Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER: 

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years… 

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

By now I’m sure you’re wondering…are we exploring “Lifelong Learning?” - or “Later-Life Learning?” - or ”Learning Later?” Well, take your pick. Call it what you like. These terms all mean the same thing, and we’ll use them interchangeably in these blogs. There. Now that we’ve got that straight…

Let’s demystify this topic by taking a closer look at this thing known as lifelong learning.

Actually, learning in our “After-50 Years” isn’t really a “thing” at all. It’s more of a belief–a philosophy–that espouses one simple fact: Learning later keeps our minds, bodies and spirits active through challenging interaction with peers and experts in all fields of interest. Distilled even further, it’s an opportunity to make our own unique contribution to society, to meet new people and explore new ideas.

Lifelong learning does, however, mean different things to different people. As unique and individual as we all are, learning later gives us methods for enhancing that individuality even further. Later-life learners embark on their adventures in many different ways:

• One person might explore later-life learning as a way of keeping their social roster active during their post-work years.
• Another may relish the chance to study obscure topics that they never had time for while working, in either a classroom or on the Internet.
• Others may find educational travel to be the only way to travel.
• Then there are those who might thrive on societal challenges, such as turning a reluctant student into a willing learner.

While each of these people will define lifelong learning differently, they will all be right. What they do have in common, however, is the fact that learning later enables them to expand their intellectual, social, spiritual, and physical horizons far beyond any previous expectations.

The “Hat Trick” of Learning, Exploring, and Serving, coupled with the benefits for our Minds, Bodies and Spirits, is the hallmark of excellence that makes this philosophy so attractive to individuals and society as a whole.

Whoever said retirement meant going quietly into the good night?

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Adlai E. Stevenson Jr. said, “If we value the pursuit of knowledge, we must be free to follow wherever that search may lead us. The free mind is not a barking dog, to be tethered on a ten-foot chain.” Our exploration of lifelong learning can lead us in new directions. You just never know what’s behind that new door. Opening that door, however, actually having the courage to turn that door knob, is the key to our next great adventure.

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

The Rolling Rains Report
Dr. Scott Rains

We are very honored to announce that Dr. Scott Rains will be a periodic contributor to our blog and the Travel Department of Computer School for Seniors.

Opening the Tourism & Neurology Congress

Recently, Dr. Rains made a presentation to the Italian National Neurological Institute in Milan, Italy on disability and travel.




Here are some excerpts from his Blog on that trip.

The Congress began with a press conference. The regional administration of Lombardy showed its strong support. Previews of some of the conference themes included tourism as a quality-of-life issue, as rehabilitation, and cooperation between regions in Italy to develop the market in a coordinated fashion

After the Congress we took a retreat to recuperate at I Girasoli , the Tuscan vacation spot developed by the Italian MS Society. It includes a restaurant with an excellent selection of food and wines. Even if you think you are coming for the architecture, the people, or their history it would be wise to practice up on your Italian-for-dining vocabulary:

Below are just a few examples of the meals we have enjoyed here. They are, in the fine Italian tradition of Mangia! Mangia! (Eat! Eat!), full course adventures: antipasto - pasta - main course - salad - dessert. Regional cuisine is always much in evidence:

• Farfalle verde oro
• Minestra di faro
• Ravioli allla salvia bruchiata
• Rigatoni cacio e pepe
• Costine di agnello alla graglia
• Carciofi con aglio e prezzemolo
• Caprese
• Bielole

Accessing Assisi

Assisi is not the sort of topography for leisurely strolls if you use a wheelchair. For those of us with a special interest in St Francis the physical exertion of visiting the hillside town outweighs the difficulty of doing so. Then there is the added pleasure of the commanding vistas over the Tuscan landscape.

This travelogue picks up long into the journey due to an unexpected injury preventiong me from posting. A small abrasion on my hand became so severely infected that it requires daily injections of anti-biotic and anti-inflamatory.

