Do you ever fear you will become that friend or neighbor who can’t remember when – he told what – to whom? I do. Many times when writing this column I can’t recall if I have previously shared the same story, repeated the same quote – or even if I am repeating this fear of repeating myself!

As we age our brain changes. We are slower remembering names with faces, reading everything three times to remember what we read (or is that just me!), and being more easily distracted which is all normal. But many of us fear what we are experiencing is not normal, but the early stages of dementia.

To better understand dementia, I attended the “Getting to Know Dementia” class based on Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care®. She wants to change the conversation around dementia and show how all of us can support people with dementia.

Here is a little of what I learned.

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

In simple terms, dementia is like an umbrella covering several diseases affecting memory and other cognitive abilities including Lewy Body, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and the most common Alzheimer’s. Dementia is more than just Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s is more than just memory problems – it also affects your visual and tactile senses.

What are the four truths about dementia?

1. At least 2 parts of the brain are dying: One related to memory and another part.
2. It is chronic – can’t be fixed.
3. It is progressive – it gets worse.
4. It is terminal – it will kill, eventually.

That is tough to hear. Although there have been drugs approved to slow down the disease, there is no magic cure. It is terminal, but isn’t life terminal? (Somehow that still doesn’t make me feel any better!)

How should we consider the progression of dementia?

Since dementia is so debilitating, we naturally focus on the loss – on the seven stages of decline.

But here’s the key point. Teepa Snow wants us to celebrate what the person still has. In her Positive Approach to Care®, she uses her GEMS® dementia classification model that, unlike the traditional models, focuses on the skills and abilities a person has, not what they have lost. Every stage she describes is a different gem where the individual can still shine.

Doesn’t dementia rob the person of their dignity? No, it is our reaction to them that does.

Think about it. How do we treat someone with dementia? Do we argue about what we consider inappropriate or their irritating stubbornness – even if it doesn’t harm anyone? Or do we focus on the relationship which is most critical?

Do we see inappropriate behaviors as “Problem Behaviors”? Or do we reframe them and see them as expressing “Unmet Needs” while considering the person’s perspective and what is trying to be communicated?

Dementia is a challenging disease. But by better understanding dementia and the effects of brain changes, celebrating what is still there, and treating the person with respect and compassion, we can change our perspective and as a community, better support people with dementia and reduce the stigma that is associated with it.

BRAIN TEASE: Another number puzzle.

2+10=24, 3+6=27, 7+2=63, and 5+3=???. Is the answer 40, 44, 60, or 56?

The hit song “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In)” was based on the music from the Alka-Seltzer commercial. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Donna Mollet, Dave Lutgens, Rebecca Abrams, Deborah Medina, Rose Schulz, Jess Birge, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Maria Kollas whom Alka-Seltzer reminded her of the mineral water she grew up with.

At Sun Records Sam Phillips discovered and first recorded musicians such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and this recording artist nicknamed “The Killer”. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the pianist, singer, and songwriter described as “rock ‘n’ roll’s first great wild man”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a 45 record of “Great Balls of Fire”, the first record I ever owned.

Well, it’s been another week thinking in the back of my mind, “There’s something missing!” Until we meet again, enjoy the dawn of each new day.

“The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

ANSWER: 56

There are so many ways that Cybercriminals try to exploit us and steal our confidential information, it’s hard to keep track of all the distinct types. But the Texas Tech University Cybersecurity Awareness Program has identified five types of scams of which several may be unfamiliar to you.

Phishing – an email disguised as an email from a legitimate, trustworthy source. The message is meant to lure you into revealing sensitive or confidential information.

Spear Phishing – when criminals obtain information about you from websites or social networking sites and then customize a phishing scheme to you.

Spoofing – a criminal impersonates another individual or organization, with the intent to gather personal or business information.

Pharming – a malicious website that resembles a legitimate website, used to gather usernames and passwords.

