Saturday's with Dr. 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.

“I Want to Die”

The comment surprised me, and actually made me a bit angry. The 84-year-old Mr. M. certainly had a number of medical issues that required constant vigilance and treatment, but it wasn’t as though he was suffering from intractable pain due to a progressive illness. He drove to the appointment in my office and was accompanied by his wife, so he wasn’t bed-bound and alone.

I must confess, I was not too kind on that morning. I told him that if his wish was to die, he came to the wrong place. It was my job to enhance his health and prolong his life, not to listen while he openly wished for just the opposite. When he told me how he lived quite long enough, I pointed to his wife and asked, “And what about her? Do you not care that if you die, your wife will be alone?”

When he told me that it was God’s will that he should die very soon, I told him not to pretend to know god’s will. That was not within his knowledge or grasp. “God will decide when you have lived long enough,” I told him. God has given us medicine and caregivers in order to make us healthy and whole. Who are we to reject all of that? In the Bible, God tells us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). “So let’s not play God here, deciding for ourselves that God wants us to reject the blessings and gifts that have been bestowed to us.” I added that once he died, he will be dead for a very long time, but only while he is alive does he have the opportunity to be God’s helper here on earth. Why be in a hurry to have that end?

I spend much of my day helping people cope emotionally with their illnesses, often diagnosing and treating depression. This encounter presented a patient who did not seem depressed to me, but rather one who was overwhelmed by all that life and illness required of him, and who (hopefully) will respond to a reality check and a counterargument to his point of view.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.
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.

Let’s Play Dress-up

Whenever you create a document (such as in MS Word, Publisher or PowerPoint) whether it’s a letter, invitation, business presentation or greeting card, there are some points you want to highlight, or stress. You want to be sure a certain point gets the attention of the reader.

There are a number of ways to do this. One is using bold face type. Another is using italics. The third most (and all too) common is underlining. Then, of course, there are exclamation points!!!!!!! These attributes are all readily available on the tool bar at the top of the screen and too many people overuse them to the point of delirium! I believe in using a MINIMUM (capital letters, another form of emphasis) of these methods and dressing up the document in other ways.

One such way to dress up your documents is using Clip Art or photographs.

As you can tell from past posts, I love Clip Art. I believe it should be used to punctuate the text. That way, when you say something in the text and then add a picture or Clip Art, readers can both read the word and see the image – making it easier to anchor the thought in their minds.

Clip Art is also readily available. For instance, point your mouse at “Insert” on the tool bar at the top of your screen (in MS Word, Publisher or PowerPoint), and select “Clip Art.” Then in the “Search for” box, type in a key word (like “flower,” “dog,” etc.) or concept (like “sympathy,” “happy,” etc.) and lots of little pictures and graphics appear. All are in the public domain and available for use without copyright issues.

First, make sure that the two boxes under the “search for” box are set to (in the “search in” box) “everywhere” and (and in the “results should be” box) “all media types.” To select these options, just click on the arrows to the right to get the drop-down menu.

There are very few Clip Art images actually stored on your computer. Most come directly from the Microsoft web site on the Internet. So to get the best selection, make sure your Internet connection is active. There are thousands of Clip Art selections in every category. Just keep typing key words in the “search for” box, and see all the options.

Suppose you want to emphasize or illustrate teamwork in a business presentation. Go to Clip Art and search for “teamwork.” You have many choices. In MS Publisher or PowerPoint, you can simply click on the Clip Art you select, or drag it over to your document.

MS Word is more finiky about graphics. But with a little experimenting, you can figure it out. Recently, I have been struggling with Office 2007 with Vista after having used Office 2003 with Windows XP for many years, so I’m learning right along with you.

Once the Clip Art is in place on your page, you can left click to select or “highlight” the graphic, and drag it into your selected position on the page (at least in MS Publisher and PowerPoint). It’s harder to move graphics in MS Word, but it’s do-able. You can also resize Clip Art by going to the CORNER of the graphic and dragging that corner in or out (to make the graphic larger or smaller). If you grab and move one of the side “bullets” on the highlighted graphic, that will distort it. Live and learn.

To insert one of your own photographs into a document, go to the tool bar in your Word, Publisher or PowerPoint document and click on “Insert” and select “picture from a file.” You then get a “browse” prompt. Simply go to your “My Pictures” file (or whatever file the picture is in), highlight it and click Insert. The picture goes right into the document and you can resize it the same way you do Clip Art – from the corner, remember?