Touring again is appealing after two days of post-conference for recuperation in Venice and now north of Florence near Lucignano at the resort complex for the Italian MS Society.
La Casa Vacanza I Girasoli , the Sunflowers Vacation Resort, is a barrier-free venue. It has a restaurant that serves local foods as well as special diets. They have six electric scooters to lend, several tiny adapted cars to borrow, and a lift-equipped bus with a driver to rent for private tours. The grounds and countryside and vistas are beautiful - if you can get yourself out of the house restaurant and its excellent wine collection with enough time to enjoy them.

For more information:
http://www.igirasoli.ar.it/e_presentazione.html

To learn more about Dr. Rains work, visit http://www.rollingrains.com/. Dr. Rains will also be serving as a faculty Advisor to the Travel Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/.

Tuesday's Treasures

On Tuesdays we provide our Faculty an opportunity to feature the talented work of some of our students and friends. You may see a display of creative PhotoShop work, their beautiful photographs or an interesting story about an individual’s meaningful contribution to his or her community, country or the world.If you have memories, old or new, you would like to share, send them to me at mxw8110@yahoo.com.




Today I would like to introduce you to Valerie Jagiello and Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding. I met Valerie in one of my classes and have always been fascinated by the array of images that spill across her computer screen during a simple Photoshop class. I have yet to meet Harry since, sadly, dogs aren’t allowed in our classrooms, but I hope to have the pleasure some day!


Valerie says,

I was born an artist. Through the years I observed life around me and then translated my vision into images. I nearly lost all my ability of expression when I became disabled on December 1st 2000. Due to a life altering fall I lost most of my fine motor skills and could no longer hold or control brushes or chalk. But I am lucky to be at this place in time….as computer graphics software have matured.

The work I do with computers and Photoshop allows me to alter my photographic images or previously created original art work. Both Photoshop and Painter X have allowed me to discover a whole new side of my work and given me back my (artistic) life!

Two years ago I started to take classes at Richland College through the Emeritus Program. Richland’s fine academic programs and my ever increasing knowledge of Photoshop have empowered me with continued growth as the expressive artist I was born to be!

I have chosen two samples of my latest work. The first is a picture of my lad, my love…Harry Gareth Edward Spaulding. Harry, a gentle soul, was born in Birmingham England. While I work in my studio he can be found watching any British TV show on PBS.

The second picture is me. It is often said people look like their pets. Twice a year I get a permanent so we both have curly hair and people will know we are family and related! What do you think?

I hope you enjoy both portraits. In the coming weeks I will be opening a Café Press store (early May) and will announce more about my new endeavor involving these online portraits. Keep watching this column for links and the latest information about my continuing artistic journey.

Remember…..NEVER give up! For those who know me….I NEVER gave up my whimsy!!!”

Valerie and Harry are very special indeed.

Ella Fitzgerald said, “Just don't give up on trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”

Photo Tips Monday

Dave Berry, Director of the Photography Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing his insightful Photo Tips with you every Monday for Capture the Moment Mondays.

Barbados-Welcome Aboard !!!! 

Barbados is the eastern most island of the West Indies. In fact, if you stand on its eastern shore and headed directly east out over the Atlantic Ocean...the next body of land you would come to would be Africa! Barbados is a small island in size, 14 by 21 miles, with a population of about 279,000. Although an independent nation since 1966, they have a Governor appointed by Queen Elizabeth of England.


Our ship docked in Deep Water Harbour of Bridgetown, which is the capital. This is the only island we had a planned tour to catch at 8am. It was offered by a local islander, Ronnie Carrington, who is a professional photographer. (his website http://carrington-barbados-images.com/5.html) One can never have too many perspectives in photography and it is always exciting to see an island through the eyes of a native. His tour took us all across the island, goat herds crossing our path, to hilltops with beautiful views of both the Caribbean Sea on the west side and the Atlantic Ocean on the east side.

There are many banana and sugar cane plantations to see as you cross the countryside of the island. There used to be many slaves on this island, living in brightly painted “chattel houses”, which is a house that could be broken down quickly and transported to the next plantation if necessary.

