It’s Christmas time: the annual rite of exchanging gifts with my adult children; trying to decide what I should buy for them. Should I buy clothes – but will they be the right style and size? Or I could buy a trendy gadget – but will it just be stored away with all the other unused gadgets? Or I could again go to my fallback position: an Amazon gift card! I have no idea. My kids don’t make Christmas lists anymore!

As I struggle to find that perfect gift, I am reminded of a class Lucille Torgerson taught many years ago. She passionately felt at her age the best gift she could give her children was to have all her affairs in order for when she passed away.

That may sound morbid during this holiday season: death is not something I like to talk about or even think about. I’m hoping it won’t happen to me in my lifetime! But knowing that it won’t just disappear even if I wish on a shooting star or do everything right, it is something I should prepare for.

But how do we prepare?

One resource is “Getting Your Affairs in Order Checklist: Documents to Prepare for the Future” a website by the National Institute on Aging. You can even sign up for a weekly email series on advance care planning.

Another helpful resource that I learned about at the Aging Mastery book club that meets at the Hood River Valley Adult Center is the book, I’m Dead. Now What. Now don’t be turned off by the title! It is a practical book with tabbed pages to gather and record the details someone, most likely your spouse or your children, will have to manage when you die: medical and financial information, personal property, insurance, what accounts to pay, close or cancel, your usernames and passwords, and even how to take care of your pets for example.

When you leave this earth, it should be a time to celebrate your life, a time to share favorite memories, a time to laugh, and a time to cry – not a time for your children to worry about how to take care of your affairs.

I hope you see that having your affairs in order makes sense and would be a wonderful gift for your children. But if you also believe it just might not be a suitable Christmas gift this year, when you do go shopping for that perfect gift, don’t forget to Shop Local!

Brain Tease: Another silly Christmas riddle which may be waaaay too easy.

Can you decipher this: Christmasdaydaydaydaydaydaydaydaydaydaydayday

The name of this weekly educational newspaper that described current events was My Weekly Reader. I received correct answers from Steven Woolpert, Ruth Tsu, Jim Kirby, Judy Kiser, Doug Nelson, Dave Lutgens, Pat Evenson Brady, Jay Waterbury, Bruce Johnson, Kim Birge, Donna Mollet, Rose Schulz, Nancy Higgins, Eileen White, Lana Tepfer – who remembers reading National Scholastic in California, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Sara Ballingson. And last week I missed Craig Terry.

I want to thank everyone who sent in names of other stamp brands they remembered: Blue Chip Stamps, Plaid Stamps, and Gold Stamps – the stamps I had forgotten.

In one of our discussions around the breakfast table, my wife mentioned this TV western which she said was one of her favorites, but I couldn’t remember. See if you can.

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the TV series that ran from 1965 through 1969, conceived as “James Bond on horseback” that followed Secret Service agents, the fearless and handsome James West (Robert Conrad), and Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin), a brilliant gadgeteer and master of disguise?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with an exploding pocket watch or a blow torch disguised as a cigar.

Well, it’s been another week looking for the silver lining in that old winter coat of mine. Until we meet again, life isn’t fun if you think you’re too clever to appreciate the simple things.

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”  Maya Angelou

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answers: The 12 Days of Christmas

How old do you see yourself? Ten years younger? Twenty years younger? Or have you lost touch with reality and see yourself 40 years younger?

Every time I try to pick up something – which includes myself – off the floor, I know I’m not the same person I once was. And yet in my mind, I’m often “writing checks my body can’t cash”. But is that really a problem, seeing myself as that younger person I once was?

In her Jun 20, 2023 article for Forbes Magazine “In Denial About Aging? Making Bad Decisions? You’re Not Alone”, Sara Zeff Geber believes many of us in our 60s, 70s, and 80s still believe we are the same person we once were. And by denying our age many of us are blind to or at least ignore the changes in our bodies and the need to modify our lifestyles, thus making life unnecessarily more difficult.

For example, when I go to The Dalles Athletic Club I must remind myself I am not exercising the body I once had, or even the body I think I have, but the body I do have which I have learned to accept – so I can walk out of the gym without my wife’s help!