And then there’s everyone’s favorite, Spam. Interestingly, the name comes from a 1970 Monty Python sketch that takes place in a café. When the breakfast menu is read aloud to a couple wanting to order, roughly 80% of the menu items were spam. And the wife keeps telling the waiter she doesn’t like spam! Just like unsolicited emails!

Fortunately, there are clues to help you identify certain scams. You may have experienced some of these.

• Requests for your username and/or password – credible institutions and organizations will not request personal information via email.
• Time-sensitive threats (e.g., your account will be closed if you do not respond immediately).
• Spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Vague or missing information in the “from” field or email signature.
• “To” field contains multiple random email addresses or is alphabetized.
• Impersonal or awkward greetings, such as the one I just received, “Hi dear.”
• Unexpected files or downloads.
• Links that don’t refer to the sender or sender’s organization.
• Emails about accounts that you don’t have, such as eBay or PayPal.
• Emails “from” celebrities. No. Madonna or Tom Cruise is not interested in dating you!
• Asks you to reply to “opt-out” of a service.
• Plays on human emotions.

If you’re tired of scams and want to learn more so you can fight back, you can attend the SCAM JAM 2023 at the Columbia Gorge Discover Center from 9 a.m. – 12 noon on Aug. 4 – which is this Friday!

You can join the Oregon Office of the Attorney General, AARP Oregon, the Federal Trade Commission, and other experts for a fraud prevention workshop. You will learn how to spot scams and gain prevention tips and tools to protect you against fraud.

You are asked to register, which is a two-step process. (Nothing is simple anymore!) Go to https://events.aarp.org/ScamJamSummer, create an AARP log-in (you don’t have to be an AARP member), and then register for the event. If you have any questions, call 1-877-926-8300.

BRAIN TEASE: This one I was able to solve! “What is it that goes up and goes down, but does not move?”

The common brand name for this popular inexpensive “pork luncheon meat” made up of squares of pressed meat and gained popularity worldwide after its use during World War II was SPAM.

Some people loved it and some hated it but those who knew the correct answer were Nancy Higgins, Melissa Hayes, Donna Mollet, Rebecca Abrams, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Vicki Thomas, Doug Nelson, Rose Schulz, Mary Pierce, Steven Woolpert, Linda Frizzell. And this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Diana Compton who has visited the Spam Museum and attended the International Spam Festival in Austin, Minnesota where the Hormel Company made Spam.

There have been many songs that were written for commercials and later became pop hits: “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” which was changed to “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” recorded by The New Seekers, and the Carpenters hit “We’ve Only Just Begun” which was from a Crocker Bank commercial.

For this week’s “Remember When” question, the hit song “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In)” was based on the music used in what TV commercial? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a 1966 photo of The T-Bones.

Well, it’s been another week, worrying more with the more I know. Until we meet again, as my wife reminded me, you never see the boundary until you cross it.”

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.” Russell Baker

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

ANSWER: The temperature.

I feel like my parents during the 1960s. I just don’t understand the younger generation, particularly their use of all the social media sites: TikTok, Snapchat, What’sApp, Instagram, and Facebook which I’m most familiar with because apparently, it is for old people. You know those over forty.

With social media texts, you can share what you are thinking or doing instantly! But when you try to express yourself using texts, people miss the non-verbal gestures and tone of your voice and misunderstandings can occur. You can only do so much with punctuation marks: ! or !! or !!!

To address this disadvantage, in 2010 emojis were introduced in the U.S. for mobile devices. Emojis are small images, symbolic, and simple in design, and became instantly popular. In 2015, Oxford Dictionaries even declared an emoji to be the word of the year: “face with tears of joy,” otherwise known as “crying laughing.”

I usually avoid emojis because I have no idea what the 3,664 emojis mean. I don’t have the emotional depth to even know the differences between the dozens of smiley faces!