There are no longer slaves of course, but these crops still make up a large part of their exports to other countries. There are many churches all over the island, but ironically, there are just as many rum stores. In fact…there is a rum store next door to every church…I don’t know what that means, but it is a fact pointed out by Mr. Carrington as we continued around the island. Rum stores seem to be a very big business, as they are everywhere along the roads, sometimes right next to each other. The beaches here are quite beautiful and you can see the waves crashing on the coral reef in the distance. A beach we stopped at had beautiful sandy shores and crystal clear water.

We paused for a break along a hillside where we sampled some fresh coconut that a local man was offering. I never knew a coconut had jelly inside…but he cracked one open and with a spoon scooped a little out for us to try…sure enough, it was light and almost custard like. You learn something new every day….that’s a good thing!

We stopped at one of those rum stores to get some great pictures. The little wooden stores are colorful and the locals are very friendly. Just as we were trying to catch a few pictures of some local vendors at the beach across the street, the clouds opened up and we got drenched...huge raindrops that you could not dodge. Some people were comically trying to seek shelter under a palm tree, which offered no protection at all since the fronds are about 30 feet above your head. It lasted about five minutes and then cleared up, but was enough to drench most of us…except the ones who were sampling all the rum inside the store, they were “high and dry”.

One little piece of advice...in the Caribbean it is best to always ask permission before taking someone’s picture. Some of the islanders think you are stealing their spirit if you take their picture and get upset. I found this out years ago, so just remember that little tip to always ask first should you ever have the wonderful opportunity to be taking pictures in this part of the world and you won’t have any problems!
Stay tuned for our next stop--See you in St.Lucia !!!

Dave Berry shares his Photography Tips at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com).

Inspirational Sunday

Have a High Appreciation for Life

I’m going to continue sharing excerpts from John C. Maxwell’s book, Today Matters because when we wake up in the morning, God has blessed us with a brand new day and how we handle His gift really does matter.

Have you ever known people who complain about everything? Their soup’s too hot. Their bed’s too cold. Their vacation’s too short. Their pay’s too low. (There are a lot of people today who would be grateful to just have a job at any pay level.) Such people simply don’t appreciate life no matter how good it gets.

John Maxwell tells the story of a friend who emailed him the story of a very “together” and independent ninety-two-year-old lady who was moving into a nursing home. Since she was legally blind and her husband of seventy years had passed away, the move was her only option. She waited in the lobby of the facility for a long time before finally being told that her room was ready. As she was escorted down the corridor, her attendant started describing the room, down to the curtains hung on the windows.

“I love it,” the elerly lady enthused.

“But we’re not even to the room yet. Just wait,” the attendant responded.

“That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged. It’s how I arrange my mind.”

Appreciation isn’t a matter of taste or sophistication. It’s a matter of perspective. John Wooden said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” The place to start is with the little things. If you can learn to appreciate them and be grateful for them, you’ll appreciate the big things as well as everything in between.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

- John Wooden

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors 

He can be reached at bill@cs4seniors.com

Saturdays With Doctor Roffman

Each Saturday, Dr. Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

Jeannie visited me in the office last week. For years, she had been a successful realtor. With the recent economic downturn, we all know what has happened to the housing market.

To her great dismay, Jeannie was essentially forced out of her company; she was simply not selling enough homes to earn a living. She decided to return to her very first occupation - that of a teacher. Of all things, she was now teaching middle school science! To her delight and surprise, she was incredibly content in her new role, at one point actually becoming emotional as she recounted to me the impact she was having on her students and taking great joy in opening up a whole world to some of them.

Of course, Jeannie’s income is not close to what it had been in her peak years of selling homes, but between her salary and that of her husband, her family certainly had enough to live on.
Fulfillment in life and impacting others in a positive way is not necessarily related to one’s income. Indeed, we can all make a positive impact on our surroundings whatever our line of work. In fact, we can make this impact even if we don’t work – but rather in our interactions with others through volunteer work, friendships, and even in our simple day-to-day relationships.

We read in the Talmud, “Who is wealthy? The person who is satisfied with what they have.” Jeannie embodies this message.