There are other places to find pictures and graphics on the Internet. More on those later.

So what do you say, let’s play dress-up (your documents, that is.)

Jane Booras is Editor of the Campus Times Newsletter for Computer School for Seniors (http://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!

As promised last week, here are some ideas for how to challenge your mind and keep it sharp and vigorous.

Act like a kid again…
Remember all the board games you used to play? Dust them off. They served a purpose then, and they can do so again.

Scrabble – Parcheesi – Monopoly – Truth or Consequences – Go to the Head of the Class – Risk – Trivial Pursuit – Password – Checkers – Pictionary- Stratego – Life – Jeopardy – Game of Life…And the list goes on.

Sudoku, a logic-based number placement puzzle, is the latest craze and a real challenge for your mind.
• Don’t forget crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
• Play bridge instead of bingo.
• Find that deck of cards you once had, and resurrect old card games.
• Polish up your chess game.
• Like the casinos? Play black jack instead of the slot machines.

Have a game night with friends on a regular basis. Social interaction and mental stimulation; two necessary life ingredients!

Get physical…
• Dance, walk, bike, hike, swim.
• Join a fitness group.
• Explore Tai Chi and other similar activities.
• Use your non-dominant hand to do everyday tasks.
• Take different routes to your destination.

Go online…
• The Internet is a gold-mine of stimulating games and brain exercises.
• Join an online discussion board. You will find hundreds of different topics to discuss with others.
• Take free online courses from colleges and universities.

Learn, learn, learn…
• Read books on topics that cause you to think.
• Join a book club.
• Learn a new word or fact every day.
• Join a choral group, or learn a new song and sing by yourself.
• Learn to play a musical instrument, a piano or guitar for instance.
• Join a lifelong learning program.
• Give some of your time to meaningful community service.
• Travel to learn, not just for fun.
• Polish your math. Add or subtract numbers in your head.
• Listen to audio books or language tapes while you drive.

About TV…
• Try to limit TV to those few shows that cause you to think.
• Check out the Discovery, History, and PBS channels.
• Spend one day a week “media free.” Get to know YOU.

Choices…
• Life is all about choices. Keep making choices.
• Find things to do that require making choices and decisions.
• Choose to eat well balanced meals most of the time.
• Stay informed about what’s going on around you.
• Write or email your elected representatives.
• Attend public meetings in the community.
• Join the Friends of the Public Library.
• Don’t let your brain go on automatic pilot.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The perfect goal to strive for each and every day!

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)

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.

Hidden Treasure

Valerie Jagiello has been a student of mine for over a year, and in that time we have become friends. She has been on our blog before (you can see her story on the blog post for April 27th) I have always enjoyed her work.

A friend of hers from New York sent her this picture:

She cropped it into several images which are wonderful when they are printed and framed. She says,

“Try to really look at your photos and ‘see’ the little pieces of composition or art that make up the complete photo. You can look at art and/or a photo and know immediately what is possible. Sometimes a photo can be really bad (in choice of subject matter, lighting, or color) yet it can have one component that by itself is fantastic. You have to train your eye to look through the extraneous clutter and find the buried treasure.

This is the top fourth of the photo with the fence, trees, dried grasses added in the left hand corner. I will leave the color or non color look...as the muted shades are too powerful to change.

I tried some filters and have decided this piece will stand as it is. I could not improve the feeling or look of this photographic statement (masterpiece)!!!“

“When working with a LARGE sized picture you can really go in for the smallest detail...like the weeds. It could make a great note card, mouse pad, etc.”

“I didn’t like this image with the door in it (see first picture). In its cloned state the photo stands alone and has a nice quality. The door was hiding a lovely sensitive work.”

“This is what I mean about seeing what can be done with something when the elements are there.

You can turn a good 'regular photo' into a knock out with some work and a little time."

Thanks so much for sharing, Valerie!

Mimi

Capture the Moment 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.

St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands--Welcome Aboard

Can you believe we are on our last stop of the cruise already? We won’t let that sad reality affect the beautiful day that is just waiting for us ashore here in St. Thomas!

