With Thanksgiving becoming another shopping holiday: Black Friday morphing into Black Thursday, I have begun to appreciate the perspective that comes from having lived these many years. I no longer feel I need to participate in the mad rush of finding the best deals of the pre-pre-holiday sales – although I really could use some tube socks! Instead I have found the tide has shifted and instead of wanting more stuff, I’m trying to give away what I don’t need – and there is plenty of it.
I have also learned to appreciate all of life’s little things: those special nights when I don’t have to get up at 3:00 in the morning, or when that I was wearing a long sweater when I forgot to “zip up”. I’m thankful my best friend, who can be real difficult at times, hasn’t divorced me yet. And I am particularly grateful to be alive and kicking providing so many opportunities to laugh at my own imperfections.
When I take the time to appreciate and savor every moment of each day, knowing that in a flash my life could turn upside down, I have found I don’t really need anymore “things”. As long as I have friends and family, a roof over my head and food in the cupboard, I’m doing just fine. I hope you have found all you really need and I wish you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.
During the winter months of early sunsets and cold temperatures, the Center is adjusting the winter hours for Saturday Night Bingo. Beginning December 6thSaturday Night Bingo will start two hours earlier at 4:00 PM and the doors will open at 2:00 for the early birds. The Thursday Night Bingo will continue at their regular time of 6:00 PM.
Most of you should have received a mailing asking you to become a member of the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. Now I know many of you may have been “confused” by such a request because, to paraphrase Bernard Baruch, you are at least fifteen years from being “old”. But while you may not be “old”, and even though you haven’t been “new” for some time, we still would like you to become a member. By joining the Center you are contributing to the health of the whole community, because while the center’s focus is supporting older adults, the Center is really a community center – open five and often six days a week. There are no age restrictions for any of the activities including the medical equipment loan closet, AARP Tax Aide, Tuesday Night Music, Bingo or any of the classes. So whether you are old, new or someplace in between, please consider becoming a member today.
After the Thanksgiving holiday, don’t forget the Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Christmas Bazaar on December 6th from 10:00 – 2:00 PM in the basement of the United Church of Christ Congregational Church. There will be local craft vendors, but even better, there will be delicious baked-goods for sale and their world famous homemade soup lunch.
For the Center’s Tuesday Night music on December 2nd, Andre, K.C. and Tom will be performing. Everyone is welcome and donations are appreciate to feed the band and keep the heat on.
Many folks had fond memories of the Dobre Deli – the delicatessen that opened in 1977 and was located on 4th street between the CAP Office and the Williams Building. (And the winner of a free Saturday breakfast on December 20th is Virgil Choate who remembers it was also common meeting place for The Dalles Windbaggers in their bright yellow sports jackets.)
The inspiration for this week’s “Remember When” question, came from a friend of mine who named her new pup after this actress, comedienne and musical performer. Who starred in several movie musicals including Nellie in South Pacific as well as starred in several of her own television specials in the 60’s and 70’s? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail with the lyrics to “I’m’ Going to Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”.
Well, it’s been another week, thankful that the rain was not snow. Until we meet again, as overheard at the Center, “There is no shame in being old, but it can be a real bother”.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
