Some folks have minds like a steel trap. Mine is more like a wet noodle. And when you have to fly cross country for a week long family reunion, it can be a real test for that noodle.

Just remembering what to take is a challenge – hoping you haven’t forgotten any of the essentials such as your toothbrush, your pills or enough clean underwear.

And then there is getting through the security check at the airport.

I get so flustered when I get close to the end of the security line trying to remember what I need to remove: shoes, hat, watch, the three screws in my hip?, I consider giving up and throwing myself on the conveyor belt and going through the X-ray machine head-first.

And then they pull me to the side and start ruffling through my carry-on while my wife’s giving me that “What did you do wrong this time?” stare, shaking her head when they pull out a bottle of Virgil Root Beer that I forgot to drink.

I did make it on the plane and to the family reunion in South Carolina, but it wasn’t without mishap: I forgot my computer at the Center with this week’s practically completed column. So to keep it simple and enjoy the time with family, I am updating a past column – one that reminds us how to deal with an irritation of modern times that just seems to get worse.

Several folks at the Center have been talking about all the unsolicited calls they’ve received from telemarketers trying to sell them something they don’t want or need: a  vacation at the Marriott or a fantastic credit card deal. They are often scams but can also be calls from telemarketers representing Fortune 500 companies. But there are steps you can take to limit them. 

First, if you haven’t already, register with the National Do Not Call Registry by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register, or go online at donocall.gov. (For online registration you will need an email address.) Once you have registered your phone number, it is permanent – unless you have lost your mind and want to take your name off the registry. Also you may want to register your cell phone – although it shouldn’t be necessary because it is illegal in most cases for telemarketers to call a cell phone.

Unfortunately, the law does not prohibit calls from charities, political organizations, telephone surveyors and companies with which you’ve done business in the last 18 months. But for those telemarketers not covered by the Do Not Call regulations, you can ask them to put you on their  internal Do Not Call list, and by law they have to honor your request. Record the date you make the request, so you can report any future violations.

That should help, but telemarketers are tenacious. If you continue to receive unwanted calls, you can file a complaint with the FTC at the Do Not Call website or phone number.

But most importantly, never agree to purchase a service or product over the phone, and never give out your personal information. You don’t want an irritation to become a financial headache.

While I don’t have anyone scheduled for Tuesday Night Music and Dance at the Center on May 23rd or the 30th, l’m still looking for someone to teach dance lessons on Tuesdays. If you of know of anyone, send them my way.

The name of the movie in which Lina Lamont and Don Lockwood struggled to adapt to “talkies” while Don falls in love with chorus girl Kathy Selden is Singin’ in the Rain. (Answers were received by Jerry Phillips and Marcia Lacock this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.)

Since I am out of sync this week, I’m going off on a tangent with a song I heard Louie Flint whistling at the Center. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what comedian/actor is associated with the song “Thanks for the Memory” and for five bonus points in what 1938 movie was the song introduced? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a picture of Bing Crosby on the road to Bali.

Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the scenic wonders of this beautiful country. Until we meet again, make each day a gift you can’t ignore.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, and rest this afternoon.” Charles Schulz  

Menu for The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels dinners served at noon in Betty’s Diner at the Center.

Wednesday (17) Potato Bar with Chili (Soup and Salad Bar) 

Thursday (18) Roast Beef (Music -Tom Graff)

Friday (19) Meatloaf (Soup and Salad Bar) 

Monday (22) Chicken Fried Steak

Tuesday (23) Buttered Lemon White Fish (Music – Nine String Band)