The Virgin Islands have lured more foreign nations over the centuries than any other territory in history. Settlements date back to 1500BC and there is evidence that people lived here even 1000 years earlier than that. The capital, Charlotte Amalie, today is a haven for shoppers but once was a pirate sanctuary. During WWI the United States feared that the perfect port area of St. Thomas might become a dangerous base for German forces. So, the United States bought the Virgin Islands for $25 million in gold! St. Thomas eventually became a tourist mecca and more than 1.7 million cruise ship guests visited here in 2008 alone to enjoy the duty free shopping, pristine beaches and friendly locals.

St. Thomas is just 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island is slightly smaller than Tortola with only 32 square miles of beautiful tropical paradise, but it has almost three times the population! We have been here many times, it seems like every cruise ship stops at St. Thomas at one point or another on their itinerary. We have been in port when there are 6 or 7 ships docked in the harbor and it can get very crowded in the downtown shopping area, with taxis and tourists. Today, the Caribbean Princess is one of only two ships docked…so a lucky day for us!

There is a beautiful tall masted sailing ship docked right across the channel from us. Both ships arrived about the same time so their passengers are disembarking too. There are many tours available for all kinds of activities...such as snorkeling, scuba diving, the famous “booze cruise” or “party boat”(you better be able to handle your rum for that one), tours to Blackbeard’s Castle, tours to Magen’s Bay Beach – voted one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic, tours to the Paradise Point Tramway that will take you over 700 feet above the Charlotte Amalie harbor for breathtaking views, various island tours or just grab an openair taxibus for the short trip to town for some duty free shopping…from fine linens to jewelry to cameras to bottles of whatever alcohol suits your fancy. There are many historic sights and photographic gems you can walk to right in the downtown area, even the alleys can be an interesting and great photograph! Just be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and most important of course…your camera!

You can get married or have your vows renewed right on the beach if that has been one of your romantic fantasies, as you can at so many of the islands here in the Caribbean, thru one of the beautiful hotels on the islands. The beautiful beaches seem endless with crystal clear water teeming with tropical fish and there are colorful flowers and lush greenery all over the island. St.Thomas is a wonderland - whether you are a beach bum or a shopaholic or a camera addict, there is something for every kind of vacationer here.

I hope you have enjoyed coming along on the cruise with Patti and I, and that you have learned a little about all of the Caribbean islands that we visited. These pictures that I have shared with you from the islands are just the tip of the iceberg as they say (oh…but that is another cruise!)

Be sure to bring your camera along whenever you travel. Through your pictures you can relive the excitement and beauty of your journeys for many years to come!

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.


Happy Memorial Day

Remember The Fallen

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address lasted only two minutes, and yet it has been called the "most enduring speech in American history." Memorial Day (first named Decoration Day), was established just after the Civil War to remember the war dead. The Gettysburg Address is often repeated even today at Memorial Day ceremonies all over the United States of America.

The Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the prop0osition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate...we can not consecrate...we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government: of the people, by the peo0ple, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors (http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturday's with Dr. 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.

A Ripple in the Pond

I’m sure Joel Trachtenberg didn’t know me. He was the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Boston University when I entered the school as a freshman in 1969. My grandfather picked up Dean Trachtenberg in his taxicab for a ride to the airport. My grandfather was quite proud of me, as I had just started college in a combined undergraduate/medical program that would graduate me from medical school in six years instead of the usual eight.

Bragging about me, Morris Roffman of course mentioned my name. “Oh yes,” Dr. Trachtenberg responded. “What a fine young man. You should be very proud.” Here was Dr. Trachtenberg humoring an old and very proud grandfather and making him so happy that he told the story for years afterwards.

If our mission on earth is to be God’s partner in making the world happier and better, Dean Trachtenberg certainly did his part that day. Granted, this was a small act that he probably quickly forgot about, but it made a very measurable difference to at least one person – my grandfather. And here I am almost 40 years later, remembering Dean Trachtenberg’s kind act.
The thirteenth century Jewish philosopher Maimonides teaches that one act can transform a life and change the world. The lesson for us all is to remember that the ripple we create by tossing a pebble of kindness into the pond of life will spread outwards for a very long time.
Please share with me random acts of kindness that involve you – either something done in your behalf or something that you have done for someone else. Such stories are a treat for me to read.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com. Dr. Roffman can also be found at www.cs4seniors.com

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

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.

A Day of Beauty

It’s a picture-perfect sunny day in North Texas and it’s my day off! I have a busy schedule - a day of beauty! I don’t have time to exercise, because I have an early (10:00 am) doctor’s appointment.


