Internet Magic Fridays

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.

Forever and Ever, Amen

Last week when I blogged about downsizing, I was in a bit of a hurry. Still feel as though I have a few more thoughts to share with you this week.

There was a time when Alex and I thought we would stay in the home we built – “forever and ever, Amen.” But we changed our minds and downsized after 31 years. This is often the case. We come to a crossroads as we mature, and realize that it’s OK to do an about face and take another road. It brings to mind the many options seniors have today for their “forever and evers.” As I see it, there are definite advantages to each option. It’s a matter of what you decide is right for you!

Aging in Place

The first option, of course, is to stay put and “age in place” (a phrase that’s been coined in just the past few years). Our own Laurie Orlov (see yesterday’s post), provides wonderful information and resources on her website Aging in Place Technology. Here are three sites (including Laurie’s) that are useful. Of course you have but to Google “aging in place” for more sites.

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/
http://www.naipc.org/
http://www.aginginplace.com/

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Downsizing to
Independent Living

If you choose, as Alex and I did, to downsize, there are many options. One is to simply buy a smaller home or townhome, or rent an apartment. This is a good decision for seniors who are healthy, financially independent and eager to give up the upkeep and maintenance of their larger home. If you choose an apartment, you often lose some amenities (things like hardwood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, walk-in closets etc.). It’s just a tradeoff for no yard work, less house to clean, and maintenance at the touch of the dial.

Retirement Communities

Oh, my gosh! They are everywhere! Since we’re now an “aging population” in the United States, developers and entrepreneurs are surging to meet the senior housing need. Again, here are some websites to explore:

http://www.retirementcommunities.com/

http://www.retirenet.com/

http://www.pulte.com/delwebb/predefined/NationalCampaign21.aspx?lsc=AARF_Search_G&CMP=KNC-PPC

Del Webb is one of the pioneers of the retirement community concept, and one of the largest.
If you Google “retirement communities” and add the name of your city, you’ll get local options. My guess is there will be plenty. These cater to active adults 55 and over. They usually have different housing options (configurations), organized recreation programs, health care available, and many are part of a larger complex that includes additional assisted and health care for later life.

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Retirement Homes/
Assisted Living

For seniors requiring added assistance, meals, limited nursing care etc., a retirement home with these services is certainly the answer. You can go to the website below to get an idea of the concept, then add your city for local options.

http://wwwretirementhomes.com/

As you’ll see while “Googling” various retirement or senior housing options, the world is at your fingertips. Best to have a plan in mind to narrow these options before you start! There’s no way we can cover the entire spectrum of options open to you through the World Wide Web.
You’ll see lots of pictures like this:

Point is, here is just another way the Internet can take you to worlds of information and places that would have been impossible to learn about so quickly just a few short years ago. Through lists, pictures, articles, blogs, reviews, and even virtual video tours, you can see for yourself. It is a great benefit in making a decision as to what to do and where to go, and which type of environment is perfect for your lifestyle, health and hobbies. And it’s free. You don’t even have to wait for the brochure to come in the mail!

One Last Thought

We had wonderful neighbors through the years in our home, but we only knew a few of them. Most of us had 6-foot fences on the back and sides of our houses. You usually knew your next door neighbor, the across-the-alley neighbor, and the across-the-street neighbor. But walk a few houses down the street and you didn’t know anyone! When you live in a house, you see your neighbor outside now and then bringing in groceries, mowing the lawn or getting into his car. So you wave and smile.

Apartment living totally changed that. When you live in an apartment, you go out the door and the neighbor is right there across the hall or getting into his car right next to you, or walking his dog! We found that we came to know people much faster here, and it has given us a sense of “community” that we never had in our “old” home. It’s very nice. We socialize more, we even feel more secure and protected in the knowledge that our neighbor is looking out for us and our property.

Wherever you are, or go,
have fun. Enjoy life!

If you have a story to share, email me at jane@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.




So one evening you’re watching the classic movie channel and enjoying one of your favorite old black and white movies. “Who is that actor?” you say to your wife (or husband). “Oh, I know who that is, but I can't think of his/her name!” Sound familiar? So we play a guessing game. We rack our brains and throw out a few names. My husband is apt to say, “Oh, yeah! That’s ‘what’s his name’.”