To help make appropriate decisions, Sara Zeff Geber suggests you consider these four questions.

1.) How will your current house work for you if you or your partner encounter mobility issues, permanent or temporary? In other words, how “accessible and adaptable” is your current house?

2.) What aches and pains or other changes (vision, hearing, etc.) are you starting to experience that you are ignoring?

3.) What changes are you noticing in your partner or a friend that they are ignoring or refusing to discuss?

4.) Are there some changes you have been contemplating, but continue to postpone for one reason or another?

I don’t need to tell you we are all aging. But there is a difference between smart aging: staying socially engaged, exercising, eating well, and accepting change and adapting; and not-so-smart aging: denying the changes that have occurred and making poor lifestyle decisions.

While we strive to embrace the “art” of aging gracefully, Sharon Johnson, Director of Age-Friendly Innovators, believes, it also means fully embracing the inevitable changes that occur with aging; seeing our “older self” to make smart decisions so we can live well now and into the future.

Brain Tease. Since it’s that time of the year, I thought I would continue providing more teases with a Christmas theme.

1.) What do you call an old snowman? 2.) How many presents can Santa fit in an empty sack? 3.) What goes “Oh, oh, oh?”

The name of the line of trading stamps founded in 1896 by Thomas Sperry and Shelley Byron Hutchinson which you could collect and paste into collector books to redeem for different products was S&H Green Stamps. (I seem to recall a competing brand of stamps, but I can’t remember what they were. Anyone know?) I received correct answers from Barb (Blair) Weiford, Jay Waterbury, Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, Eva Summers, Jess Birge, Pat Evenson-Brady, and Millie Baumgartner who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Linda Frizzell.

While in grade school, I looked forward to my teacher distributing this 4-8 page weekly children’s newspaper to discuss in class or read for homework. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this weekly educational newspaper first published in 1928 that described current events in the United States and around the world – and that an estimated two-thirds of American adults grew up reading in grade school? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with the edition that includes a chat with Alan “A-Okay” Shepard, Jr. the first American in space.

Well, it’s been another week, bundling up to go outside even when the temperature is in the forties! Until we meet again, remember if plan A doesn’t work there are 25 more letters in the alphabet.

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” Phyllis Diller

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answers: 1.)  Water. 2.) Only one — after that, it’s not empty anymore! 3.) Santa walking backward.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving whether gathering around the dining room table with friends and family, celebrating with others at a Community Thanksgiving Dinner, or enjoying a home-delivered turkey dinner.

Now as we’ve entered the holiday season, it’s a good time to slow down, take a deep breath, and just offer that simple prayer – “Thank you”. Thank you for the many blessings that are visible, but often out of focus as we are distracted by all the daily noise and our own self-absorption.

Thankful for our friends and family who are still with us and for the comforting memories of those we have lost. Thankful for the neighbors who keep an eye on us and offer help even when we think we can do it ourselves. And thankful that each morning we can wake up, touch our feet to the floor, and start a new day – although I’ve found it takes a while to loosen up the old joints.

And maybe we should also be thankful for our misfortunes that remind us not to take anything for granted and to cherish each day – knowing that in a flash our lives could turn upside down.

This holiday season is a time to appreciate and savor our blessings, and ask ourselves the question Charlie Brown posed “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?”

Since choosing the right plan during Medicare Open Enrollment is an important once-a-year decision, here’s just a reminder that Open Enrollment ends on December 7th, so you still have time to determine if your Medicare plan is the best option for you. To help decide, review your plan’s “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) and ask yourself three questions. 1.) Does my plan allow me to go to the providers I want, including my pharmacy? 2.) Are my prescription drugs covered? 3.) How much does the plan cost?

You can compare plans by visiting www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan; studying the “Medicare & You” handbook you received in the mail; or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) where help is available 24/7. For in-person help, you can schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer counselor. In Oregon call 541-288-8341, Goldendale 509-773-3757, White Salmon 509-493-3068, and in Stevenson call 509-427-3990.

Brain Tease: How about a little fun deciphering these common Christmas Carols?