So I start with a wonderful bowl of cereal with blueberries on it, and a cup of tea. Then, of course I go right to the computer to read and return email.

After a long hot shower, and 20 minutes or so in front of my makeup mirror, dressing, etc., I hop into the car to go to the doctor’s office.


Had a cyst removed from my nose last week, and am having the stitches removed today. The nurse snips the stitches and we both admire the doctor’s work. No sign of the doctor. This only takes a few minutes, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. This is my first step to looking pretty today—no more band aid on my nose!


After a light lunch at home, my day of beauty really begins. First to the hairdresser for color and a haircut. Then a pedicure for “happy toes.” On to the nail salon for an acrylic manicure! Whew. I am exhausted from all this running around.

Suddenly the jeweler calls my cell phone to tell me that a ring I am having resized (it wouldn’t go over my arthritic knuckles anymore) is ready for pickup! How appropriate for this particular day. So I stop by and collect it on my way home. What a great chance to add bling to my day of beauty.


The only reasonable thing to do now is to ask my husband to take me out to dinner. After all, I went to all this trouble and spent all this money to look beautiful, and I have the stitches out of my nose! I want to celebrate. I want to be seen!


So I’d like to say we end the day with a casual, romantic meal on a little lake watching the ducks and planning our upcoming holiday weekend. But that’s not the way the story ends...

My dear husband reminds me that tonight is the season finale of Ugly Betty, and we don’t have time to go out to dinner if we want to see it. So, we have a quick dinner at home and then two hours in front of the TV. Ho, hum. It’s bedtime.

Ugly Betty. Pretty Jane.

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!

Last week we discussed the social aspects of lifelong learning. This week we’ll discuss how it benefits your Mind.

Consider this: One of the biggest revelations to come out of the 1990s (a decade of pioneering brain research) was that the human brain undergoes significant physiological change when exposed to new learning and new experiences.

Research undertaken at many large universities is now showing that keeping our brains stimulated through later-life learning and other activities will dramatically help retain mental alertness as we age. In other words, the brain’s physical anatomy actually responds to these enriching activities and is changed for the better.

No, you won’t suddenly grow a big head, so don’t throw out all of your old hats. What scientists have discovered is that the brain can grow new connections. Think of it this way: All that old wiring inside your head might lose some of its insulation over the years if you do nothing. But by engaging in lifelong learning, you not only preserve that older wiring with better insulation, but you also grow new cells and pathways, thereby enhancing your response times, thought processes, and reflexes. And the electrical upgrade isn’t even expensive! Of all the findings during the congressionally-mandated Decade of the Brain, this startling new discovery appears to be the most important.

Scientists used to think that the number of neurons - those building blocks of nerve cells - were fixed and never changed. New evidence suggests otherwise. The number actually fluctuates throughout our lives, depending on our activity levels. Armed with this knowledge, we no longer have to worry as much about a gradual decrease in our mental acuity.

As long as we keep challenging our brain - those “little grey cells” as Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot was so fond of saying - it appears they will continue to grow and thrive. And the more complex the task or activity, the more synapses are firing in your brain. This leads to increased circulation in your head, and is incredibly beneficial. Scientists are also studying the possibility that this could help stave off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in some people predisposed to those illnesses.

Just like our hearts, our brains need to be nurtured. Lifelong learning is one very important way to ensure that care. Think of it as food for our minds.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Leonardo daVinci, a man ahead of his time, said, “Just as iron rusts from disuse, even so does inaction spoil the intellect.” Or, as we say today, “Use it or lose it.” It really is that simple. If you want your mind to stay sharp, you’ve got to avoid boring routine and embrace mental challenges. Next week, I’ll give you some ideas on how to do that.

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)

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.

Consumer Cellular
Has Cell Phones for Seniors

Last week we caught up with CEO of Consumer Cellular, John Marick, who talked about its now-nationwide service offering -- no contract service intended for the low-usage cell phone user. The firm went from being a small Northwest cell phone service reseller in the Northwest to becoming a national provider. Key to their offering:

• Exclusive wireless provider for AARP members. Following their success with the AAA automotive club business, in September, 2008, Consumer Cellular became a preferred provider for the AARP membership, giving them access to AARP's more than 40 million members in the 50+ age bracket. The offering included AARP discounts on service and accessories. Now, no surprise, 80% of the reseller's customers fall into that age range.
  
