My husband, Tony, has always wanted to travel to Cuba because of his love of the music. He probably has more CDs of Cuban music than any other genre. I was never that interested, having been born and raised in Miami, it just seemed so close, and I thought it would be “Miami revisited.” I was a Junior in High School the year of the revolution, but I was not politically in tune at that time.

HOW: We travelled with a group called Insight Cuba.We had never travelled with a group before. Several of our friends had used them and were pleased with their service. It is illegal to travel to Cuba on your own, and you are subject to a fine if caught. You must travel with a group which has been licensed to travel there. We have several friends, all native Spanish speakers, who have gone through a third country (Mexico) and had a great time (your passport is not stamped if you go that way. Ours was stamped but we have a letter of authorization which we must keep with our passports for seven years. We were not willing to take that risk, although it is certainly a less expensive way to get there. At the end of our trip, we thought it was worth every cent we spent, even though, we could have gone on a couple of cruises for the exact same price. But then it’s only money ☺

WITH WHOM: There were eight people in our group (no group is larger than 24), and I liked that it was multi-generational—two 30 somethings, two 70 somethings, two 50 somethings and one 60 something. Diversity of home towns and careers as well: Vermont, Colorado, California, and Virginia. Two teachers, social worker, lawyer, stockbroker, architect, chemist, and landscape architect. Our Insight Cuba tour leader was 20 something. We also had a Cuban driver and a Cuban tour guide on the bus with us at all times.

PRE-CUBA: We spent several days in Miami (my home) before leaving (and a few days there afterwards). That is always a joy because that is where my spirit actually resides.

THE FLIGHT: We flew from Miami at 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. ABC charter was the carrier, but the aircraft and staff were all American Airlines (737). All of the paperwork (Cuban Visa, Letter of Authorization) was done by Insight Cuba. Amazing scene at the airport check-in. Family members are allowed to travel to Cuba—I have never seen so much stuff being checked in--from televisions to tires, and bubble wrapped packages of items they were taking to Cuba. I would guess that each had at least four or five huge packages. In the line I only saw two people I would identify as Black—Hmmm. You may draw your own conclusions. Our flying time was 44 minutes—so near, and yet so far.

ARRIVAL in CUBA: We were met by our Insight Cuba tour guide after going through the passport checking and waiting for our luggage (it was as slow as the San Diego baggage claim). Most of the group members carried on their luggage, but I took quite a few school supplies as presents, and I never like worrying about whether I will have enough space. There were many Cubans waiting for their loved ones—reminded me of landing in Nigeria.

FIRST IMPRESSION: My first impression, as we rode the bus from the hotel, was “Miami without paint.” Just as we had heard, many of the buildings showed what the tropics can do to old buildings over time.

BUSY SCHEDULE: Insight Cuba is a people to people group, and before we even checked into the hotel, we had several activities, We visited an artist’s studio, a ceramics and painting workshop, and had lunch at El Ajibe, a beautiful restaurant. Each day we had four activities—it was extremely labor intensive, but well worth it.

HEMINGWAY: Of course I visited the two bars frequented by Ernest H., and saw the hotel where he stayed.

WHERE WE STAYED: We stayed at El Presidente in the Viado district. Beautiful, with all of the comforts of home, including CNN, and ESPN (which Cubans do not get). We visited Pinar del Rio, a town over 100 miles from Habana, and stayed in a quaint hotel, Hotel Vueltabajo. We were on the tenth floor in Habana, but the second hotel was just two stories—lovely. There are many hotels because tourism is what is driving the Cuban economy right now.

CURRENCY: There are two currencies: CUCs used in the tourist industry and by those receiving money from outside of Cuba, and the Cuban peso which is used by Cubans. One CUC is equivalent to 24 pesos. When you consider that a doctor makes less than 400 pesos a month, it makes sense for them to drive a taxi on the side. Tourists pay in CUCs. There are stores which only accept CUCs—the majority of Cubans use ration books in stores designed for their use. You may research this on your own. It is the most obvious sign of inequality IMHO.