But if you want to use emojis, and don’t want to embarrass yourself (I learned you don’t use an eggplant and peach emoji together!) check out the Readers Digest article https://www.rd.com/article/emoji-meanings/. There you’ll find the meanings of the most popular emojis.

If you’re still unsure about an emoji, the place to go is Emojipedia. This website shows how every single emoji ever invented looks on your device, plus it also contains a brief explanation of its meaning, its history, and a list of related emojis.

Emojis are a way to add a little flair and nuance to social media texts. But I would avoid them if you are trying to impress your children or grandchildren. From the memories of my parent’s attempts to be “hip”, we’ll never get it right!

How do you pick yourself up when you’re down in the dumps, feeling low or hopeless, lacking interest, and having trouble concentrating?

We all experience those feelings at times, but if they persist you may benefit from participating in a six-week P.E.A.R.L.S. class. It helps reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate depression which many of us experience and if not addressed can harm our physical and mental health.

A trained facilitator will help you learn problem-solving techniques and strategies to reduce anxiety and improve mood, add enjoyable activities to your life, and get on a path toward increased physical activity. And most importantly help you live a healthy and rewarding life so you can get to where YOU want to go.

The class will be held from 2:00 – 3:30 pm on Tuesdays from August 1^st through September 5^th at the Hood River Valley Adult Center. Space is limited. To learn more, contact Roni Hyde at 541-705-4870 or ronih@gobhi.org.

BRAIN TEASE: This is another one of those, “Oh, yeah. Why didn’t I think of that!”

Re-arrange the letters D R A N S W G L I O E, to spell just a single word.

The bandleader who hosted his popular show from 1951 to 1982 was Lawrence Welk. I received correct answers from Mary Pierce, Debora Geschwint, Diana Weston, Rhonda Spies, Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Marny Weting, Donna Mollet, Patty Burnet, Linda Frizzell, Bruce Johnson, Anne Saxby, Tandin Smith, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Sandy Haechrel whose high school senior class president and actor in every high school musical was Tom Netherton, a singer on the Lawrence Welk show from 1973 to 1982.

This documentary series featured scenes of wildlife and nature from around the world. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this television series originally produced from 1963 until 1988 and sponsored by Mutual of Omaha?  And for bonus points who was the original long-time host? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with pictures of the pet chimpanzees “W. K.” and “Mr. Moke” who were often featured on the show.

Well, it’s been another week, feeling my way in the dark. Until we meet again, do you ever have one of those days, when listening to friends debate whether the glass is half full or half empty, you’ll just happy there’s still water in it?

“I’m glad it’s finally hot enough to complain about how hot it is.” Anonymous

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: A SINGLE WORD

Last week I wrote about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. But what else do I need to worry about – as if I don’t have enough already?

Well, let’s add one more to your summer list: Heat stroke.

As older adults, we are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion exhibited by heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. That’s bad enough, but if untreated it can progress to heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, and a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke are lack of sweating, headache, confusion, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

So how do you protect yourself? You’ve heard it many times: stay cool, hydrated, and connected.

Avoid sun exposure; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and a wide-brimmed hat. To cool down try ice packs, cool showers, or sponge baths. But what I didn’t know is a fan should not be your primary cooling device. Although it feels good, fans do not cool the air or reduce body temperature to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Drink plenty of fluids even if you’re not thirsty. Drink enough to have to urinate every four hours. (I wish I could last that long!)

Be aware of local heat advisories, have someone check in on you, and identify places to stay cool such as community centers, libraries, or your favorite coffee shop.

I’ve known folks who didn’t have an air conditioner, or it wasn’t working – and tried to tough it out. But we are not the kids we once were when we could survive those hot summer nights spread eagle on the bed with a bag of frozen veggies under our heads trying to stay cool enough to go to sleep.

In this month’s “Through the Eyes of An Elder” Gary Young lists his “Keys to Elderly Living”. They are humorous, insightful, and honest. My favorite is “If you sit on your porch and wave, a parade might just come by.” So if you haven’t already, stop right now and read “Through the Eyes of Elder”. I insist!