So you wait for the credits to roll. Then one of two things happens. One, since there were no commercials, you have to head for the restroom as soon as you see “The End” come up on the screen. (Ever notice that the new movies don’t say “The End” anymore?) Or, two, the credits run alright, but they are so teeny tiny that you can’t read them – even if you get up and put your nose right up to the screen. Well, darn. How will you ever know who that actor was?

GOOGLE! Just go to your computer and Google the name of the movie. Say, “State Fair” made in 1945. Try it and identify the picture below.

Or, “Slattery’s Hurricane” made in 1949. Same thing. Google it.

Last week, my sister and I flew to Cancun, Mexico for a 5-day vacation on the Yucatan Peninsula. It was wonderful. One day on the way to a snorkeling adventure, the van driver stopped suddenly on a back road. There along the road in the underbrush were several raccoons, along with another animal that looked like a raccoon, but had a long tail like a monkey. The van driver told us what it was, but with his accent, we couldn’t quite get the name. Then my sister remembered that she often googles answers to crossword puzzles when she gets “stuck.”

When we got back to our hotel, we went to the business center where free Internet service is offered and googled “Mexican raccoon-like animal.” Google took us to this web site: http://www.brandywinezoo.org/coati.html. Click on the link and see the results for yourself.

Now mind you, my sister only googles answers after she has exhausted all other options – her brain and her precious crossword dictionary. But when things “niggle” at you for just so long, you have to know! That’s when you Google.

I wonder what ever happened to Encyclopedias. I suppose they are on the Internet now. Let’s google it and see what happens!

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

They say we’re a product of our environment and life experiences. So it happens that I believe in local loyalty. I was born and raised in a small town in northwest Iowa, where my dad owned a business on Main Street. Even though the town was only about 2,500 people, we “shopped at home,” because of course, we wanted people to shop at our store instead of driving to the bigger city just across the state line to spend their money. Our family members were expected to set an example, and shop in our home town.

I still believe in local loyalty. And if you look around your neighborhood or suburb today, you’ll see a lot of local businesses that, in this economy, are struggling to survive right along with the national chains.

The point is not so much local loyalty these days as it is just plain loyalty. We can help businesses where we shop and eat (large or small) survive and thrive by patronizing them.

At the same time, they often reward us with special discounts. This brings us back to the subject of coupons. Many businesses (both local and national chains) use coupons or “specials” to capture your loyalty. That loyalty is good for them, and it can be good for you too. A couple of examples:

At a local restaurant where we like to eat, we were invited to sign up for their specials by filling out a form which asked for our email address. Now they routinely email us special offers. For instance, on my birthday:

We also indulge in a great pizza now and then. Who doesn’t? We find that if we go to the website of our favorite pizzeria, we can click on “special and coupons” and always find a way to save money.

Of course the national chains do this too. I just signed up for the “Fresh Catch Club” at Red Lobster (redlobster.com). Members are notified of special events, receive a birthday “surprise” (probably a coupon), and are entered in a prize drawing. Point is, signing up for online “clubs” brings you up a notch as far as getting the best deal is concerned. Of course you have to exercise a degree of caution as to what you join online as you do anywhere else – in other words, read the fine print.

But membership does have its privileges, and if you click around on your favorite restaurant or shopping sites for opportunities to sign up for free membership, you can cash in on some of those privileges.

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

The Bump-into Theory

It’s the only theory that works for me these days. If I don’t bump into it, I’ll forget to take it, do it, return it, replace it or clean it! Trouble is, you can really clutter up your life that way. For instance, how about that bike in the garage?

You plan to take it out and ride it, but you keep putting it off. Best to put that bike right at the bottom of the outside steps so you will bump into it (or have to climb over it) every time you leave the house. Then you can’t forget to take that bike ride. That’s what I mean.

Supposed to take the camera to the birthday party? You’ll forget it unless you go get that camera RIGHT NOW and put it beside your purse, or on the hall table by the front door. Need to return a book to a friend? Get that book this very minute and put it on the front seat of your car. That’s right, NOW!

There are more subdued versions of the bump-into theory. The first one we all heard was “Tie a string around your finger.”

That may work, but what if you forget what you were supposed to remember? What if you have to wash the dishes and the string gets wet and slides off. Not very practical.

Another way to remember things, of course, is to write notes to yourself. That’s why sticky notes were invented I guess.