1.) Happiness to the Global Ecosystem; 2.) Small male percussionist; 3.) I am experiencing nocturnal visions of a colorless holiday; 4.) Festoon the Corridors; 5.) A Non-summer fairytale area; 6.) Oh holiday conifer; 7.) Ten plus two twenty-four-hour periods of holiday festivity; 8.) Hey tiny city in Israel; 9.) In a remote location in a barn stall

The actor who played Charles Lindberg in the 1957 aviation biography film, The Spirit of St. Louis and had a lifelong passion for aviation was Jimmy Stewart. I received correct answers from Ron Nelson, Bruce Johnson, Judy Kiser, Rebecca Abrams, Kim Birge, Deborah Medina, and Dave Lutgens this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

I remember my mother going to the grocery store and collecting these trading stamps which I would lick and paste into 24-page collector books which she would redeem for different products. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what is the name of this line of trading stamps founded in 1896 by Thomas Sperry and Shelley Byron Hutchinson? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with one of the 35 million catalogs distributed each year during the 1960s.

Well, it’s been another week, and once again completing only half of my to-do list. Until we meet again, as Danny Kaye once said, “Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it you can.”

“What’s wrong with knowing what you know now and not knowing what you don’t know until later?” – Winnie the Pooh

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answers for this week:

1.) Joy to the World; 2.) Little Drummer Boy; 3.) I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas; 4.) Deck the Halls; 5.) Winter Wonderland; 6.) Oh Christmas Tree; 7.) 12 Days of Christmas; 8.) Oh Little Town of Bethlehem; 9.) Away in a Manger.

And here are the answers for those who didn’t decipher last week’s quotes.

“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.”

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

Well, it’s the beginning of the holiday season when we enjoy the company of family – and gain seven pounds before the start of the New Year. But while visiting with parents, children, grandchildren, or all three, it can be difficult navigating around and through past hurts and slights brought to family gatherings along with gifts and holiday treats.

However, to help avoid the traps and difficulties often encountered at family gatherings, I found this advice from the website Next Avenue (http://www.nextavenue.org/), a nonprofit, online publication for people over fifty produced by Twin Cities PBS.

First, bury the hatchet (and although tempted – not in someone’s back!). You may not forget past wrongs but try to maintain a spirit of forgiveness.

Second, keep your mouth shut! Well, not exactly. But hold your tongue – even when they have it all wrong! Follow the advice of Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and philosopher, who suggested before you speak let your words pass through three gates. “At the first gate, ask yourself, ‘Is it true?’ At the second ask, ‘Is it necessary?’ At the third gate ask, ‘Is it kind?’”

Third, simplify and reduce stress. Don’t be totally worn out when guests arrive. Determine ahead of time what is essential and what is not. And consider skipping what is not.

Fourth, sneak in a few breaks to relax before, during, and after the gathering.

Fifth, reinvent your traditions. Find a new location for the gathering. Or go as a family to help volunteer at a community event. Think outside the turkey roll.

Sixth, rethink your gift-giving. Donate on behalf of your loved one to a non-profit. Or give “experience” gifts: tickets to the theater or a gift card to a restaurant they would not normally visit. As Jana Webb once told me, “I don’t need more things!”

Families are our support system in times of hardship and adversity; our connections to the past and future. And when families are so scattered and often disconnected, being together is a special time to be enjoyed and treasured.

One of the strengths of our communities is our local businesses, and many small retail businesses depend on the holiday season. By shopping locally, you not only support those businesses, but you can ask questions in person; see what you’re buying – avoiding “It looked so different online!”; and discover those unique special gifts. So, during this holiday season don’t forget to shop local!

Brain Tease: Last week you identified the names of animals without the vowels. This week, see if you can read the following Thanksgiving quotes also without the vowels.