In his book, God in Search of Man, Abraham Joshua Heschel writes, “If the world is only power to us and we are all absorbed in a gold rush, then the only god we may come to know is the golden calf.”

Care to respond with anecdotes and activities that have brought you fulfillment? Send them to me at drroffman@cs4seniors.com. I will print some responses in a future blog entry.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at www.copingwithadversity.com. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

Look out! I have a computer, and I know how to use it! Well most of the time anyway. But don’t ever think that people who know how to use computers never have problems with them, because they do. That goes for the software resident on the computer itself, and websites on the Internet. There are always mysteries in cyberspace and I’m sure there always will be.

If you’re just beginning to use your computer and explore the Internet, be patient – with the computer and with yourself. Not all those funny little messages appear because of something YOU don’t know. We all get them. The dilemma is, how do you deal with them?

First, be sure your computer is protected by a firewall. To learn what a firewall is and why you need one, go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/firewall/faq.mspx

Click on each question and the answer appears. You’ll see that you can also find out if your computer already has a firewall installed.

Next, you must have anti-virus protection. Antivirus software is a computer program that detects, prevents, and takes action to disarm or remove malicious software programs, such as viruses and worms. You can help protect your computer against viruses by using antivirus software.

Computer viruses are software programs that are deliberately designed to interfere with computer operation, record, corrupt, or delete data, or spread themselves to other computers and throughout the Internet. You don’t have to go to the store to buy these programs. You can download them from the Internet once you have chosen the right program for your computer.

To help prevent the most current viruses and spyware, you must update your antivirus software regularly. You can set up most types of antivirus software to update and scan your computer automatically.

There are many well-known anti-virus software packages available, usually for a pretty reasonable annual fee. Two of the best known are Norton® and McAfee®. There are also a few free anti-virus programs available. Do some research on Google and by talking to other computer savvy friends about which one is the best for you.

And, of course, identity theft is also a big concern. Here are links to some good articles from Microsoft about anti theft computer protection:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/honeycutt_spyware.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/default.mspx

Just remember, you should never go to the Internet without first making sure your computer is protected with both a firewall and anti-virus protection. Promise!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER:

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years…

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

So, what is it about lifelong learning keep that keeps our minds, bodies and spirits active and alert? Let’s take a look.

Our Minds

Research during the 1990’s, a decade of pioneering brain research, proved that a stimulated mind promotes a healthy brain. The studies were conducted at many well-known university research facilities, and showed that keeping brains stimulated helps retain mental alertness as people age.

The brain’s physical anatomy actually responds to enriching mental activities. Scientists have discovered that the brain, even an aging brain, can grow new connections and pathways when challenged and stimulated.

These studies point out the value of incorporating lifelong learning into our later lives. Albert Einstein, Claude Monet, Arturo Toscanini, Hume Cronyn and Pablo Casals, as well as many others, were all productive and vibrant well into old age. Every day that they used their skills and talents to produce great works, they were learning.

In the words of Dr. Paul Nussbaum, Director of the Aging Research and Education Center in Pittsburgh, PA, “…every time your heart beats, 25% of that blood goes right to the brain. But while exercise is critical, it may be education that is more important. In the 21st century, education and information may become for the brain what exercise is for the heart.” Just like the human heart, our brains need to be nurtured through the health club known as lifelong learning.

Our Bodies

Along with keeping our minds alert and stimulated as we age, everyone knows the importance of keeping our bodies active. Lifelong learning programs offer ways to incorporate activity into our daily lives. For instance, spirituality, meditation, stress reduction, yoga, exercise of all types, walking clubs, and outdoor programs are but a few of the many opportunities available.

If learning through educational travel sounds more appealing, then be prepared to actively explore new and different places, not just ride from place to place on a bus. Later-life learners who travel are out and about, taking part in spirited discussions, talking with the locals, and examining unique places up close and personal.

Lifelong learning through work within the community is yet another way of staying active, interacting with society, and keeping connected to life. Dedicated volunteers are not watching life pass them by through their living room windows. They are actively making a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. So, learning later is not only a health club for our minds, but for our bodies, as well. Regardless of your level of involvement, later-life learning promotes necessary physical activity which is especially valuable as we age.