WHAT I FOUND INTERESTING:

1. It has to be the most beautiful of all of the Caribbean islands.
2. The Spanish Colonial architecture was a great surprise to me—absolutely stunning.
3. After a couple of days, I didn’t even notice the lack of paint on the buildings.
4. BC is before Castro
5. Two defining years—l959—revolution—l991—the Russians left
6. The literacy rate is over 98%.IMHO, even when the change comes, the population will not be the same population before the revolution. An educated population is formidable.
7. Many said it is like being frozen in time—what that meant to me was that there were no billboards advertising things, no Walmart, no Walgreens, no overt consumerism! There is some beauty in that.
8. Heard that 96 McDonalds are waiting to come to Cuba. Of course, because of the embargo (which Cubans call the blockade), no American trade whatsoever.
9. We had to take all cash (only Americans had to do this—cannot use credit card) which were exchanged for CUCs.
10. Revolutionary posters everywhere.
11. Street art everywhere
12. Music everywhere—we did not go to any restaurant without a Cuban combo with great music. The musicians were men, women, old, and young.
13. Love the Malecón which looks like a very long sea wall. It is beautiful, and the place for lovers. It was near our hotel.
14. Loved the creativity of the Cuban people—they take recycling to an entirely new level.
15. Was intrigued by the projects and workshops, from farming to art.
16. Loved seeing the kids in uniform going to school, knowing that this would not have been accessible to most of them BC.
17. Loved all of the socio-cultural groups we visited,.
18. Loved the respect for elders.
19. If you want Cuban food, get it in Miami. Because of the limited amount of goods coming into the country, the choices are very limited. It was okay for 8 days, but became repetitive. The fish was not good—found out that it is exported.
20. I thought I would see more Black Cubans—the Spanish influence is quite obvious.
21. Felt absolutely safe everywhere.
22. Everything was extremely clean—no beggars in the street (somehow, that was a surprise to me)
23. My favorite title of something: There was a senior citizen place named “House of Memories.”
24. Loved the art.
25. Loved my wandering ox to whom I said “No Anda.”
26 Was shocked when I got home to find that I had a message from a person at a school project we visited--I gave them school supplies as presents.We exchanged information, but I never thought I would hear from them. Behold, I cannot find the information they gave me ANYWHERE (I am still looking)! People to People--great. Government to Government - bah humbug!

AS I saw Cuba for myself, I know that the embargo is ridiculous (although, I know that the influx of McDonalds and others will completely change what makes Cuba different!! I also know that the revolution was beneficial for those who remained, if for not other reason than it gave them opportunities in education and wellness, that they would have never had before. I know that when those mansions were nationalized and given to the poor, that those who left (even thought they thought they would be back quickly) had the most to lose. I can imagine how it was just an appendage of Key West and the rest!

We heard many lectures, and received an enormous amount of information. Most agree that there is still inequality in Cuba—black folks are still at the bottom. Change is inevitable, but no one knows what it will be.

Where does Castro live? The answer was “In the hearts of the people.” Some believe that he has a house in every province (there are l4).

SEÑORA MARIA ELENA: Tony and I were very fortunate to be able to visit the home of someone who lives there. Our daughter’s friend’s mom lives in Havana with her 94 year old mother. We were able to have dinner with them at their home. This was definitely a highlight of our trip. They live in a lovely home in the Playa section of Miramar, a neighborhood in Habana. We walked to the beach (9 blocks away), while Tony sat on a bench with her English speaking friend.

There is just soooo much more I could talk about, but there is nothing like a “too long blog.”

WOULD WE RETURN? If we did do-overs, this would be number one. We have two other trips planned for this fall and spring, so it won’t be possible this year. If we had visited earlier, we certainly would revisit.

WOULD I SUGGEST IT: DEFINITELY—go before it changes.

Response to My Rant

There is an interesting and insightful response to my latest blog in the comments section. Please read it if you have a chance. This is the kind of conversation which is necessary.

Finally, I Rant

Filner, Weiner, Zimmerman, B-29, 50’s, Change, KKK, Skyline, Miami, Cops and anything else which may pop into my head by the time I finish writing this blog. It is probably one of the longest I have written. Oh well.