“A_ _pt_m_st _ s _ p_rs_n wh_ st_rts _ n_w d_ _ t _n Th_nksg_v_ng D_y.” Irv Kupcinet

“F- – ling gr- t-t-d- -nd n-t -xpr-ss-ng -t -s l-k- wr-pp-ng – pr-s-nt -nd n-t g-v-ng -t.” William Arthur Ward

The broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, and who ended his news program with the words, “And that’s the way it is” was Walter Cronkite. I received correct answers from Ron Nelson, Nancy Higgins, Stephen Woolpert, Jay Waterbury, Jess Birge, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Eva Summers, Donna Mollet, Rhonda Spies, Keith Clymer, Diana Weston, Doug Nelson, Bruce Johnson, Deborah Medina, and Katherine Schlick Noe this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Rebecca Abrams and Lana Tepfer.

In 1927 Charles Lindberg, while flying alone, made the first nonstop flight from New York City to Paris, becoming a national hero. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the actor who played Charles Lindberg in the 1957 aviation biography film The Spirit of St. Louis, and who said Lindbergh’s famous flight was among the most significant events of his youth? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with a U.S. “Lindbergh Air Mail” Postage Stamp issued on June 11, 1927.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to make it work without reading the instructions. Until we meet again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving – and make sure you don’t spill the gravy!

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” Johannes A. Gaertner

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: If you couldn’t read the two Thanksgiving quotes, I’ll share them with you next week.

When are you entering that stage of life called “old age”? It depends on who you ask. According to a 2017 study by U.S. Trust, American millennials (1981 to 1996) defined old as starting at age 59; Gen Xers (1965 to 1980) said old age begins at 65, while baby boomers (1946 to 1964) said that you’re not old until you reach 73.

Many of us don’t want to think about when old age begins. Old age is always ten years down the road, right? But at some point, we realize we are no longer the young men or women of our imaginations. My brother-in-law shared that after turning 70, he could no longer deny he was getting old! – although it has taken me a few years longer.

Although we may not want to believe we are old, there are unwanted signs reminding us old age has at least moved into the neighborhood. While sorting through boxes of old papers and pictures – a great activity during the dreary winter days – I found a poster describing some of those signs.

Here are my favorites describing when you know you are getting old. Maybe you can relate to some of them.

1) Everything hurts and what doesn’t hurt doesn’t work.

2) You think gay means “happy, lively, and vivacious”. (Remember the Gay Blade clothing stores?)

3) You know all the answers, but no one asks you the questions.

4) Your mind makes agreements your body can’t keep.

5) You feel like the morning after and you haven’t been anywhere.

6) Anything under a quarter isn’t worth bending over to pick up.

7) You stop to think and sometimes forget to start again.

8) A dripping faucet (or any running water!) causes an uncontrollable bladder urge.

9) You finally get to the top of the ladder, but it’s leaning against the wrong wall.

And finally, my observations discovered over the past fifteen years.

1) When you fly, TSA no longer considers you a high-security risk.

2) An elderly woman in Portland was reported hurt and she was 10 years younger than you are.

3) The first thing you read in the newspaper is the obituaries.

4) When someone asks for help moving furniture, they look right past you – which isn’t always a bad thing!

5) You wear a warm coat when it’s 55 degrees outside.

6) You turn to the classic rock station and it’s playing 80’s music. And finally,

7) You think twerking is a new fitness program.

Now that I’ve reached what most consider old age, I’ve found it’s no longer something to fear but to embrace – although, I admit, it’s often like hugging a porcupine. But if we’re fortunate, we’ll all get there. As Groucho Marx said, “Getting older is no problem. You just have to live long enough.”

Brain Tease:

These may be too easy, but I hope at least one will be challenging.

These words have had their vowels (AEIOU) removed; can you replace them to find the names of the animals? pnd. frrt, s ln, hdghg, chth, tdpl, ttr, plr br, lprd, grff

This comic strip created during the turbulent 60s and 70s that followed the lives of Mike, Mark, Zonker, B.D., and Joanie Caucus from when they attended Walden College to now as aging baby boomers was Doonesbury by Gary Trudeau. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Donna Mollet, Dave Lutgens, Pat Evenson-Brady, and Bruce Johnson, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

Back in the days of the three major television networks, and social media was passing notes between friends, television news was respected and not just another form of entertainment. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what television newscaster ended his news program with the words “And that’s the way it is.”? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a copy of the first episode of The Twentieth Century.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep up with the … well, just trying to keep up. Until we meet again, life is serious, but every day take time to step back and have a good laugh!