Now that you’re back, last week you may have noticed, or may not have, that I included the answer to the Brain Tease but left out the question. But to make the best of my oversight, for this week’s Brain Tease I’m going to give you the answer once again, but you have to come up with the question. Got it? You’ll find the actual question at the end of this column.

Answer: Halfway – after which it would be running out!

For last week’s “Remember When” question, the product advertised as “It Floats!” and “99 44⁄’00% Pure” was Ivory Soap. I received correct answers from Chuck Rice, Diane Weston, Jerry Taylor, Mary Pierce, Nancy Turner, Nona Moore, Marny Weting, Pat Evenson-Brady, Rebecca Abrams, Sandy Haechrel, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, Lana Tepfer, Kim Birge, and Lois Kinsfogel this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

And for the week before, the actor associated with horror films based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe was Vincent Price. I received correct answers from Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Deborah Medina, Julie Carter, Deloris Schrader, Keith Clymer, Donna Mollet, Lana Tepfer, Rebecca Abrams, Bruce Johnson, and Elena Smith who was that week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

When I was a teenager I remember my parents watching this bandleader’s television show that I thought was so old-fashioned and uncool. (If I had known in his early days he led several big bands with such cool names as the Hotsy Totsy Boys and the Honolulu Fruit Gum Orchestra, I might have thought differently.)

For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was this bandleader who hosted his popular show from 1951 to 1982 concentrating on popular music standards, show tunes, polkas, and novelty songs?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or ship it with a case of champagne.

Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the ride with all the bumps, wrong turns, and wind blowing through my hair as time speeds down the highway. Until we meet again, make like a cucumber and stay cool!

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawnmower is broken.” James Dent

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Question: “How far can a horse run into a forest?”

“It is not if, but when.” We often believe an emergency will never happen and when it does – we are unprepared. But to save valuable possessions, and often lives, we need to be ready for the unexpected – particularly as older adults.

During emergencies, many older adults are at a higher risk for several reasons: impaired mobility, chronic health conditions, limited social and economic resources, and lower technology use. And yet older adults are the least prepared for disasters: only one-third have an emergency plan.

What should you do to be prepared? Follow these three steps: make a plan, make a kit, and be informed so you are at least “2 Weeks Ready” for any emergency.

1.) Make a plan. Include family and friends when making your plan and don’t forget to consider your physical limitations; how you will care for your pets; your arrangements with your caregivers; how and when to turn off your utilities; and how you will leave and where you will go if you have to evacuate.

Also, create a communication plan. Choose a contact person who will check on you during an emergency. Create a list of contact information for family members and friends to leave by your phone and to include in your Emergency Supply Kit. You may also want to designate an out-of-state contact person to call or text since it is often easier to make an out-of-state call than a local call from a disaster area. A simple message such as IMOK works well.

2.) Make a Kit. There is a wealth of information online. One place you can start is at Oregon State University’s website https://beav.es/cascadiaprepare. And don’t forget to consider hearing aids, dentures, eyeglasses, mobility devices, and at least a seven-day supply of medications. And cash. If the power goes out, it will be hard if not impossible to use your credit card.

3.) Be informed. If you haven’t already, register with your county’s Citizens Alert program to receive critical emergency notifications. In Oregon you can register at Oregon Alert: https://oralert.gov/. In Klickitat and Skamania Counties contact your county’s Emergency Management Department.

In my more than forty-three years living in the Gorge, I have seen floods, winter storms, train derailments, and wildfires (But no tornadoes or hurricanes!) In these types of emergencies, government agencies aren’t always able to respond immediately, so personal preparedness is key. There is often little time to think: twenty minutes or less to decide what you need to take and what you must leave behind.

It’s already July and I haven’t mentioned the six Farmer Markets in the Gorge where you can enjoy the fresh local produce and the works of Gorge artists. It is different than shopping at your local grocery store so here are a few quick tips to make it fun and easy.