I have purposely refused to blog anything lately because as my great-grandmother used to say “There is too dern much going on.” I now understand exactly what she meant when she often repeated those words. However, I received an email from a friend of over forty years, and the tone of her email inspired me to write.


The mayor of San Diego, Bob “Filthner,” as some now call him, is someone I had supported for many years. I remember him from his school board days, visited him in his office in Washington when he read into the Congressional Record something about an award I was receiving there (it still hangs in my office, as our daughter reminded me), and had no idea that he was a serial harasser. I am convinced that we never know anyone—we only think we know them. This does not just hold true for politicians, but even some we considered close friends in the past. Anyone can turn on anyone, be it a politician or just a regular Joe. Everyone is captive to his/her own secrets and secret lives, yet we are surprised when they creep out of the darkness. Although I say that very little surprises me these days, sometimes, as in this case, I was surprised. To think that such a champion of the disenfranchised, a former freedom rider, is himself a perpetrator of what he seemingly fought against.This champion of "equality," has been accused by 7 women of sexual harassment, putting them in what is called the "Filner headlock," and making inappropriate comments, along with "kiss requests." Yikes! I find it utterly disgusting and, like most San Diegans, I hope he will resign. I cannot even imagine how he can look himself in the mirror when he wakes up. I can’t imagine how he can turn on the television and see the constant coverage of his outrageous behavior. But, on the other hand, I am sure that there are many hiding behind some outrageous ”in the closet behavior,” that is, any behavior that is despicable, yet hidden. I wonder if even some of us have some kind of “closet” behavior.


Then there is Zimmerman—you know that you should have kept your behind in the car. I don’t care what anyone says—what you did was outrageous. The prosecutors sucked big time, and for that, you are walking free. "If it didn’t come out in the wash, it will come out in the rinse."


Juror B-29, since you didn’t go with your conscience, you probably should have kept it to yourself. I remember being on a jury (I have served at least four times) for a medical malpractice suit. I so wanted to vote on the side of the young lady, but the evidence just would not allow it. It is a conundrum when faced with gut versus evidence, so I understand your angst. Nevertheless, why is it in this “overnewsed” society, everyone needs 15 minutes of fame. Stay in bed with the covers over your face or get therapy (not the two weeks version, however, a la Filner).


I remember the fifties and the early 60s. What I remember most is that no one on television looked like me, and the mom on Leave it To Beaver wore pearls, an apron, and high heels in the kitchen. Some long for those days—I will never long for them. As much as some think that there has not been change, I beg to differ. The problem is that as much as things change, the more they remain the same. The change which has not occurred, is the change in the hearts of men and women. I am sure that folks still use the N word in private when their Black friends are not around. I know that other folks use the H word and C word when their White friends are not around. I am sure that many use other derogatory terms when they are not in the presence of those they reference. I have found racism in many of my so-called “liberal friends,” as well as in the Paula Deen types. The only difference between Deen and others is probably that she spoke the words and admitted it. I know some who speak the words, but would NEVER admit it.


In the midst of it all, I still have hope. I spent most of my life in the company of the next generation—they continue to give me hope. We continue to plant the seeds and hope that strong roots will allow them to grow. I have hope because of my grandchildren—I know that their world is already different. Although I always remind them of the past, because I don’t want it forgotten, I want them to see it in a hopeful light. I want them to know from where we have come, and where they can still go. I still believe in the “Family of Man,” and I know that we have come a long way.


One thing I love about being a born in the South woman, is that we always know that the overt racism there , has always been clearer than the covert racism in other parts of the country. I am always leery when anyone begins a sentence with “I am not a racist.” Live your life in a way that no one will wonder about that.


A reality of life, as we just saw in the Z trial, is that many cops will still stop young black men; many non-cops will still stereotype those they deem different; many women will still cling to their purses and lock their car doors when they see certain folks approaching, and prejudice and bias will still drive many to behave in unseemly ways. Nevertheless, those are givens, and we press on despite that.