  
• No contract service, with emphasis on the service. CEO Marick is proud of the firm's service orientation, saying that the company's goal was to "make a product that people were satisfied with and happy". Their focus is on service -- and they are willing to be called. This would seem obvious in other industries -- but in the wireless business, with contract-based providers like Verizon and AT&T, users oddly are penalized with early termination charges.
  
  
• Ability to reset plans before the end of the month. Rates run from $9.50 per month for non-users who carry the phone for emergencies up to $57/month for 1600 minutes. Up until the end of the billing cycle, users can change plans if their usage goes over the estimated amount. Above the limits, the firm charges 10 cents/minute. If their usage goes way over, the customer service staff contacts them and encourages them to find another plan.
  
  
• Senior-friendly and hearing-aid compatible phones. Marick indicates that the Nokia and Motorola phones will be augmented by new models that are similar to their best-selling Nokia 6085, with bigger buttons and bigger screens. This includes making the hand-sets are hearing-aid compatible with good ring tones -- and also working with manufacturers to provide even more senior-friendly handsets in the future.
  
  
• Baby-boomer ready. "We are trying to balance the needs of the marketplace today, but also plan for the future" says Marick. This means thinking about phones that baby boomers will want that can support them as they age, perhaps incorporating touch screens, voice activation, and ease of use. On their radar, phones with additional services -- like content, e-mail, and other apps. Says Marick: "as baby boomers get into the 65+ category, people will not be afraid of technology -- they will want a product that will be useful to them as they age."

For more information, visit Laurie at http://www.ageinplacetech.com/ and at the Aging in Place Technology Department at http://www.cs4seniors.com/

Tuesdays 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.

EGRET TAKING OFF AT

CADDO LAKE

I am often privileged to have talented photographers join my Photoshop Elements classes at the college where I teach.

This image of an egret taking off at Caddo Lake, was taken by Tom Cheek, one of those photographers. I was delighted when he agreed to share the image, along with the interesting story of its creation, with us on our blog!

He tells us that, “Caddo Lake is the largest natural fresh water lake in the South. It covers 26,800 acres in Texas and Louisiana and includes the 13th Ramsar Wetland Site, which is considered a wetland of international importance. Caddo Lake contains a mature flooded bald cypress forest that supports a diversity of wildlife--some endangered or vulnerable--and contains indigenous fish that contribute to global biological diversity. The lake also provides a critical support to birds that migrate through the Central Flyway. Caddo Lake is a lake with a lot of history and a unique and mysterious beauty. Needless to say, this lake is a prime destination for nature photographers.

Last spring, a fellow photographer and I were taking a scenic tour of the lake on a crisp bright morning and had spotted a variety of birds and turtles. We turned into a portion of the lake known as Alligator Bayou, just off the Big Cypress Bayou watershed. We soon spotted three large white egrets about 100 yards away. We quickly turned off the outboard engine and used the quiet trolling motor to approach the birds. When we got within 25 to 30 yards of them, they looked like they were about to take off. Since I already set my zoom lens in the 400mm setting, I began taking pictures of one egret that was taking off. I probably took 8 or 9 shots of the egret before he disappeared behind a tree. I didn’t know until later that I had captured the egret with his wings in a type of an umbrella shape just as he was lifting off the water.”

Many thanks to Tom for sharing this marvelous image with us!

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.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands--Welcome Aboard

Patti and I are very excited about this next port, because it is one we have never had the opportunity to visit in all the years we have been cruising.

Tortola means “Land of Turtle Doves” and it is located just 60 miles east of Puerto Rico…which, you may remember, is where we began this journey five days ago! Although it is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is just 36 gorgeous square miles of powdery white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush green mountains and a sheltered yacht filled harbor. There are 21,000 people living in this island paradise, they all speak English and are very friendly.

Discovered in 1443 by Christopher Columbus, Tortola was the den of many infamous pirates over the years, and was ruled at one time or another by the Dutch, French or English. A severe drought, a disastrous hurricane and a cholera epidemic saw the island eventually abandoned and it reverted to a natural overgrowth of vegetation. Eventually, as the years and conditions passed, Tortola was again inhabited, its population grew and established banks, schools and hospitals. Since 1967 they have been largely self governing as part of the British Virgin Islands.