1.) Plan ahead. You can find a list of the vendors on each market’s website. 2.) Bring your own bag. Or a mini cooler with a few damp paper towels inside to keep highly perishable items like fresh herbs and certain vegetables hydrated to prevent wilting. 3.) Take the time to meet your local farmers and artists. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the items you are considering. 4.) Try something new. Challenge yourself to try at least one new food item.

You can find information about the six Farmer Markets including times, locations, and a list of all the vendors at https://gorgegrown.com.

The American actor associated with horror films based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe and who did the voiceover in Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller” was Vincent Price. It’s another holiday so once again I’ll need to send in this column too early to mention everyone who sent in the correct answer. But I’ll catch up next week.

I’ll keep it simple for this week’s “Remember When” question. What product was first introduced in the 1890s and was advertised as “It Floats!” and “99 44⁄’00% Pure”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or ship it with a clawfoot, cast iron bathtub.

Well, it’s been another week, trying not to repeat myself. Until we meet again, for every question there is an answer; you just might not find it in your lifetime.

“It’s never too late to become what you might have been.” George Eliot

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Halfway – after which it would be running out!

I thought I would take the day off and instead transport you back in time to the heyday of Hollywood Squares from 1966 through 1981 with these “zingers” from the show which at that time were often considered a little off-color.

1. Do female frogs croak? A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads underwater long enough they will.
2. If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be? A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.
3. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years. A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.
4. You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman? A. Don Knotts: That’s what’s been keeping me awake.
5. According to Cosmo, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he’s married? A. Rose Marie: No. Wait until morning.
6. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older? A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.
7. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking? A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I’ll give you a gesture you’ll never forget.
8. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet? A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I’m always safe in the bedroom.
9. Can boys join the Campfire Girls? A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.
10. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do? A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?
11. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to? A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.
12. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people? A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.
13. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do? A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.
14. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they? A. Charley Weaver: His feet.
15. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed? A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh.

Now back to the regular programming.

Brain Tease. It’s time to move on from last week’s Logic Puzzle to another lateral thinking puzzle and as always you need to think beyond the obvious.

Why are 2017 UK pound coins worth more than 2015 UK pound coins?

The British comedy troupe formed in 1969 who were known for their sketch comedy television series from 1969 – 1974 and the movies Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life” was Monty Python. I received correct answers from Stephen Woolpert, Jess Birge, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Doug Nelson, Bruce Johnson, Donna Mollet, and Julie Carter, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket who found that the name Monty Python was chosen because it sounded like a really bad theatrical agent! And last week I missed Ruth Radcliffe.

This American actor was also an art historian, art collector, and gourmet cook. He appeared on stage, television, and radio, and in more than 100 films. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was this actor most associated with the horror films based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a tape of Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller”.

Well, it’s been another week, and another step on the stairway of life. Until we meet again, I’ll leave you with this Red Skelton quote, “If I wake up and not surrounded by roses, I’m doing fine”.

“At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all.” Ann Landers

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: 2,017 UK pound coins because there are 2 more of them. (What a difference a comma makes!)

When I was in my twenties, I heard you had to “fake it to make it.” Many of us may have taken that advice – although unconsciously. We became what others expected of us: breadwinners, homemakers, caregivers, and ignoring who we really were.

But now that we are older and no longer need any validation, we don’t have to fake it.

We can be like our cartoon hero, Popeye the sailor man who said “I yam what I yam and that’s all what I yam.

We can be our authentic selves. We can be the “I yam.”

But that’s not easy and a little scary – at least for me.

It means asking myself Who am I really? What do I genuinely want to do with the rest of my life? and What will make me happy?

This may not be the first time in your life you have considered these questions.

I knew friends in college who I thought were too self-absorbed; wasting time trying to figure out who they were – or as I would say disparagingly “contemplating their belly button.” I didn’t have time! I was busy navigating the college social landscape, looking for my true love, and oh, yeah, trying to pass my college exams.