My concern right now is young Black men killing other Black men in the Skyline district of San Diego. They are doing the work that the Klan did, and I find it very disheartening. There is so much work to be done, and I hope that the torch is being passed to a new generation. I am encouraging those I have known over the past years, both gang bangers and others, to use what they know for the betterment of the community. Some of the most brilliant students I knew, were considered bangers. If only they could use that good sense for good—what a difference that would be. I see it slowly happening, and for that I am also hopeful.


I am so much a product of my life’s experiences, beginning in Miami, and now on another coast. As I reflect, Miami is what molded me, and made me. Even after so many years in San Diego, I still feel like a Miamian in my soul. Those values, those struggles, those ties, that segregated upbringing—gave me the strength which has carried me and continues to carry me. That upbringing made me believe that I could do anything—I never felt less than anyone—regardless of race or creed—it is what I have tried to project over the years, but society is quite different now. The insulated environments no longer exist. “There is just too much going on.”

So Ranted I!!!!!

Drawing Life

My sweet friend, a member of our drawing group, the Dee Gees, sent me a wonderful piece by William Brice. It looks like the commentary next to a museum piece. One interesting quote is that "drawing can capture the fleeting feeling and record the idea forming. A notebook of drawings is, in this sense, a diary of response." When I first began to "draw," I tried to draw something each day and kept a drawing notebook. It worked for more than a year, but when I looked back, I realized that what I had created was a pictorial diary. I could look at each drawing and know exactly where I was and what I was doing when I drew the piece. He spoke about how "easy generalizations are dispelled as the hand moves with marvelous particularity in response to the feelings that direct it." How nice it would be if, in life, as in art, generalizations could be dispelled by the movement of a hand. If as he states, "The surprising complexity of nature, our nature, replenishes drawing, my nature must not be very complex because I am still awaiting the replenishing. On the other hand, perhaps my drawing has been replenished and I have not noticed.

Another Book

Who would have thought that at this point in my "freetirement" I would have participated in the publication of three books. The first, a collaboration with my friend Patricia Johnson, the second a collection of essays from former student friends, and the third, The Thrill of The Hunt: Memoirs of Second=Hand Aficionadas, a collaboration with two friends, Ruthie Bible, and Betsy Scarborough. This one was fun, and humorous, and I love thrift stores so it was "right up my alley." We met each Wed., beginning last August, and voila, just received the proof. It is lovely--making a few corrections and it will also be on Amazon probably by next week. Wonderful cover designer, once again. Life is so sweet. No more books for me for quite a while, but I have learned sooo much after three of them. I think I can do one now with my eyes closed.

A Walk in The Park

My wonderful friend (I call her my mother-person) will celebrate her 90th birthday next Thursday, June 6th. She does not want a big celebration, and she told me some time ago, that she will wait until her 91st birthday and celebrate that milestone. What she wants this year is "A Walk in The Park." She actually wants someone to walk with her, in the park near her house, each day of her birthday week. I love the simplicity of that request, and wish I were there to walk with her. What a nature filled way to celebrate becoming ninety. She can celebrate being as sturdy as the trees she will pass, as strong as the roots of those trees, as fragrant as the grass growing, as beautiful as the flowers in the park,and as passionate about the outdoors as any true Miami bred nonagenarian. What a joy to live to be ninety years old. What a blessing to those around her , especially to me. I remember when I first met her, I was just a tiny little somebody, and even then, I thought she was old. Who would have thought that so many years later, she would still be such an integral part of my life.

Who would have thought that she would see me marry, have children and grandchildren. I am so thankful every day that she is here. I don't know if her life has been a "Walk in The Park," but at 90 years old, EVERY DAY is a Walk in the Park. I only wish that I could be there to walk with her, but perhaps, next Thursday, I will take our four grandchildren for a walk in the park in our neighborhood, and I will explain to them, why we are doing it--we are honoring a very old lady. You know that at their age, they think anyone over 21 is a very old lady. Georgiana Johnson Bethel, I love you, and I celebrate you!!!!!

Weathered Hands

Today as we celebrate our forty fifth wedding anniversary, I realize that there is nothing more beautiful than weathered hands representing the love which has weathered the storms of life. I posted a picture on FB this morning showing our two hands forming a heart--that has been our life together--two hands, bound together as one heart! Grateful, grateful!