“The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.”  Abe Lemons

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: panda, ferret, sea lion, hedgehog, cheetah, tadpole, otter, polar bear, leopard, giraffe

Ah, sleep – that “golden chain that ties health and our bodies together” as Thomas Dekker once said.

But what if that chain is worn and your body is not getting a refreshing good night’s sleep: you’re having difficulty falling asleep; staying asleep; waking up too early; or feeling tired during the day?

If you are having trouble sleeping, here are a few tips from the National Institute on Aging for developing healthy bedtime habits so you can get the seven to nine hours that most of us need to stay healthy and alert.

• Follow a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening. That means no later than 3:00 PM and no longer than 30 minutes.
• Develop a bedtime routine. A relaxing book? Soothing music? A warm bath?
• Don’t watch television or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom.
• Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Hopefully, both you and your partner agree on that temperature!
• Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.
• And the obvious: stay away from caffeine late in the day.

There are also a couple of tricks to try if you’re having difficulty falling asleep.

• Count slowly to 100 – and that doesn’t need to be sheep!
• Relax your body by imagining your toes are completely relaxed, then your feet, then your ankles, all the way up the rest of your body. You may drift off to sleep before getting to the top of your head.
• If 20 minutes after turning off the light, you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. And then when you feel sleepy, which is hopefully before the sun rises, go back to bed.

If you find it hard to get enough sleep, feel tired, and are unable to do your activities for more than two or three weeks, it may be time to see a doctor to determine if you have a sleep problem and what changes you can try.

In addition, you may be interested in participating in a study by UC Berkeley’s Golden Bear Sleep and Mood Research Clinic. They are currently recruiting adults aged 60+ who are experiencing sleep problems to take part in a no-cost and brief online sleep coaching study. The program includes three sessions of sleep coaching by video once a week for three weeks. The study doesn’t involve the use of any medication, and they won’t ask anyone who is currently taking sleep medications to stop taking them. They are currently enrolling new participants, so if you are interested, call (510) 575-9319 or email sleepandmemoryteamUCB@gmail.com

BRAIN TEASE: Two weeks ago, I shared a brain tease from a New York Times crossword puzzle: “What four-letter word has a bow that can never be tied?” Last week it was pointed out that it could be a rainbow – although it wouldn’t fit because it had more than four letters. But this week Gary VanOrman set me straight. He said a ship bow is tied by a hawser and anchored by a chain, so ship isn’t correct either.  But if you think WAY outside the box as Gary did, a four-letter word that has a bow that can never be tied is a BOWL. I can’t argue with that!

The name of the “Amazin” baseball team that won the 1969 World Series in their eighth year of existence and accomplished one of the greatest upsets in Series history was the Miracle New York Mets. I received correct answers from Anna Bolton, Jeanne Pesicka, Bruce Johnson, Doug Nelson, Jess Birge, Donna Mollet, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, and Lee Kaseberg – this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

This actor was well known for his television roles as professional gambler Bret Maverick and private investigator Jim Rockford and also starred in more than fifty films. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this actor whose career spanned over six decades? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a picture of him with Lois his wife for fifty-eight years!

Well, it’s been another week, staying warm under the covers. Until we meet again, as Mel Brooks once said, “Life literally abounds in comedy if you just look around you.”

“Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone.”  Anthony Burgess

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

It’s that time of the year: falling leaves, cooler mornings, and football hysteria! But it’s also time for my annual reminder about Medicare’s Open Enrollment that continues through December 7^th.

Since each year the insurance companies can adjust their Medicare plans, the Open Enrollment period gives you an opportunity to decide if your Medicare plan is still the best option for you or if it’s time to switch to another plan – or even if your plan is still available: the Elixir Prescription Drug Plan will no longer be available in Oregon.

To help decide, first take time to review your plan’s “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) which you should have received in September. It describes any changes to your current plan for next year. Then ask yourself the big three Medicare questions.

1.) Does my plan allow me to go to the providers I want, including my pharmacy?

2.) Are my prescription drugs covered?

3.) How much does the plan cost?