Our Spirits

Finally, learning in later life engages our spirits. It provides the needed social interaction that is often lacking as we age. Older adults join lifelong learning programs as much for the social aspects as for the learning. Outdoor programs, field trips, luncheons, parties, and travel far and near, give mature adults the opportunity to make new friends, engage in stimulating give-and-take discussions, and share in life’s ups and downs with like-minded people. Life gets a little overwhelming at times. How better to get through these challenges than by sharing them with other later-life learners?

Making learning part of our later years also fosters a sense of personal empowerment and increased self-esteem. It ensures continued growth and intellectual stimulation, leading to a more fulfilling, enjoyable and enriched lifestyle. So, learning later is a health club for our spirits as well.

Those who participate in more formal programs of later-life learning discover their intellectual, social, spiritual and physical horizons have expanded far beyond any previous expectations.

David, a later-life learner from New York, concurs. “We have a fantastic program for personal discovery,” he says. “We base everything on the belief that our capacity to learn and grow does not decrease as our years increase. In fact, through learning and the adventures we embark on, we actually embrace self-fulfillment.” His statement really says it all!

Continuing to learn after age 50 is vitally important. It helps develop our natural abilities, immerses us in the wonders of life, stimulates our natural curiosity about the world, increases our wisdom, enables us to use our experiences to make the world a better place, and helps us face the inevitable changes of society.

Without a doubt, learning later is truly a health club for our minds, bodies and spirits. Using this health club every day ensures that our lives will be richer, more fulfilled and far more satisfying.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…
“Ah, nothing is too late,
Till the tired heart shall cease to palpitate.
Cato learned Greek at eighty; Sophocles
Wrote his grand Oedipus, and Simonides
Bore off the prize of verse from his compeers
When each had numbered more than fourscore years.”
…Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Aging In Place Wednesday

Each Wednesday, Laurie Orlov, tech industry veteran, writer, speaker, elder care advocate and Faculty Advisor for the Aging in Place Technology Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing her insightful research on how seniors can safely and successfully live independent lives in the home of their choice.

National Institute on Aging

Having been involved in research projects most of my adult life, I appreciate and value all the resources on aging that are available to us at the click of our finger. Valuable information is out there, we just have to know where to look for it. One resource you may want to explore is the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life.

In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people. Subsequent amendments to this legislation designated the NIA as the primary Federal agency on Alzheimer’s disease research.

Mission

NIA’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research, and specifically, to:

Support and conduct high-quality research on:
Aging processes
Age-related diseases
Special problems and needs of the aged
Train and develop highly skilled research scientists from all population groups
Develop and maintain state-of-the-art resources to accelerate research progress
Disseminate information and communicate with the public and interested groups on health and research advances and on new directions for research.

Take a look at all the info they have to offer. Just click on the link below.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/

Tuesdays Treasures

Since it is my privilege to teach Photoshop to Boomers and Seniors at a junior college in Dallas, I often get to see unique images. This restoration by Frank Fandrick is one of them. He did a great job of restoring lost detail in this picture of Rice’s Sudden Service Station, often rebuilding entire sections as well as enhancing the interesting text on the sides and pillars of the station.

He said, "This is the image of the father of a friend from church, Mr. Rice. The picture was taken in 1924 and is a gas station in Idabel, Oklahoma.

The town had been named Pernell, but then was renamed Idabel after the two daughters (Ida and Belle) of the man given the task of renaming the town. It has 7,000 people now, but was smaller then. Idabel now has the title of Dogwood Capital of Oklahoma.

The gas station was a 24 hour place, something not too common in those days. The original picture was badly washed out.

With some cropping and use of Photoshop Elements lighting tools, and cloning, some interesting things show up.

The text ‘I Know The Road’ written vertically on the side of one of the posts was important because there were not many roadmaps around and the hope was that when the driver stopped to get directions they would buy some gas (see the two pumps) or oil, or even Coca Cola, as one of the signs show. There are various tires hanging around and you can see the lines for what were water or air pumps. They don't make them like that anymore."