I Can Still Pick Up My Spoon

I talk to my East Coast friends very early in the morning, and especially on the week-ends. This morning I spoke to the person I call "Mother Person," and it is always so interesting to hear this almost 90 year old darling give me her words of wisdom. We somehow began to talk about gratitude (I even put that word on my FB status--stole it from another person's status this morning--funny how things work), and she reminded me of an old lady, when asked, how she was doing, always answered "I Can Still Pick Up My Spoon."

It reminded me of an older man (older, is anyone older than I) in my yoga class. I never talk to folks in the class, because, after all it is yoga, and I love the quiet aspect of it. However, since we are usually the first ones there, we learned each other's names and usually exchange pleasantries. Whenever I ask him how he is doing, he ALWAYS answers "I am still breathing."

The older I get, the more filled with gratitude I become. I am grateful for my wonderful husband, and family; grateful for great friends; grateful for former friends who are no longer friends, because they taught me that some folks are in your lives for a season, and when that season is over, they can dry up like the leaves, but unfortunately, in my case, there is no rebirth; (I digress, as usual), I am grateful for old folks who are friends, young folks who are friends, and even the very young friends, like our grands, and the l4 year old I tutor.

But, most of all I am grateful that "I Can Still Pick Up My Spoon." I hope that when I can't do that anymore, that there will be someone who will love me enough to pick it up for me. GRATEFUL!!!!

This and That

My goodness, I can't believe that I haven't blogged since February. My life has been so incredibly full with so many things, that I guess blogging was way down the food chain. I have been busy just doing things which interest me. Experienced a fabulous book signing a couple of Sundays ago--over 100 people there. It was all arranged by a group of magnificent, smart, energetic, beautiful, former students. All I had to do was show up. There were flowers, food, decorations, programs, the works. Malcolm X Library was a great venue, and because a former student works there, the room fee was waived. It was good to see so many friends, and some folks I didn't even know.

The week after, there was a wonderful brunch at a beautiful home in San Marcos, organized by another former student. I am not a "woods," person, but it was a great afternoon on 2.8 acres in the woods. Have published two books in freetirement, and am working on another with two friends which should be finished pretty soon--after that--no more books for me.This one is on a subject which interests me, one of my favorite hobbies. Others have asked for me to consult with them for other books--but I am closing shop. Don't want to do anything which remotely resembles work.

Yesterday, my friend Val walked with me for the MS Walk. I raised more than ever --$3200. I was proud of what I raised last year (over 2500) because I had a mile marker with a picture. Of course, that is certainly not why I do it, but it was fun to see, and of course I took a picture of it.It used to take 5 teachers to get 100.00 :-). I would have never thought that fundraising would be so much easier in freetirement.

Enjoying freetirement more than I could have ever imagined. My drawings have improved and my sumi-e paintings vaguely resemble what I am supposed to be painting. Everyone tells me that they are very good, but who knows? I love my art group of five ladies--we meet every other week, and I meet with one member of the group on the other two weeks. I actually see things differently, now that I am an "artist." Yoga still fulfills me, although our teacher was gone for six weeks and the substitute twisted things I had never twisted before. I felt like a student with a substitute teacher--could hardly wait for "my teacher" to come back.

Am enjoying my weekly tutoring sessions with my 14 year old from church. She is so adorable, a new friend, a new age group. I am so glad I said yes, when asked, since I had said no to many so many times before. I guess it is too much of who I am.

Great celebration of my husband's birthday in Palm Springs. We were there for four days, and it was actually the first time I actually liked it. I don't like the desert, and can't stand cactus. It was where he wanted to go, and just to see him enjoy it so much, made me enjoy it as well. Still using television as my background noise--keeping up with the good, bad, and ugly. As my great-grandmother used to say--"There is entirely too much going on."