The Caribbean Princess docked in Road Town, which is the capital of Tortola. We hired a taxi, and headed off to see this beautiful island. As we were heading around the perimeter of the island, you can’t help but notice that just a very short distance across that inviting water you can see so many other islands of all sizes…St. John, Jost Van Dyke, Buck, Ginger, Dogs…just to name a few.

There are inter-island ferries that will take you to many of them. All you need is a ferry schedule and some time! Some of the islands are uninhabited and designated as National Parks, there are shipwrecks to dive, fish to snorkel around, coves to kayak through, and picturesque beaches to lounge on with one of those tropical drinks in your hand.

Our first stop was Long Bay –with pale blue water so inviting that you want to leap out of the car and run straight into the bay. Nearby in Cane Garden Bay was the historic Callwood Rum Distillery, where they still make and sell rum in the original boiler used two centuries ago. We went past many beautiful coves and bays, all gorgeous and eye candy to a photographer!

Our driver took us to a spot at the highest elevation on the island with a beautiful birds eye view of the whole north shore of Tortola. Towards the east side of the island, we passed thru a very colorful area of many painted wall murals depicting the history of Tortola.

The driver stopped at a last vantage point where we could catch a great shot of the Caribbean Princess docked in the harbor below as a final tip of our hats to beautiful Tortola, British Virgin Islands. I would definitely like to return to this island and be able to spend some relaxing time to really soak in all it has to offer, and maybe catch a few of those ferries to the neighboring islands too.

Our next and final stop will be St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands! Hope you will join us !!!!!!!

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

A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine

When burdens get heavy and sadness sets in, it’s amazing how a good sense of humor and laughter can lighten your load.

Charles R. Swindoll has a bible teaching ministry called “Insight for Living” (http://www.insight.org/) and in one of his articles he talked about how laughter is such effective therapy. He said, “I’m grateful that God dispenses this divine medication so frequently.”

For instance, rules and statutes aren’t meant to be amusing, but sometimes they are. Here are a few examples:

· In Danville, PA, fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires.

· Oklahoma law requires that drivers involved in fatal accidents stop immediately and give their name and address to those that were struck.

· In Lakefield, Ontario, legislation permits birds to sing for 30 minutes during the day and 15 minutes at night.

“My plea is not that we read the comics, watch mindless sitcoms, or tell a lot of silly jokes to each other. That’s external, superficial and shallow. I’m suggesting that we become more

lighthearted, relishing life more as our confidence in the sovereign Lord grows. After all, He gave us humor to enjoy and genuine smiles when we take pleasure in His gift.

Let’s lighten up rather than surrender to intensity and worry. A truly cheerful face radiates from a relaxed, joyful heart.”

Rejoice in the Lord always:Again I will say, rejoice! (Phillppians 4:4)

Bill Witcher is co-founder of Computer School for Seniors
(http://www.cs4seniors.com/)

Saturday's with Dr. 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.

Greeting a Mourner

Maria’s husband died several months ago. She was now in my office for her yearly check of her heart condition. They had been married sixty years and were both in their early 80’s when Frank died of a stroke. As we chatted, Maria naturally became very emotional.

What to say? Here are some possibilities: “You should be thankful for all the years you had together.” True enough, but what about now? How, exactly, could that statement be comforting to Maria on this day? After all, the couple was no longer together. This response just doesn’t work. Maybe, “He’s in a better place.” This presupposes a level of faith in Maria that I can’t rightly assume. And even if true, that hardly lessens Maria’s loneliness and grief. How about, “He’s not suffering any longer.” But Maria is. She is alone and forlorn.

From my own personal and painful experiences and from the countless patients I’ve tried to console, I can relate to you that for some of life’s experiences, there are no mitigating circumstances and few comforting words, try as we might to find them.

Maybe this is why, when visiting the house of a mourner, the Jewish tradition instructs us to say . . . nothing. We can certainly speak when and if the mourner does, and can take our cues from what the mourner says to us. But we are taught that our mere presence is comforting, and that there are no magic words. We don’t have to come up with empty explanations, platitudes, and trite statements. Maybe just a hug and, “I’m sorry for your loss” will suffice.
Which is exactly how I began this visit with Maria.

If you have a comment or question about this blog entry, email Dr. Roffman at drroffman@cs4seniors.com.

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.