Good advice, but do you? If you don’t, you’re not alone. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 57 percent of Medicare recipients didn’t review or compare their coverage options annually – probably because they find it frustrating, perplexing, and downright confusing!

This year take time to carefully review your plan and the changes; and if you’re satisfied with your current plan, you don’t need to do anything.

But if you aren’t satisfied with the changes, or if you’ve avoided the hassle of comparing plans over the past several years – there are now plans with a $0 premium – there are several ways you can compare plans in your county.

You can visit “www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan” and use the Medicare Plan Finder; study the Medicare & You handbook you received in the mail; call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) where help is available 24/7. In Oregon, you can also visit the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) website.

If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, you can meet with a private insurance broker who specializes in Medicare, or you can schedule an appointment with a trained impartial SHIBA volunteer counselor who will help you navigate your way through the Medicare maze. To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA counselor in Oregon call 541-288-8341, in Goldendale 509-773-3757, in White Salmon 509-493-3068, and for the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington in Stevenson call 509-427-3990.

It’s important to understand your Medicare options: Original Medicare, Advantage Plans, Medigap, and prescription drug plans, so you can make informed decisions – both for your health and your pocketbook.

Brain Tease from the website Brain Health and Puzzles.

To exercise your brain and help you with your creativity and imagination try visualization. With your eyes shut, visualize moving from room to room in your home while picturing every piece of furniture, and every step you take avoiding chairs and tables. But don’t trip!

Last week’s Brain Tease answer was ship, but as Kathy Bullock pointed out it could also have been rainbow.

The common name for this easy-to-remember melody that even non-piano players could play was chopsticks. I received correct answers from Kathy Bullock, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Linda Frizzell, Maria Kollas, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Bruce Johnson, Lana Tepfer, who wondered why kids played it so LOUD, and Chuck Rice this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Nancy Higgins.

The Baseball World Series starts Friday, and one of my fond memories was when my fifth-grade teacher allowed us to listen to the World Series during class. I can’t remember who played in that World Series, but there is one Series that sticks in the minds of most baseball fans.

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the “Amazin” baseball team that won the 1969 World Series in their eighth year of existence and accomplished one of the greatest upsets in Series history? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with a Topps baseball card featuring Donn Clendenon – but you can keep the stick of gum!

Well, it’s been another week, dodging falling bricks. Until we meet again, keep your eyes on the sky and your feet on the ground.

“I must be getting absent-minded. Whenever I complain things aren’t what they used to be, I always forget to include myself.” George Burns

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Recently, I attended a Portland Thorns soccer game at Providence Park, and as usual, I purchased cheap seats near the last row in the top deck. As my wife and I climbed the steps to row S, to my horror, the handrail, my life support for climbing any steps, ended at row L!

It wasn’t too difficult climbing up because if needed, I could crawl up the steps like an infant in diapers. But trying to go down the steps among a crowd of soccer fans rushing for food during half-time was a different story.

Being unsure of my balance and fearing I would trip, I awkwardly climbed down the steps grasping my wife’s shoulder, ignoring my bruised male ego, because as our parents always told us, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

However, that experience reminded me of the importance of balance and how I need to start doing balance exercises to train my brain so I can stay vertical.

If you decide to start, here are three of the many balance exercises recommended by WebMD. And as with any exercise, don’t try to do too much at once, and if you experience any pain, talk with your doctor before continuing.

Single Leg Balance – repeat three times.

Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 2: Extend your arms out to the sides and slowly lift your right knee off the floor.

Step 3: Straighten your leg out in front of you, hold that position for 30 seconds, and relax.

Tree Pose – repeat three times.

Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding one hand to your chest and the other on a chair. You can also rest both hands on your chest if you feel comfortable doing so.

Step 2: Now raise your right leg straight up, turning your foot inward as you do. Gently rest the sole of your right foot against the side of your left thigh.

Step 3: Hold this position for at least 30 seconds, or longer if you can.

Tightrope Walk – once a day.

Step 1: Pick a destination to walk toward.

Step 2: Like walking a tightrope, extend your arms out to the sides and start walking slowly, being careful to keep your feet on the line at all times.