But you can carry that too far. I’ve seen them pasted all over computers, refrigerator doors and car dashboards. They are ugly! And speaking of refrigerator doors, a lot of people use them to post reminders. We have one clip on the door of the fridge where we hang invitations we’ve received in the mail. Trouble is, some of those events took place months ago!

Also, you can end up competing with your grandkids for space on the refrigerator door.

My husband keeps saying we need to put more things up at eye level so we don’t have to bend over so much (you know, bad knees, bad backs etc.). Like put our pots and pans higher up in the cupboards so we don’t have to bend over to get them out of the stove drawer. Trouble is, what do we do with the dishes that are in the top cupboards? And what do you put in the bottom cupboards and the stove drawer? Maybe the stuff from all the reachable drawers in the bedroom that we only use a few times a year like mittens and wool scarves (we live in a warm climate).

The point is, as we “seniorize,” we have to have help remembering to do things. Believe me, the most effective way is to put it right out in front of you so you have to step over it until it is done. Just be careful you don’t trip over the dog on your way to complete your mission!

What’s all this got to do with the Internet? Nothing. Absolutely nothing…I forgot!

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

Internet Magic Fridays

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.

Sync or Swim

The official web definition of “sync” or syn.chro.nize is:

1. To occur at the same time; be simultaneous
2. To operate in unison i.e.
a. To cause to occur or operate with exact coincidence in time or rate such as, “We synchronized our watches,” or
b. To cause or occur or operate at the same time as something else: “They synchronized their trip with the annual tulip festival.”
c. A parallel occurrence.

That got me to thinking…that’s the story of my life lately, a series of parallel occurrences! The challenge, of course, is to sync events in such a way as to go with the flow instead of swimming upstream!

I have both an ipod and a Palm Pilot that have to be “synced” with my desktop computer periodically. The software comes with the “equipment.” The question is, do I have the software in my head to sync my daily life? How do I get from this:

To this?:

So to get in snyc, the logical alternatives seem to be:

1. Abandon it! Give up something. One of these activities has to go!
2. Delegate! Pass something off to someone else.
3. Live in chaos! Ignore the problem.
4. Help! Ask for help.

Give something up? But everything I do is so much fun! Last week, with the help of lots of happy volunteers, we created a “wall” for the opening of Sunday School. Every teacher (and there are about 70), was featured with a picture and a “factoid” (cute sayings about themselves) on the wall.



The Payoff. It was a lot of work – both at the computer and at the wall. But the payoff came Sunday when both children and adults were delighted to see their teachers’ or colleagues pictures and read the factoids, like “I ate a prairie dog once, and now I am a vegetarian,” or “I have webbed toes,” or “I flew an airplane when I was 11.”

No, once committed, giving up is not an option. The key is to say ‘no’ at the appropriate time – when originally asked to do the task – not after the commitment has been made.

Delegate? Why do I always think I can do it better myself? Guess I got that from my mother, who lived by that mantra. That’s probably why early in my adult life, when I observed a scummy ring in the bathtub, I had to ask how to remove it! I had never been asked to do it before, and had never seen one. Therefore, I didn’t have a clue what it was or where to start.

How many times have people said, “If I can help you, let me know.” And you nod politely. Well, they just may MEAN IT. Take people at their word and give them a call. They may be willing to share part of the (burden) project – run an errand, make a few phone calls, or contribute in other ways that will make your life easier.

Live in Chaos? Not my style. I find that the older I get, the more I want (need!) things to be organized. Even though the daily planner has given way to the Palm Pilot or cell phone calendar in recent years, most organization in life takes place in the brain!

When chaos sets in, there are only two alternatives: 1) Setting priorities and 2) Focusing on one thing at a time!

Ask for help? I believe this may be the answer. First, I’ll ask God to continue to bless me with the good health, skills and motivation to continue an active retirement, then I’ll look for additional resources.

So I am learning to keep my life in sync and my head above water! It’s about time. Yes. It’s about TIME.

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

Google is my new best friend. It’s not only the name of a (very successful) company, but it’s bound to become a new verb in the English books! Need to know? Just “google” it.

Google is a search engine that uses text matching techniques to find web pages that are important and relevant to a user’s search. Now, there are other search engines by other providers. For more in-depth information on search engines, go to www.google.com and type in “What is a search engine?” Information on about 225,000,000 sources of information and web pages will pop up. Yup, that’s what I said – 225 million! Choose (click on) one of the first five or so to learn more. Wilkipedia is always a good one to start with.