Looking forward to our grands for six weeks this summer. We are already preparing for them--We will once again have CampO. We will take them to the family reunion afterwards, but not by train as we did once before. There are so many things we like for them to experience, that we prefer to do different things with them when, and while we can. Ok--enough. Life is good!!!I am grateful and humbled more and more each day!!!!!!! OMG, I feel like I just wrote one of those horrible Christmas letters. Oh Well!

Where is Walter Cronkite?

I am getting very annoyed with the news these days. By the time the evening news comes on at 6:30, I have been overwhelmed with all day news. There is CNN, MSNBNC, C-Span, Twitter, FB, and who knows what else, disseminating news all day. It is all so repetitious, even if I don't watch during the day, there is no escape. When the news does come on, it seems like they are just making up things, speculating, and giving us useless information. It seems like each station tries to out-do the other. There is even a local news person, early in the morning, who precedes each statement with "on the iPad." I am going to email to see if they are getting an Apple kickback for using their product. We never just get the news, we have to listen to everyone's "take" on the news. It's as if folks can't think for themselves anymore. Some even try to give us the news in a conversational format with the newscasters facing each other as if they are in a living room someplace, Oh, please! Then there is the "good news" segments which come on at the end of each newscasts--not that I mind good news, but it is so contrived. Lately, I just follow most things on Twitter because they give the latest every second. I also follow twitter when I am not interested in hearing all of the useless chatter on the newscasts.It has become my news of choice. I remember going to a town hall when Katie Couric was in town. The purpose was to get the public's input on her upcoming stint as the primary newscaster. The idea was to find out what folks wanted, and you could stand and give your suggestions. One lady said they don't even need to have a 6:00 newscast because, by then, everyone knows the news already. I said that young people will probably not watch the evening news, because they want to know instantly rather than wait until the late afternoon. They tend to follow on social media or twitter. At the time, I thought both of those comments were not prophetic, but just our chatter, but now, I think we were both correct in our assessment. I must admit, however, that I do like the first part of GMA, before they start the second hour of frivolity. I like one particular weatherman on a channel in San Diego. I like the commentaries on MSNBC; love my Anderson Cooper on CNN; but even then, it is too much to filter. I don't even think that news is even NEWS anymore. I WANT WALTER (or Walteniqua) CRONKITE back. One person, once a day, looking into the camera, and giving me the NEWS. Until then, Twitter it is!

Don't Stay Too Long

I applaud the Pope for leaving although it has not been done in almost 600 years. He realized that he could no longer perform his duties because of advancing age and health issues. He has trouble walking, and whenever he spoke, in whatever language, it always appeared to me that he had difficulty. He said that he will spend the rest of his life in prayer. It will be a new thing for the Catholic church, as there will be a living former Pope. "Times change and the people change with them."

When I began my freetirement almost five years ago, I did so with great joy. I loved my work, and knew that I could have stayed longer if I had chosen to do that. I knew, however, that it was time to go. We always know, but many do not leave when they should. Some stay too long, and some leave too early, pressured by those around them, or believing that they should just go because someone else did.

Just like everything else in life, we should do what works best for us. We should follow our instincts, for the most part, and not be influenced by what others think we should do. My decision to leave was one of the best I have ever made. I left without bitterness because I didn't stay one day too long. I had seen too many stay and complain each day, or refer to the"olden days." I never wanted to get to that point. I had seen too many stay too long.

Staying too long does not only apply to a job. Many stay too long in a marriage, visiting someone's home (Oh, how I am glad that I don't have deal with that anymore), or even, sometimes staying too long with old, bad habits. I thank the Pope, (although some are trying to find other reasons why he left), did what he should have done. Now he doesn't have to wear that clothing, which looks sooo heavy and probably weighed him down.I wonder how long it took for them to get him dressed in his Pope regalia. He doesn't have to roll around on the platform to reach the altar. He doesn't have to stand at that window (probably with some folks holding him up, and out of sight). He can enjoy the rest of his life, doing what he wants--praying.

I have known a few 85 year olds who are spry, feisty, in fairly good health, mobile, learners, and doers, but the Pope was not in these categories (well, maybe he was a learner and doer). Perhaps he will be a role model for those who still need to see that we need not "Stay too long." Get out while you are still ahead!