Many thanks to Frank for sharing this story and picture with us. Antique images present a unique view of our past and should be protected and restored whenever possible. These pictures help spur our interest in history, not only of the profound events of our past, but every day events in life as well.

Enjoy!

Mimi

http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Photo Tips Monday

Dave Berry, Director of the Photography Department at Computer School for Seniors will be sharing his insightful Photo Tips with you every Monday for Capture the Moment Mondays.

Dave & Patti's Carribean Cruise--Part 1

Patti and I went on a Cruise to the Southern Caribbean just a few weeks ago. I am going to do a blog post each week covering each of our stops on the cruise, so here is week #1…Puerto Rico. In the coming weeks I will cover Barbados, St. Lucia, Antiqua, Tortola and St. Thomas.

We flew into San Juan, Puerto Rico a day ahead of the ship’s departure. We always do this to have a day to relax and unwind before boarding the ship. Travel days can really stress and tire you out, plus the weather in Dallas is so unpredictable, we have found it just makes trips start off better by leaving here a day ahead of time.

Puerto Rico is a beautiful island with much to enjoy and photograph….

There are historical sites like El Morro Fort with 18 foot thick walls rising 140 feet from the sea(completed in 1589) which was used to defend San Juan’s harbor against pirates. It is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks and ramps.  

Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets with beautiful window boxes filled with colorful flowers, magnificent cathedrals and fountains and narrow streets, are a photographers paradise. You never run out of things to capture with your lens. There are casinos and historic hotels alongside new modern resorts, there is a rainforest too and if you enjoy tours, the Bacardi Rum Factory is here (they produce 100,000 gallons daily).

 If you listen carefully in the early evening hours, you may hear the sound of the tiny coqui frog. It is a very popular creature throughout the island and enlivens the evenings with its timid ko-kee sound from which it get its name. The coquies begin to sing when the sun goes down at dusk, singing all night long until dawn.

The island sells many items depicting this popular little frog and if you look closely you may get to see one. We were fortunate as there were some in the bushes around the hotel swimming pool making their music.

We stayed at a hotel right on the beach, our room faced the ocean and we had a balcony on the 16th floor looking straight out to the beautiful blue water. We took a walk along the beach, it was a gorgeous day and the light was perfect for me and my cameras. Sometimes you get so focused on catching that perfect shot, that you forget you are standing at the oceans edge and a little wave catches you by surprise! Luckily I had shorts on! We happened upon a couple that had just gotten married and they were taking their wedding pictures on the beach, quite a picturesque spot too, except the brides dress and the grooms shoes and pants were getting pretty wet! I caught some gorgeous shots of them standing on the rocks surrounded by the swirling waves.

We had dinner that evening in a great Italian restaurant and retired early, getting lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves…I could get used to this!

Sunday morning came and we boarded our ship, the beautiful Caribbean Princess. We will soon arrive at our first port, Barbados. So stay tuned for our next stop--See you in Barbados !!!

Dave Berry shares his Photography Tips at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com).

Inspirational Sunday

Bill Witcher, co-founder of Computer School for Seniors will be sharing words of encouragement, inspiration and hope with you each Sunday.

Are You a “Purifier”?

The Sunday before Easter, I shared some timely information about “attitude” from John C. Maxwell’s book “Today Matters”. I say timely because right now with so much turmoil going on around us – record unemployment, foreclosures, business failures, general unrest – our ability to maintain a positive attitude is being assulted.

During this time of upheaval, as senior citizens we can either choose to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Our attitude can set a positive tone. We can set an optimistic example. A good attitude can be contagious. Our kids, grandkids and the people around us need for us to be “purifiers” instead of “polluters.” Let me explain what I mean by that.

Fred Smith, one of John Maxwell’s mentors, said there are two kinds of people in any organization (or life): polluters and purifiers. Polluters are like smokestacks, belching out dirty smoke all the time. They hate clear skies, and no matter how good it gets, they can find a way to make it gloomy. When the people around them “breathe” their toxins, they feel sicker and sicker.