For instance, last week I was editing a newsletter that featured an article on President’s Day. Since all good editors check and re-check information, I needed to know whether President’s Day should be written President’s Day (singular possessive), Presidents’ Day (plural possessive) or just plain Presidents Day (just plain plural). Now try googling Presidents Day just for fun. You’ll see, as I did, that it came up all three ways! I guess that means that everyone can’t agree, so you can take your pick!

To make your searches faster and easier, go to www.toolbar.google.com. From this site you can download a Google toolbar (it’s free).

The toolbar will then be installed at the top of your screen so you don’t have to input www.google.com each time you want to search for something. Just type it in the space on your google toolbar and your off and running!

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

Internet Magic Fridays

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.

Pickled Eggs

It’s almost 100 degrees outside, and I’m thinking about Christmas. How about you?
Every year I consider making little gifts for family members. To do that, you have to start early. That’s why Hobby Lobby and Michael’s are doing a booming business right now! Mind you, I’m not talking about craft projects! I am not crafty. I failed “scissors and construction paper” in Kindergarten, and can’t knit, crochet, embroider or tye-dye. I have tried scrapbooking, but it involves scissors and other mechanical implements that don’t work for me. But when the computer and the Internet came along, I suddenly got “craftier.”

My brainstorm this year is to make a family cookbook for each of our kids’ families.
We all have wonderful memories of family get-togethers of the past where Mom, Grandma or Aunt Bessie always prepared her signature dish. Last year about Easter time, I got to thinking about the pickled eggs my mother used to make for Easter dinner every year. My mouth began to water. I was pretty sure my sister had all of Mother’s old recipes, so when I visited her last summer I mentioned them (the eggs).

She said, “Don’t move. Stay right here.”

She was gone for about 10 minutes, and then reappeared with a couple of dusty, old, ragged notebooks and a big cloth shopping bag full of papers. You guessed it – all of Mother’s old recipes! Some of Grandma’s too and various other friends and relatives. My sister and I spent the entire week of my visit going through every single paper. Of course we threw away a lot of it, but we found some real treasures too. I found the recipe for pickled eggs, by the way, and they were a mild sensation this past Easter with the family.
That’s what gave me the idea for a family cookbook – but one that’s done on the computer, of course!

You probably have family recipes tucked away as well. They usually look something like this:

One option is to start from “scratch” and design a cookbook. But why re-invent the wheel? So I began to investigate options on the Internet. There are basically two different approaches:

1) you buy and download software, design your book using their templates; then print it on your own, or

2) Create your book online using their template(s), order and pay for it. Then they print as many copies as you order and send it to you.

I found many interesting websites. Without recommendation, here are a few:
http://livingcookbook.com/ (Click on “Publish Family Recipes” where there are lots of very helpful demonstration videos).
http://cookbookpeople.com/ (You can download the software or order a disc).
http://www.heritagecookbook.com/ (At this site you become a member, create your cookbook online and they publish it and send it to you. They offer a free trial membership. Added pages are available for pictures and family history).
I finally opted for Tastebook (http://tastebook.com/). You design your book online. You can use their recipes, import recipes you like from other websites, or input (type) your own personal recipes (which is what I plan to do). There’s a nice personal dedication page (the one below is dedicated to my Mother), and lots of different neat cover designs to choose from. You can also upload photos of family members or pictures of the completed dishes on the recipe pages. When you have your book just the way you like it (you can preview it with one click online), you order it and they send it to you. You can add pages over time and insert them into your cookbook(s), since the printed cookbook is “loose leaf.”

You have to have a minimum of 25 recipes (maximum of 100) to order your book. The price is about $20 per book for 25 recipes and $30 for 50. Reasonable I think. I haven’t seen one “in person” yet, but the previews look beautiful online. I’ll let you know.
Of one thing I am sure. I’ve got a lot of recipe typing to do in the next couple of months if I am to meet my goal for Christmas gifts. Failing that, they should be ready for 2010 birthday gifts!

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

Internet Magic Fridays

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 only have one medical problem. One. Whenever I develop a new ache, pain or mysterious malady and look it up in the Internet, it always says the same thing:

“Usually due to aging.”

So you see? There is only ONE thing wrong with me.