Step 3: Walk from heel to toe, counting at least five seconds before each step.

There are also other options: Tai Chi, chair yoga, and the very popular Strong People classes. But you can also improvise. Try balancing on one leg while in line to pick up your prescriptions or while waiting for the restroom at a Thorns game (ignore the stares), or while brushing your teeth at home – although your teeth may never get clean!

Starting a routine of balance exercises can improve your well-being. Studies have found that older adults who began a regular balance exercise program improved their ability to move unassisted, reduce falls – and avoid humiliating situations at Providence Park.

Brain Tease: I found today’s brain teaser while doing a New York Times crossword puzzle. (I use the computer version with autocorrect, so don’t get the idea I’m smart!). “What four-letter word has a bow that can never be tied?”

In the movie Psycho, the name of the hotel where Jane Leigh’s character is gruesomely murdered in the terrifying shower scene is Bates Motel. I received correct answers from Ron Nelson, Bruce Johnson, who still gets chills listening to the music, Rebecca Abrams, Doug Nelson, Lana Tepfer who last week I forgot again!, Donna Mollett, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Kathy Bullack, Julie Carter, Rhonda Spies, and this week’s winner of a free raffle ticket, Elaine Kirby.

When learning to play the piano, there was one tune every beginning piano student learned to play. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the common name for this easy-to-remember melody that even non-piano players could play? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with the

famous keyboard-dance scene from the movie Big (1988).

Well, it has been another week, looking for the best in people even when they’re showing their worst. Until we meet again, it’s the little things that make life worth living.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: Ship

If you ask anyone what they want, you’ll probably hear, “I just want to be happy.” No wonder. It’s been ingrained in us from the fairy tales where the prince and princess live “happily ever after” to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” in our Declaration of Independence.

To help live a happier and healthier life, for the last seven years October has been celebrated as Gorge Happiness Month – reminding us to practice the “Daily Three”.

Do you remember them?

1.) Gratitudes: Find time each day to list three things for which you are thankful. It could be a good night’s sleep, an absorbing book, or a visit from one of your grandchildren.

2.) Acts of kindness: It can be as simple as picking up a piece of trash, delivering meals, or telling a good joke – or a really bad one. (Why can’t you trust stairs? They’re always up to something.)

3.) Moments of Silence: I find this the hardest. Sit silently for just five minutes every day. Turn off the TV or radio which are often our familiar and constant companions, and just sit still and observe your thoughts and everything around you. 

Happiness is a desirable state of mind, something we all strive for, but should happiness be our ultimate goal? 

That is the question Peter Nathan asks in his article “Is being happy the goal in life?” on the professional social media platform Linkedin.

Besides happiness, Nathan identifies other life goals influenced by your own perspective and life experiences.

Meaning and purpose: focusing on contributing to something greater than yourself. 

Altruism and service: dedicating yourself to helping others and making a positive impact.

Personal growth and development: continual self-improvement by acquiring new skills and challenging yourself.

Balance and harmony: seeking a well-rounded and satisfying life by achieving a sense of balance and harmony across different aspects of your life.

And I might add, taking care of your mind and body – which can be a full-time job!

We don’t always live happily ever after. Life is hard, full of potholes and detours. And although happiness may not be your ultimate goal, whatever it is – whether a life of purpose or just getting out of bed every morning, following the Daily Three will help you be happier and healthier in your life journey.

Brain Tease: Find the missing number in the sequence; 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, ?, 17, 19

The name of the bi-weekly, general-interest magazine that emphasized photos more than articles; and was published from 1937 to 1971 with subscriptions second to only Life magazine was Look magazine. I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Steve Woolpert, Dave Lutgens, Marny Weting, Donna Mollett, Keith Clymer, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Deloris Schrader, Rebecca Abrams, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Bruce Johnson who sent in a picture of Stanley Kubick when he was the youngest photographer in Look magazine’s history at just seventeen years old.  

This reminds me: I have some disappointing news. In September, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center held a Block Party celebrating Senior Center Month. During the event, the quilt raffle drawing was held, and of the more than 50 “Remember When” winners that were entered, no one won! But I promise I’ll keep trying! 