But now in later life, there are likely fewer obstacles in the way so you can take the time to look at your life, not the should-ofs or what-ifs from the past, but the possibilities for the future.

I figure I’m at that stage of life where you take me as I am or don’t take me at all – although that approach can be problematic with my wife!

We no longer have to fake it to make it. There are fewer expectations of who we should be. And we are no longer constrained by those expectations so we can grow in our self-awareness, grow in our spirituality, and grow into who we truly are.

Brain Tease. I wasted twenty minutes, no, let me say that again, I invested twenty minutes working my brain while solving this logic puzzle. I usually avoid logic puzzles: they are more complex, and I find them harder to solve – I always need paper and pencil. But for this one time, see if you can solve this logic puzzle.

Alex is a keen dog admirer and over the years has had a number of dogs.

Alex has had an Alsatian, a Dalmatian, a Poodle, and a Great Dane, but not necessarily in that order.

Alex had Jamie first. The Dalmatian was an adored pet before the Great Dane. Sammy, the Alsatian, was the second dog Alex loved. Whitney was housed before the Poodle and Jimmy was not a Great Dane. Can you match the dogs to their names and find the order in which Alex had them?

The commercial name of this gum packaged in a red, white, and blue color scheme, and starting in 1953 included with each piece a small “Bazooka Jo” comic strip was Bazooka bubblegum. I received correct answers from Julie Carter, Ryan Rooper, Lana Tepfer, Rebecca Abrams, Jess Birge, Rhonda Spies, Keith and Marlene Clymer, and Deborah Medina, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

Last week I missed, but I may have missed more, Mike Nagle, Pat Evenson-Brady, Julie Carter, and Elena Smith. In a round world, it is hard to keep things straight.

This British comedy troupe formed in 1969 consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin became known for their sketch comedy television series from 1969 – 1974. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this comedy troupe that used animation and an innovative stream-of-consciousness approach in their comedy routines? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with two of their films: Life of Brian (1979), and The Meaning of Life (1983).

Well, it’s been another week, looking through my contact list and remembering all of those I’ve forgotten. Until we meet again, remember the words of Niles Bohr, the famous Danish Physicist: “Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future.”

“If your knees aren’t green by the end of the day, you ought to seriously re-examine your life.” Bill Watterson

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Alex had Jamie the Dalmatian first, then Sammy the Alsatian, Whitney the Great Dane, and finally Jimmy the Poodle.

Fifteen years ago, I didn’t understand why there was such an emphasis on fall prevention. You fall, you get up, and move on. What’s the big deal? But as I look back, I wonder how I could have been so ignorant. But hey, I was only sixty!

But now I do know the seriousness of falls: broken hips, fractured shoulders, head injuries; and the short and long-term consequences. And working for Circles of Care, I often meet folks who have requested support because of falls and the resulting loss of independence.

So, what can you do to avoid falling? And what can you do if you do fall?

You’ve probably heard these recommendations before, but considering their importance there is no harm in a reminder. (You can find more about fall prevention at the National Institute on Aging’s website https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures.)

1. Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Stay physically active.
3. Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet.
4. Have your eyes and hearing tested.
5. Get enough sleep.
6. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
7. Stand up slowly.
8. Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk.
9. Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces.
10. Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you weren’t hurt when you fell.

Okay, you’ve followed all the recommendations, but then your dog, your loving companion for years, jumps in front of you; you trip and fall. What do you do?

Breathe. Take several deep breaths to try to relax. Remain still on the floor or ground for a few moments. Then decide if you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.

If you think you can get up safely without help, crawl to a sturdy chair. Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it’s flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor. From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.

Get help. If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.

Falls can be life-changing: continual discomfort, possible weeks of rehabilitation, and loss of independence. So be smart; be careful to avoid spending a beautiful summer day in your favorite emergency room.