When you get to be a certain age, stuff happens. And something different pops up every day. Seems like I’ve Googled them all at one time or another. Maybe you have too.

Back and joint pain? “Usually worsens after age 65.” Love that word they use: degenerative.
Headache? “May be due to anything from an eye condition to a brain tumor, but definitely worse as you get older.”

Gastrointestinal problems? Acid reflux? Yup. “More common in older people.”

You get the picture. See these happy people looking up symptoms on the Internet? In a few minutes those smiles will be gone.

In all seriousness, be cautious when checking medical symptoms on the Internet. First, make sure you go to a reputable website. Here’s some good advice about health information on the Internet from AARP:

http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/a2003-03-17-wwwhealth.html

Another site I find helpful and easy to navigate is:

http://www.webmd.com/

Sometimes you can really scare yourself by Googling symptoms. However, you can find valuable information and, many times, calm your fears. And that could make you complacent about following up on something potentially serious. Better to leave the diagnosis up to the real live doctors.

Another thing I notice is how seniors really do like to talk about their infirmities, especially to each other. In the atrium before and after church, you’ll find huddles of seniors checking up on each other. Things like, “What did the doctor say this week?” The nice thing about that is there is always a willing ear to listen. But don’t take a deep breath, because as soon as you pause, the other guy will jump right in with his issues. As I always say, seniors have issues.

Guess it’s a matter of having common interests - just as when a group of young mothers get together, they can’t seem to talk about anything but their kids.

Let me advise you to follow a balanced, nutritious diet, get plenty of exercise and have regular checkups at your doctors’ offices. And you’ll be just fine. As for Internet symptom-checking, use your discretion!

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



The thick, lean, boneless pork ribs are in the oven. I’m using my sister’s recipe for ribs, and my mouth is literally watering! She says to start with the ribs in a hot oven (400 degrees) for about 45 minutes. Then turn the oven down to 250 to 300 degrees, pour off the grease (I don’t think there will be much), and bake another hour at the lower temperature. Finally, cover the ribs with barbeque (BBQ) sauce and cook (covered) for the last half hour. Yum. Yum. Oops!

BBQ sauce?

Run to the fridge, then to the pantry. Just as I suspected. No BBQ sauce. OK. Remain calm. There must be an answer. First thing that comes to mind is, go to the store and buy some. First excuse is it’s raining outside. Second, I don’t have any makeup on. Third excuse: I really don’t like bottled BBQ sauce anyway. So what to do?

The answer must lie on the Internet. Surely I can find a recipe for BBQ sauce that can be made with the ingredients we have on hand. Google “BBQ sauce recipes” and a whole new world opens, of course. But I really get lucky, because one of the first ones I find intrigues me with an unexpected ingredient: maple syrup! Click below for the recipe:

http://bbq.about.com/od/barbecuesaucerecipes/r/ble40603g.htm

Don’t really know why I don’t like bottled BBQ sauce. Sometimes it is too sweet, sometimes too smoky. But this recipe looks good. It caught my eye because of the maple syrup. My sister and her husband live on a 50-acre farm in Wisconsin. They call it a “hobby” farm, but it looks like a real farm to me. They have a barn, anyway. This is it!

In the spring, my brother-in-law taps maple trees in his woods. He has the whole sugar shack setup and makes gallons and gallons of delicious maple syrup. Of course we become beneficiaries of this unique delicacy each year and for city folks, that’s a real treat. So I will make BBQ sauce with Gary’s homemade maple syrup!

We whip up the recipe.

OMG, it is delicious! Not too sweet, not smoky, not too thick, not too thin – it’s great. I invite you to try it too. Of course you’ll probably have to buy your maple syrup. Too bad. I sent the recipe to Mary and Gary in Wisconsin. Perhaps they should start a maple syrup recipe cook book to go along with all the many wonderful gifts of homemade maple syrup they so lovingly bottle and give away each year.

See? A few maple trees, a trip to the Internet and a major kitchen disaster is averted. Life is good.

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

Internet Magic Fridays

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.

Kissing Cats

Some cats are “up for” kissing, and some aren’t. I know, because I have been a ‘cat person’ all my life. Of course as with everything else, they decide when and if they want to kiss you.