Purifiers, on the other hand, make everything around them better. It doesn’t matter what kind of rotten atmosphere they encounter. The take in the toxic words of polluters just as everyone else does, but they filter the words before passing them on. What goes in may be gloomy and negative, but when it comes back out, it’s fresh and clear. A breath of fresh air.

When you spend time with others, do they walk away feeling better or worse? Do you clear the air, giving them a fresh perspective and positive encouragement? Or do they go away feeling gloomy? Watch how people respond to you, and you’ll know which kind of person you are.

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors 

He can be reached at bill@cs4seniors.com 

Saturdays With Doctor Roffman

Each Saturday, Joel Roffman, MD, a prominent Dallas cardiologist and author will share meaningful experiences he has had with patients who are dealing with a variety of physical and emotional issues. You will find the manner in which they deal with life’s problems to be practical, inspirational and uplifting.

Mr. T. - A Different Perspective

Mr. T. is a fit 84-year-old man – still quite active – whom I saw in the office last week to check on his heart rhythm. “Look at all these medicines I’m taking,” he complained. “I feel like a drug store!”

Indeed, the man had nine different prescription medications for various ailments.

“Let’s see,” I said, as I sorted through his bag of medicine containers. “This one is for that awful stomach ulcer you were diagnosed with six years ago. You’ve had no problem with the ulcer since then. You know, a generation ago, people often needed part of their stomach removed for recurrent bleeding from these ulcers. We’re fortunate to have a medicine like this one.”

Methodically, I went through Mr. T’s medicine bottles. There were two for his blood pressure. They have been effective, and significantly reduced Mr. T’s risk for stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. There were two for his diabetes, which have lowered his risk for heart and kidney disease as well as preventing the severe circulatory problems that a generation ago resulted in amputation of the foot or leg in many people.

We discussed how uncommon it would have been for, say, his grandparents to live and be active well into their 80’s, as Mr. T. has been. I concluded that we should be grateful rather than resentful that we have learned so much and have developed effective medications for so many of the conditions that might have been lethal 30 or 40 years ago.

In Genesis, God tells us to master the earthly domain (Ch. 1: 26-28). Modern medicine’s marvels are one way in which we are fulfilling God’s commandment. Taking care of ourselves as best we can and treating the body as sacred – as God’s creation and possession – is another. I hope I gave Mr. T. a different perspective on the medicines he takes.

Dr. Joel Roffman has spoken to many church, synagogue and support groups. His book, Coping with Adversity: Judaism’s response to illness and other life struggles is enjoyable, uplifting and informative. It is meant for people of all faiths and can be viewed at http://www.copingwithadversity.com/. It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

Dr. Roffman is also the Health and Fitness Center Faculty Advisor on the Computer School for Seniors campus. He can be reached at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

Internet Magic Friday

Jane Booras is the Editor of numerous newsletters including our Campus Times. She will be sharing how you can find whatever you need - photos, clipart, information, maps, phone numbers - on the Internet.

I’m sitting here at the computer, twitchy fingers poised over the keys, thinking, “If I didn’t have a computer, what would I be doing right now?” Hmmmmmm.

Well, what would my life be like with no computer (or no computer skills)?

Of course, I’d still “boot up” every morning. Swing my legs over the side of the bed and be thankful to God that when my feet hit the floor I can stand, walk and make it to the bathroom.

After a nice cup of tea, I’d probably think about exercising. Mind you, I do this anyway on my “days off.” But I’d probably do it more often. Maybe even walk outside on nice days or go the YMCA and take advantage of their “Silver Sneakers®” free exercise classes for seniors.

After exercising, I’d shower and put on a little makeup (about 10:30, vanity kicks in). Then, suppose I had no appointments (doctor, manicure, hair, pedicure, massage, lunch etc.)? Seems my options would be to clean house, do a little patio gardening, call a friend for lunch or launch one of those “projects” I’ve been vowing to do for years. Probably get out the “family pictures” box from the closet and start to organize them to put into scrapbooks for the kids and grandkids, or clean out my sock drawer.