Brain Tease. We all remember playing our favorite albums on our portable record player, so this one should be easy, right? “Which is greater, the number of grooves on one side of a vinyl record or the number of days in the year?

The Oregon resident who wrote “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and who was “too young to be a beatnik, and too old to be a hippie,” was Ken Kesey. I received correct answers from Wendy Schaefer, Donna Mollet, Susan Conklin, Jay Waterbury, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Mary Radcliffe, Steven Woolpert, Sandy Haechrel, Mike McFarlane, Rebecca Abrams, Rhonda Spies, Nancy Higgins, Patty Burnett, and Dennis Morgan who pointed out that the correct spelling for the 1939 school bus which carried the Merry Pranksters was “Furthur”. And last week I missed Carol Earl.

I remember going to the neighborhood drugstore and buying these pieces of bubblegum marketed by the Topps Company and sold for a penny. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the commercial name of this gum packaged in a red, white, and blue color scheme and starting in 1953 included a small comic strip with each piece? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with one of the over 1,535 different comic strips enclosed with the gum.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to fulfill the expectation of being a fountain of wisdom when I don’t really have a clue. Until we meet again, remember, it’s okay.

“I like maxims that don’t encourage behavior modification.” Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Days in the year as there is only one groove per side of a vinyl record!

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison

Or as Winston Churchill put it more directly, “Never, never, never give up.”

Our culture celebrates self-sufficiency and pull-yourself-up-by-your bootstrap stories told to us since childhood. That attitude has served us well, persevering through adversity so we’ll get to where we want to go.

But are there times when you should consider quitting not as giving up but letting go? That was the focus of Judith Graham’s interview with Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Keller, author of her new book, Quitting: A Life Strategy. The Myth of Perseverance – and How the New Science of Giving Up Can Set You Free. (https://www.nextavenue.org/dont-think-of-it-as-quitting-think-of-it-as-letting-go/)

Keller points out that quitting requires us to ask ourselves ‘How do I feel about the way things are working out for me?’ If the answer is ‘just OK,’ then the question becomes ‘Is OK really enough?’

What if giving up can make your life better especially when you’re not happy with your current circumstances?

What if letting go is liberating when you’re stuck and unsatisfied making room for other possibilities in your life?

Keller argues quitting is about abundance and not loss; choosing hope over fear; believing that there is a brighter tomorrow. But in our culture quitting is a dirty word. It takes courage – and maybe a little ignorance to quit. And then what if things don’t work out? But as we age, quitting may become more important because we don’t have the time to continue doing what isn’t working.

Keller found in the interviews for her book “people expressed much more regret over things that they didn’t quit but wish they had than the changes they found the courage to make.”

We have worked hard all our lives and persisted through tough situations which we can be proud of. But are there times to stop and decide if this is something you really want to continue doing? Not quitting but letting go so your life will be happier and more fulfilling.

Senior Planet from AARP offers online classes plus articles on a variety of topics: Life and Culture, Tech, and Healthy Aging for example. But Senior Planet also offers a Tech Support Hotline. If you have a specific tech question, you can call the FREE Senior Planet National Tech Hotline: 888-713-3495 anytime between 9:00 am – 8:00 pm EDT (That’s 6:00 – 5:00 for us left coast folks), Monday through Friday. They can help you with whatever tech issues you’re experiencing. And if they can’t they’ll help you find someone who can.

Brain Tease. How about a sequence puzzle? For example, the answer for the clue M T W T ? is Friday (F) because, well, you know the sequence. So, try to find the answers to these two sequence puzzles. 1.) J F M A M J J ?  2.) T T T F F S S ?

The name of the 1968 Broadway theater production described as “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” was Hair. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Steven Woolpert, Judy Merrill, Rhonda Spies, Rose Schulz, Kay Fortin, Pat Evenson-Brady, Donna Mollet, Lana Tepfer, Bruce Johnson, Joan Chantler, and Dave Lutgens this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

And for the week before those who sent in the answer The Red Balloon were Ron Nelson, Karen Mielke, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Carol Earl, Rhonda Spies, and Becky Podvent that week’s winner.