Alfred Hitchcock, the “Master of Suspense”, produced and directed over fifty films including many classics: Northwest by Northwest, Rear Window, and Vertigo. But probably his most memorable film was Psycho – which I’ve never seen because the movie trailer was too frightening!

For this week’s “Remember When” question, in the movie Psycho what was the name of the hotel where Jane Leigh’s character stops for a night and is gruesomely murdered in the terrifying shower scene? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with the recording of the composition of screeching violins, violas, and cellos titled “The Murder”.

Well, it has been another week, looking for a verb in a city of nouns. Until we meet again, keep the flags flying. 

“When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.” John Lennon

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; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; 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), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer: 13 because all the numbers in the sequence are prime numbers.

Last week I wrote about how to avoid scams and fraud, and since we can’t go back to the simpler days of snake-oil salesmen, I thought I’d follow up with a more detailed list of tips from The National Cybersecurity Alliance. You probably already know many of them, but there may be some you’ve forgotten or even some you’ve never thought of. So here goes.

1.) Know the red flags. If anyone contacts you and insists on payment by wire transfer or gift card, it’s a scam. Venmo and Zelle apps are reliable and safe ways to transfer money.

2.) Verify to Clarify. Be suspicious of emails, text messages, or phone calls that create a sense of urgency. Just last week a reader wrote that he had received a phone call from a person claiming to be his grandson who had been injured in an accident. After asking a few questions to verify, the caller hung up.

3.) When in doubt, throw it out. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from a stranger or that you were not expecting.

4.) Keep a clean machine. Keep all software on devices updated. To help, you can configure your device to automatically install updates when available. Besides providing new features, updates also install the latest security updates.

5.) Lock your devices. Always require a passcode to unlock your phone or tablet.

6.) Make a long, unique password. Length is more important than complexity. Create a password at least 12 characters long related to something you’ll remember. How about IL0vetheBeachB0ys! ? (If you use the Google browser, you can check the security settings to see if any of your passwords are compromised and should be changed immediately.)

7.) Own your online presence. Immediately configure the privacy and security settings on any new accounts, downloaded apps, or new devices.

8.) Share with care. Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. And here’s an interesting tip: just because a website asks you for your address or mother’s maiden name, it doesn’t mean you have to answer honestly. So, my mother can be a Rockefeller!

9.) People online aren’t always who they say they are. I’ve received emails from friends that just didn’t seem like something they would send. Instead of responding, I would send a separate email asking if they were trying to contact me.

10.) I don’t think I need to mention online dating – or should I?

Going online or even answering the phone is like driving down I-84. It is risky, but by taking the proper precautions, you can arrive at your destination safely.

BRAIN TEASE: Here is one for the gamblers in the audience. If I flip a coin twenty-five times and each time it comes up heads, would you bet the next coin flip is tails?

The name of the first commercially viable easy-to-use instant camera released in 1972 and invented by American scientist Edwin Land is the Polaroid Land Camera.  I received correct answers from Nancy Higgins, Rhonda Spies, Bruce Johnson, Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, Lana Tepfer, Doug Nelson, Jess Birge, Rose Schulz, and this week’s winners Keith and Marlene Clymer, who may still have one in their garage or attic!

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the bi-weekly, general-interest magazine that emphasized photos more than articles; and was published from 1937 to 1971 – peaking in 1969 with 7.75 million subscriptions, second to only Life magazine? E-mail your answers to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or mail it with a limited-edition photo taken by film director Stanley Kubrick when he was a staff photographer for this magazine.

Well, it has been another week, trying to remember to roll up the windows because I’d forgotten it can rain in The Dalles! Until we meet again, keep the tunes humming, the stories coming and the body moving.

“Worry is like a rockin’ horse. It’s something to do that don’t get you nowhere.” Old West Proverb

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: Most people would say yes. But no matter how many times you get consecutive heads in a coin toss, the next coin has a 50/50 probability of being either heads or tails! This is called the Gambler’s Fallacy which is based on a belief that if a random act happens more frequently than usual, it will become less frequent in the future.