If you envision(ed) retirement as “footloose and fancy free,” with lots of free time for gardening, shopping, lunch with friends and long-put-off projects, forget it. Retirement just isn’t like that! It’s more common to hear retired people say, “When did I ever have time to work?” Actually, families of all ages struggle to manage their calendars – the more in the household, the more difficult the challenge. At our house, the notices and invitations come in by the day to:

• Parties of all kinds
• Baby showers
• Weddings
• Galas
• Fund raisers
• Political rallies
• Banquets
• Church activities
• Committee meetings
• and on and on…

We have a clippie on the refrigerator where we hang upcoming event invitations. This is to remind us to make an appetizer (or some other dish), buy a gift, call committee members, or pick somebody up on the way. It’s tough just to find a date when we can enjoy a quiet evening at home!

While all these activities are a real challenge to us, the recipients of all these “opportunities,” it also presents a big problem to those organizing and hosting the events. They have to compete with all the other activities on the calendar to 1) get your attention, and 2) entice you to attend! You’ve probably been on both sides of that fence.

Enticing people to attend (or motivating people to act) is known as “marketing.” And anything and everything has to be “marketed” these days. So, how do you make your invitation special? How do you create a marketing piece (invitation) so compelling that your invited guests just have to attend because it pops out from all the others?

By using your imagination and your computer skills, that’s how!

For instance, let’s suppose you receive this invitation from the seniors group at your church to attend a wine tasting.

Not too compelling, is it? Let’s take a closer look at it. First, there is no visual stimulation. No picture of anything you can relate to or that makes the event LOOK like fun. Obviously, the Senior Seekers have chosen a Mardi Gras theme. But there is no visual tie-in to that theme. Examining the flyer more carefully with a design eye, you’ll see the spacing is a little “off,” and looks a little jerky. There are too many type faces (fonts) used, and let’s face it, although all the facts are there, it’s just plain boring.

Let me show you how, with just a little thought and creativity, you can change this invitation into one that peaks interest and desire to attend.

And it’s not difficult to do! I’ve added three simple graphics from Clip Art, and stacked and overlapped them in an interesting shape. I also changed the type face (font) to a more stylish one (that I hope captures the frivolity of the Mardi Gras theme), and divided the text into two segments on the page to make it look more balanced. Now the event looks like more fun, don’t you think?

While this may look like magic, its not. Anyone can do it with a little imagination and determination! The original flyer was produced in Microsoft Word, and could be made more compelling by adding a graphic and changing the spacing and fonts. But MS Word is really a document software, and very cranky about graphics and how you can move them around.

The second, more colorful flyer was produced in Microsoft Publisher – a relatively easy program which may already be installed on your computer. It was included in the Microsoft Office package through Office 2003. If you have the newer Office 2007 version, you have to purchase and install MS Publisher separately, as 2003 is the latest version of Publisher.

If you have MS Publisher on your computer and open the program, you’ll see a variety of templates immediately that enable you to create flyers, brochures, invitations and stationery quite easily. Why not click around and try it? Jazz up your invitations and flyers!

By the way, what’s with the seniors from the church having a wine tasting anyway? Just kidding.

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 why do people become involved in lifelong learning? There are many reasons, each one individual and personal.

One big reason, however, is for the socialization. Social activities are a very big component of later-life learning– participants make new friends and some have even found new spouses!

Social activities surround lifelong learning activities. They make a wonderful addition to your social calendar.

But don’t confuse these activities with stereotypical senior citizen events. Most of these activities have a strong educational component. Just look at some of the many events learning later explorers take part in:
• Walking & Hiking Clubs
• Theater Trips
• Dinner Clubs
• Book Clubs
• Current Events Groups
• Weekend Getaways
• Summer Picnics
• Theme Festivals
• Chess Clubs
• Ice Cream Socials
• Holiday Parties
• Theme Dinners
• Card Groups
• Bird Clubs
• Special Interest Groups

Participants in later-life learning are as busy as they want to be, taking courses, developing new friendships, helping in the community, going on field trips and other social outings, and just plain having fun. They bring new focus to their lives and open the eyes of society at large about what it means to be an older adult.

Lifelong Learning’s core values of Learning, Exploring, and Serving, coupled with benefits for the Mind, Body and Spirit make it an incredibly powerful tool for personal transformation and life enhancement.

THURSDAY’S THOUGHT…

Over the last twenty years, scientists have documented the fact that being involved in social activities not only enhances lives but adds years as well. It’s almost as good as exercising for prolonging life. What a 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)