This Oregon author grew up on a working dairy farm in Springfield, Oregon, was a successful wrestler in high school and college, and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1957. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was this author described by one of his instructors as “a sort of highly talented illiterate” and who wrote the critically acclaimed novel set in the Oregon State Hospital? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a picture of “Further” the 1939 International Harvester school bus which carried the “Merry Band of Pranksters”.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to lower the bar to help others over. Until we meet again, don’t let the gravy drown the mashed potatoes.

“I am a kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.” J. D. Salinger

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: 1.) (A) August; 2.) (E) Eighty

Whether you call it talking, conversing, dialoguing, or schmoozing, expressing yourself clearly so you are understood can be a challenge. As George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

But effective communication is essential for family, caregivers, and spouses to avoid conflicts and help improve and maintain healthy relationships as we age. The following are some helpful tips – condensed for this column – from Working Caregiver. You can find more details on their website workingcaregiver.com.

1. Breathe. Start with a deep breath to relax and give yourself time to pull your thoughts together.
2. Ask questions. Find out what is really going on. Don’t take anything for granted – you know what happens when you assume.
3. Truly listen. Hear and understand their experiences and opinions and listen for any fears driving their responses that they may not even realize. And don’t argue.
4. Slow down. Take your time and think before you respond. Silence can be golden.
5. Speak directly to the person. Set aside time to have one-on-one conversations. And avoid multitasking.
6. Speak distinctly and clearly. Many of us don’t like to admit we have trouble understanding conversations.
7. Laugh. When appropriate, humor can help ease tense situations.

Last week talked about what not to carry in your wallet to avoid scams and fraud. But what impacts most of us are the billions of illegal robocalls that occur annually costing victims an average of $1,200.

But there are several ways you can reduce these irritating intrusions.

1. Add a call blocker. Check with your landline or cell phone service provider to see what no-cost or low-cost options they provide.
2. Let calls go to voicemail if you don’t know the number. I add everyone I know to my phone’s contact list, so I only answer the calls I recognize.
3. Hang up if it is a live person calling and you don’t know who they are. If you engage with the scammer, they may put more extra pressure on you to get money or your personal information.

You can report scam phone calls to the FTC by calling 1-877-382-4357 or by going online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

You can also report any scams to the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. There you can also find a map of all the scam calls reported to AARP. For example, in the Hood River Upper Valley an individual reported a scam from someone saying they were employed by Netgear and wanted to update their router. Another individual received a robocall call telling them they were behind in their payments and that their power would be turned off in thirty minutes!

Any of those sound familiar?

Even though we think it can’t happen to us, it can. Over 59 million US residents lost money from a phone scam in 2021. Don’t be fooled.

Brain Tease. Another Caesar Shift puzzle. See if you can decode this gardening quote by Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes fame.

“F’j klq arjy. F grpq exsb x zljjxka lc qelolrdeiv rpbibpp fkclojxqflk.”

The 1956 thirty-four-minute short French film popular with children and educators which follows the adventures of a young boy who makes friends with an object that seems to have a mind of its own was The Red Balloon or in French Le Ballon Rouge. It’s another holiday, so next week I will mention all those who sent in correct answers.

In 1968 this Broadway musical was the talk of the theater department at Purdue University where my girlfriend at the time was a theater major. It was a groundbreaking new Broadway musical genre depicting hippies and the counterculture scene. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this theater production described as “The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with the soundtrack that included the hits “Aquarius” and “Good Morning Starshine”.

Well, it’s been another week, tangled up in all my loose ends. Until we meet again, as Anonymous once said, “As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way”. Ouch!

“I got called pretty today. We’ll actually the full statement was ‘you’re pretty annoying’, but I only focus on positive things.” Unknown

Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333)

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services – Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: “I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information.”