We always had a cat at home when I was a child. I don’t remember being particularly attached to them emotionally, but they were always there. From then on, it just seems they moseyed into my life one way or another until now, life without a cat seems unthinkable! But the days of “no emotional attachment” are certainly over. The cats we have loved in the last 30 years or so have been regular family members, and parting with them has been painful. You know how that goes!

Tiki

Early in our marriage, Alex came home one evening with a gray cat tucked into his jacket. Seems his former landlord had one too many cats, and this one was hiding under the bed all the time. So she wanted to find it a new home. Tiki was with us for 12 years until we got new carpet, and he didn’t like the smell of it, I guess. Retribution set in (if you get my drift). So we gave him to my Mother, and she and Tiki were great pals until he died.

Charlie

Charlie showed up outside our bedroom window one morning and just stayed there day after day until we took him in. He was a quiet character, and loving. A couple years later, we were visiting Alex’ aunt in Austin and she had a pile of new kittens in her back yard. I picked up a yellow tabby kitten and said, “Oh, isn’t she sweet! Let’s take her home and call her Ginger.” So we decided Charlie needed a companion.

Tugger

Ginger, it turned out, was not a sister, but a brother. How stupid can you get? So we named him Tugger, after Rum Tum Tugger in “Cats”, the musical which we had just seen. Tugger and Charlie got along fine. They largely ignored each other. After many blissful years, Charlie developed diabetes, and we gave him insulin shots twice a day for four years before he died. Now that’s cat-love.

Buster and Dahli

Tugger didn’t seem to miss Charlie at all. But one day Alex took Tugger in for his checkup at the vet’s office and came home and said, “There’s a litter of kittens at the vet’s. They’re so cute, why don’t we go look at them.” So we did. And they were (cute). Then we came home. About 2 hours later, we looked at each other, silently reached for the car keys and headed back to rescue a cat. Buster was all black and hanging on the side of the cage meowing like crazy, as if to say, “Here I am – I want to go home!” But there was also another little female that stole my heart (with two boys, I wanted another girl in the house), so we came home with two cats. Tugger was totally unimpressed.

The kittens ruled the roost. They ran and fought and climbed the curtains. They played and ate and pooped. I’d forgotten what a handful kittens can be. We were self-employed and working from home at the time, so they “helped” us in our offices while Tugger tried to make himself invisible. I remember one time when my Mother came over and said, “Do you still have Tugger? I haven’t seen him in a long time.” He pretty much lived under the bed until the kittens were a year old.

Buster has a big mouth. He talks and talks. Dahli had a magnificent fluffy tail that she wrapped around her like a boa. She was tiny and gentle and, as it turns out, sick. She had kidney disease and after trying valiantly to save her, we had to have her put down at age 8. It broke our hearts. We both stood beside her at the vet’s office while the injections were administered, and petted her to sleep. We cried like babies. Not long after that, poor old Tugger died.

Max and Rocky

Can you believe it? We decided Buster must be lonely (he wasn’t!) So when the next litter of rescued kittens showed up at the vet’s office, guess what? Yup, we brought two more kittens home (will we ever learn?). They are brothers - littermates. We were fascinated by Max, who doesn’t have a tail (Manx). Rocky was just a little ball of gray fur. Buster hated them. He hissed and hid. He tried to “talk” them out of the house.

About that time, we downsized from our house to an apartment, and the apartments would only allow two pets. So we “gifted” Buster to our son and his wife (who had three cats already, God bless them). We still visit Buster there, but he has totally adopted his new parents. When he hears our voices, he still comes to greet us, but lets it be known that he has a new home that he likes just fine, thank you.

Max and Rocky are like our children. We talk to them, and they talk to us. Max sleeps between us with his head on Alex’ pillow and his arm over his shoulder. He’s the funniest and cuddliest cat we have ever known. He’s an in-your-face friend who can tell time too (treats at 9:00 PM). Rocky is just the opposite - laid back - a big ole’ teddy bear. They love each other and they love us. You can’t tell me cats don’t love people!

Cats on the Internet

Our youngest son and his wife just bought a cat for several hundred dollars from a breeder. His name is Pepper, and he’s some sort of exotic breed. That’s OK for them, but what about all the cats, and dogs too, who are in shelters just waiting for loving homes?

We have dealt with our local animal shelter several times since moving to an apartment. We’ve helped rescue several feral cats. These people are so caring and helpful. During the feral cat rescues, I made several trips to the shelter to pick up and return traps. Each time, I visited all the animals. It’s so hard not to bring all of them home!