Then I’d have some lunch. But then what? Back to the pictures? Maybe. At some point, I would definitely volunteer to do something meaningful with my life. I could volunteer to answer the phone at church. They have an old-fashioned phone system that is easy to operate and the Sunday School coordinator always has little craft tasks to do for the kids while I wait for phone calls. I’ve often thought I’d like to volunteer at the Animal Shelter. Don’t care much for dogs, but I’d love to feed and cuddle the cats and kittens there that don’t have homes. They look so forlorn in those cages. Oh, right, the cages. Part of the job is to clean them. It goes with the territory. Ugh.

But now I’m wondering how the kids are doing and what’s going on with some of my friends. To find out, I’d use the telephone and call them (probably getting voice mail in the bargain). As my husband says, “No news is no news.” Maybe I should actually sit down with pen and paper and write a letter!

Of course there’s always washing, shopping, and errands. Since I’ve been thinking of what we’re going to have for dinner since I swung my legs over the side of the bed this morning, I might as well think about doing some preparation.

I wonder what’s on TV tonight? If there’s nothing good on the tube, Alex and I will probably play Rummy. We have a perpetual card game going to see who wins the most games every year. Right now, he’s a year ahead. While we play Rummy, we listen to Greek music on tapes. It’s motivating.

Eeee Gad. I’m driving myself nuts! I need a computer! I need the Internet! I need email! I need Facebook!

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)

Lifelong Learning Thursday

Nancy Merz Nordstrom, author of Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret of Making the Most of Your After 50 Years will share the benefits of Lifelong Learning on Thursdays.

LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER: 

The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years.

Lifelong Learning in Your Later Years… 

A Health Club for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Imagine the excitement of exploring the historical and cultural treasures of the Tuscan countryside, the thrill of taking part in a lively discussion about the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, or the satisfaction that comes from helping a reluctant student discover the value of education. There’s no doubt such experiences would spice up your life. The good news is all this can be yours by indulging in later-life learning.

Thanks to a vast array of opportunities available in the lifelong learning world today, we now have the chance to make our later years far more exciting than we ever dreamed possible. Incorporating lifelong learning into our After-50 years means our minds will be more stimulated, our bodies more active, and our spirits more fulfilled.

A healthy Mind/Body/Spirit connection is critical to getting the most out of life at any age. As we age, however, this connection becomes even more important. Lifelong learning, as older adults are discovering, can help strengthen that connection.

There are many different ways, both formal and informal, to engage in later-life learning. Reading a newspaper, a good book, or working crossword puzzles are all considered informal ways of learning. So, in many ways, just about everyone is, to some degree, a lifelong learner.

A study conducted for AARP by Roper Starch Worldwide, Inc. in 1999 bears this out. It showed that over 90% of surveyed adults age 50 and over do plan to continue learning as they age. When asked why, participants said they wanted to keep up with what’s going on in the world. They also wanted to continue their personal and spiritual growth, and have fun by learning something new.

Although informal lifelong learning takes place regularly, we will be focusing in these blogs on some of the more structured or formal ways to reap the numerous benefits of later-life learning.

For example, in coming weeks we will discuss how you can take non-credit classes on almost any topic at local lifelong learning programs, and on the Internet. Then we’ll talk about learning as you explore the world through educational travel programs. Finally, we will examine how giving back to your community (meaningful civic service) by using your skills and experiences can help enrich, not only your own life, but the lives of others. Later-life learning, as you will see, is really all about ways to keep your mind, body and spirit stimulated, challenged and fully engaged in your After-50 years. We’ve got a lot of exciting topics to discuss.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Benjamin Franklin said, “The doors of wisdom are never shut.” It doesn’t make any difference if we are 20, 50, 80 or older. Quite simply, we are never too old to learn something new, and in so doing, we keep ourselves fully engaged and connected to society. Now that’s an exciting thought!

For more information on Learning Later, Living Greater visit www.learninglater.com

You can purchase Learning Later, Living Greater at www.amazon.com

Till Next Time…

Nancy Merz Nordstrom is Director of the Lifelong Learning Department at Computer School for Seniors (www.cs4seniors.com)