Recently I stumbled across an op-ed essay in The New York Times with the irresistible title “Men Fear Me, Society Shames Me, and I Love My Life.” No, it’s not Kim Kardashian kvelling about a form-fitting see-through dress, but a writer who is living her best life as she cruises toward 50, unencumbered by children or a mate, free to fly to Paris and enjoy a life of pleasure: “Cheese, wine, friendships, sex — and repeat.” (I don’t quite get why men are fearing her if she’s having so much sex, but never mind.) Okay, that’s nice, and huzzah for her that she can buck what she sees as society’s mandates to follow a more traditional path into marriage and/or motherhood.
I’m 76. The 70s so far seem to be filled with uncertainty. Unexpected health issues, friends taking care of spouses with cognitive issues, others who have passed away. Yes the days are short and reconciling that with the dailiness of life can be overwhelming.
At 82 years old I generally follow "If you stay ready you don't have to get ready." This works for facing thoughts about the grim reaper as well as getting my ass into the exercise room on a regular basis. Good luck on the book, Ann!! And, as a cat, Bodhi says steroids work wonders for living longer with a great attitude.
He takes 2.2 ml of Prednisolone twice a day. My vet says her professor always said "No pet should end their life without steroids". Bodhi is 15 years old now and I do think it really makes a difference.
The last time I took Bodhi in for his pedicure and and an arthritis shot, I asked the check in folks to also give me a pedicure and an arthritis shot...they and those also in line joined in with "Me too!".
Last time I took Sylvia in for a pedicure, I discovered they are as expansive as mine, even without the color! Not sure about arthritis shots, but when she goes in to be put down, I'm going with her!
Kudos to you for your optimism despite all you’re going through! Yes at 71, the days fly by and I think/ fear death more with folks suffering different maladies. My art and gardening and walking are what float my boat and keep me moving forward. I was shy when young but so opposite that now— I talk to anyone and everyone and their dogs. Here’s to keeping on keeping on ❤️❤️
Good new about Rotten Romance--I hope it lands with the publisher you want--It's so good--and like Ephron's work, you retell romance with humor and insight. Best wishes on that.
PS a pinch of fennel is a good thing to add to almost any red sauce and pasta dish.
PPS Nicotine patches for long covid? I'll have to google that.
Having just turned 70 and finding that "it" seems to hitting all at once, I very much enjoyed laughing out loud when relating to both Norah and the author (Ann Landi). Tales of good sex, good food, comfort in one's own personality if not one's own body (my lovely Grace, as I call my body has been a trooper, but she can only take so much abuse before calling it quits), young men showing up to help you get up as you scamper to pull down that own lady nightgown - perhaps that's why I prefer pajamas. No struggling with extra fabric bunches - drooping 'dermis' is quite enough drooping to be dealing with.
Thanks so much for the laughs, the tips (the long Covid symptoms are ringing lots of bells - nicotine patches? Really?) and the reminder. You rock!
Thanks so much, Sharon. Yes, I would consider jammies but it's too much clothing for me these days. Alas, the nico patches did not work (but they seem to for others). Per my doctor's advice, I'm back on Prozac. But it takes about three months to kick in. Sometimes I feel like I'm ready for assisted living, but I fear the room service would not be up to par. As has been oft repeated, Old age is not for sissies! Hang in there.
I always enjoy your dispatches, Ann. Greetings from Nantucket.
How lucky you are to be in Nantucket right now! It's already climbing into the upper 80s here in Taos. Enjoy the beach, but come back for a visit. xxA
I’m 76. The 70s so far seem to be filled with uncertainty. Unexpected health issues, friends taking care of spouses with cognitive issues, others who have passed away. Yes the days are short and reconciling that with the dailiness of life can be overwhelming.
There are days when you should just stay in bed! I'm all for that....
😊
At 82 years old I generally follow "If you stay ready you don't have to get ready." This works for facing thoughts about the grim reaper as well as getting my ass into the exercise room on a regular basis. Good luck on the book, Ann!! And, as a cat, Bodhi says steroids work wonders for living longer with a great attitude.
Bodhi's on steroids? What does he take?
He takes 2.2 ml of Prednisolone twice a day. My vet says her professor always said "No pet should end their life without steroids". Bodhi is 15 years old now and I do think it really makes a difference.
Wow! I will have to look into this. Sylvia is 11 and has just discovered that she's a hunter, so I don't think she needs steroids yet. But maybe I do!
The last time I took Bodhi in for his pedicure and and an arthritis shot, I asked the check in folks to also give me a pedicure and an arthritis shot...they and those also in line joined in with "Me too!".
Last time I took Sylvia in for a pedicure, I discovered they are as expansive as mine, even without the color! Not sure about arthritis shots, but when she goes in to be put down, I'm going with her!
Kudos to you for your optimism despite all you’re going through! Yes at 71, the days fly by and I think/ fear death more with folks suffering different maladies. My art and gardening and walking are what float my boat and keep me moving forward. I was shy when young but so opposite that now— I talk to anyone and everyone and their dogs. Here’s to keeping on keeping on ❤️❤️
Good new about Rotten Romance--I hope it lands with the publisher you want--It's so good--and like Ephron's work, you retell romance with humor and insight. Best wishes on that.
PS a pinch of fennel is a good thing to add to almost any red sauce and pasta dish.
PPS Nicotine patches for long covid? I'll have to google that.
You are right about fennel. Do you use crushed-up seeds or pieces of the root? I have a great recipe for mussels with fennel, which I will post soon.
YES!!!
Itene
Having just turned 70 and finding that "it" seems to hitting all at once, I very much enjoyed laughing out loud when relating to both Norah and the author (Ann Landi). Tales of good sex, good food, comfort in one's own personality if not one's own body (my lovely Grace, as I call my body has been a trooper, but she can only take so much abuse before calling it quits), young men showing up to help you get up as you scamper to pull down that own lady nightgown - perhaps that's why I prefer pajamas. No struggling with extra fabric bunches - drooping 'dermis' is quite enough drooping to be dealing with.
Thanks so much for the laughs, the tips (the long Covid symptoms are ringing lots of bells - nicotine patches? Really?) and the reminder. You rock!
Thanks so much, Sharon. Yes, I would consider jammies but it's too much clothing for me these days. Alas, the nico patches did not work (but they seem to for others). Per my doctor's advice, I'm back on Prozac. But it takes about three months to kick in. Sometimes I feel like I'm ready for assisted living, but I fear the room service would not be up to par. As has been oft repeated, Old age is not for sissies! Hang in there.