If you are thinking about getting a pet, please check out your local animal shelter. You can find a wonderful friend (or two) there. Check out this site, or go to your own local shelter website. Better yet, get into your car and just go look at the animals. I’ll bet you can’t come home with just one!

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX01.html

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

Internet Magic Fridays

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.

Forever and Ever, Amen

Last week when I blogged about downsizing, I was in a bit of a hurry. Still feel as though I have a few more thoughts to share with you this week.

There was a time when Alex and I thought we would stay in the home we built – “forever and ever, Amen.” But we changed our minds and downsized after 31 years. This is often the case. We come to a crossroads as we mature, and realize that it’s OK to do an about face and take another road. It brings to mind the many options seniors have today for their “forever and evers.” As I see it, there are definite advantages to each option. It’s a matter of what you decide is right for you!

Aging in Place

The first option, of course, is to stay put and “age in place” (a phrase that’s been coined in just the past few years). Our own Laurie Orlov (see yesterday’s post), provides wonderful information and resources on her website Aging in Place Technology. Here are three sites (including Laurie’s) that are useful. Of course you have but to Google “aging in place” for more sites.

http://www.ageinplacetech.com/
http://www.naipc.org/
http://www.aginginplace.com/

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Downsizing to
Independent Living

If you choose, as Alex and I did, to downsize, there are many options. One is to simply buy a smaller home or townhome, or rent an apartment. This is a good decision for seniors who are healthy, financially independent and eager to give up the upkeep and maintenance of their larger home. If you choose an apartment, you often lose some amenities (things like hardwood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters, walk-in closets etc.). It’s just a tradeoff for no yard work, less house to clean, and maintenance at the touch of the dial.

Retirement Communities

Oh, my gosh! They are everywhere! Since we’re now an “aging population” in the United States, developers and entrepreneurs are surging to meet the senior housing need. Again, here are some websites to explore:

http://www.retirementcommunities.com/

http://www.retirenet.com/

http://www.pulte.com/delwebb/predefined/NationalCampaign21.aspx?lsc=AARF_Search_G&CMP=KNC-PPC

Del Webb is one of the pioneers of the retirement community concept, and one of the largest.
If you Google “retirement communities” and add the name of your city, you’ll get local options. My guess is there will be plenty. These cater to active adults 55 and over. They usually have different housing options (configurations), organized recreation programs, health care available, and many are part of a larger complex that includes additional assisted and health care for later life.

You'll see lots of pictures like this:

Retirement Homes/
Assisted Living

For seniors requiring added assistance, meals, limited nursing care etc., a retirement home with these services is certainly the answer. You can go to the website below to get an idea of the concept, then add your city for local options.

http://wwwretirementhomes.com/

As you’ll see while “Googling” various retirement or senior housing options, the world is at your fingertips. Best to have a plan in mind to narrow these options before you start! There’s no way we can cover the entire spectrum of options open to you through the World Wide Web.
You’ll see lots of pictures like this:

Point is, here is just another way the Internet can take you to worlds of information and places that would have been impossible to learn about so quickly just a few short years ago. Through lists, pictures, articles, blogs, reviews, and even virtual video tours, you can see for yourself. It is a great benefit in making a decision as to what to do and where to go, and which type of environment is perfect for your lifestyle, health and hobbies. And it’s free. You don’t even have to wait for the brochure to come in the mail!

One Last Thought

We had wonderful neighbors through the years in our home, but we only knew a few of them. Most of us had 6-foot fences on the back and sides of our houses. You usually knew your next door neighbor, the across-the-alley neighbor, and the across-the-street neighbor. But walk a few houses down the street and you didn’t know anyone! When you live in a house, you see your neighbor outside now and then bringing in groceries, mowing the lawn or getting into his car. So you wave and smile.

Apartment living totally changed that. When you live in an apartment, you go out the door and the neighbor is right there across the hall or getting into his car right next to you, or walking his dog! We found that we came to know people much faster here, and it has given us a sense of “community” that we never had in our “old” home. It’s very nice. We socialize more, we even feel more secure and protected in the knowledge that our neighbor is looking out for us and our property.

Wherever you are, or go,
have fun. Enjoy life!

If you have a story to share, email me at jane@cs4seniors.com.