For my DAD!

As Father's Day approaches, I'd like to honor my dad with a few comments.

My dad was hard-working and always did whatever it took to support our family of 9 kids, born in less than 12 years: 5 boys - 4 girls.   There was always a baby around but he loved kids, so he was thrilled to be blessed with so many.   Money was scarce, but we were never on welfare--because like so many men of his generation he took pride in taking care of his family.

He was the baby of 6 children, born to Sicilian immigrants and did not even speak English until he was 9.   But unlike many of the immigrants of today who want everything handed to them and in many cases even refuse to learn and speak English, he fully recognized the importance of fitting into our society, to the point that he would not even allow us kids to learn Italian........which would have been so easy as we always lived near my Italian grandma Rosa.

My favorite piece of advice from him was:  
"Getting your education is like constructing a building.   You must have a solidly built foundation or the entire building will crumble."

From the first day I started school, no grade other than an A was acceptable.  I'm fortunate because  in the 1950s, he stressed education for his daughters an idea that was definitely ahead of its time because at that time, most women were getting married right out of high school.

Being the oldest, he pushed me so hard that by 27 I had a degree in Accounting and an MBA.  At that time, in 1976, I was somewhat of an oddity as there were not many women in the business world, but I was grateful as my strong educational background gave me a real advantage in finding a job.

There wasn't any problem he couldn't solve and he always had a helping hand for anyone -- family or friends -- who needed his assistance.  I also love that he taught me to always take in "strays" for the holidays.  So, no matter how many family members we might have at a holiday celebration (upwards of 50 with all my relatives), he wanted us to make sure our single friends had somewhere to go.

He was an incredible dancer and even met my mom in a nightclub!   I have many fond memories of our times on the dance floor -- whether in the living room, at a wedding or even in a nightclub.  He's the one who made me a concert junkie as he took me to see Bobby Darin when I was just 11 years old.   We had the most fun though going to see the Ike and Tina Turner Revue at Club Imperial in St. Louis.  We were regulars at the Nightclub.  This was was back in 1961 when I was just 13 and way before they were famous.

Check out this  Luther Vandross Video as it's one of my favorites and reminds me of the many times I danced with my dad.  For all of you who are missing your dad on Father's day, this one's for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hJu89k3d_w
  

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CONCERT JUNKIE

Thank God - I don't have many addictions as I managed to avoid the drug-induced haze of the '60s (too busy studying) and I have never even smoked one cigarette!

BUT, I admit it - I'm a "concert junkie".

My habit started way back in 1956 when I was 8 years old and my older cousins - Roslyn, Lydia & Ginny - took me to my first concert to see Elvis in St. Louis. I wasn't quite sure what all the screaming was about but I loved the music.

After that, I couldn't stop -- there was Bobby Darin, Paul Anka, the Supremes, Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, Ike & Tina, Rod Stewart, Sonny & Cher. I'm so lucky as I've seen the best rockers and the list goes on. BUT, when Elvis died I had to find a new rock idol and thanks to my sister Ginny, it's definitely Bon Jovi.

You might think I'm crazy because I've waited in line over 8 hours just to get into a Bon Jovi concert in Mannheim Germany; then left because the crowd was totally out of control and I feared getting killed in the stampede to the stage!

I even created a 10 minute video to try and win a Bon Jovi European Tour Manager's contest which of course I lost to a much younger chick. In October 2007, Ginny and I flew to New Jersey to see him open the Staples Center there.

So, it certainly didn't seem unreasonable when she asked me to fly to St. Louis in May to see his last USA 2011 tour date. See, he hadn't been in St. Louis in more than 10 years and the die-hard fans started a viral petition - emails, Facebook, Twitter - you name it. They took to the INTERNET and virtually demanded a Bon Jovi concert.

Even without Richie Sambora, it was one of my top 5 concerts as I think the band tried even harder to give a great concert! The visual effects were taken to another dimension with a jumbo tron screen that broke into smaller sections, then scrolled around to the back of the stage to create another performance venue for him. He needed a second stage - because those St. Louis fans came through -- the entire arena --even the area behind the stage was sold out!!

Check it out for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSXKKQNFLHI&feature=related

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY

If you're a Boomer and still have your mom, well then you're blessed just like I am!

I know --- everyone thinks they had the best mom in the world, but I'm so confident that I'd put my mom up against any one's.

She had 9 kids (5 boys & 4 girls) in less than 12 years (no twins). And the 9th baby was born when she was only 34!!

She survived a tough younger life, being one of 8 and living through the Great Depression. We often heard stories about the Depression when for months all she had to eat was bread and tomatoes as well as her life during WWII (the Big One), when downtown St. Louis was open 24 hours a day and she often went out dancing all night!

So today, I'd like to honor her for being the wonderful mom she was and still is. Somehow, she found the time to be there for all 9 of us; often, getting by on as little as 5 hours sleep for days in a row. At one point, we thought she was a short order cook, because if you didn't like what she made for dinner; she'd find the time to make something special for you. And you can just imagine all the loads of wash she did on an old, manual Maytag washer!

At 85, she's in good health, lives at home and cooks for herself. She still enjoys reading and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

So, Boomer friends, take the time today to remember your special mom whether she's still here with you or with God!

It's listed!

I did it!

I listed my home last week.....so no turning back now. I really love my home, but my adventurous spirit yearns for a new, freer lifestyle divided between St. Louis, the beach and the mountains.

Thank God though I'm retired because keeping a home 'show ready' is almost a full time job. I feel like I'm living in a museum.............and when the real estate agent started staging my home, well, I felt like I was being stripped naked!

She took down about 25 pictures leaving me with a mess of nail holes to putty over and then paint. Her words "it's got to be neutralized so people can visualize their "STUFF" in it". See, it's always about someone's "STUFF"! I already tamed it down by painting my bright purple wall back to it's original off white. At one point I had to tell her to just STOP!! It got to be almost too much for me because I'm not going to live in a half-empty home until it sells.

It's hard though, because when someone rejects your home, it feels like they are rejecting you........after all, I picked it. The #1 feedback complaint I get is that "it doesn't have a basement". Well, guess what...........there's nothing I can do about that. But with the spectacular golf course and mountain views, I'm hoping it's a quick sell.

So, if you know anyone who would love to live in a Resort-Style Active Adult community near Denver, then I've got the perfect home for them so pls send them this link:
http://www.cohomefinder.com/ps?&city=Thornton&sub=Heritage-Todd-Creek&lst=for-sale&sm=-3&sm=-3&dt=&md=false&ml=&sort=sortOrder&sortd=ASC#property-1050701

Can you let go?

STUFF!

We all have stuff we love - books, our favorite CDs, clothes and furniture. If you're a Boomer, then you've spent a lifetime accumulating STUFF, but can you ever let it go? And when does it become more of a burden than a joy?

I'm embarking on a new life adventure requiring me to get rid of most of what I currently own. So, I decided to start with my favorite piece of furniture - a very unique, Drexel Heritage lingere chest.

I bought it new in 1977 in St. Louis, got it in the divorce, moved it to Germany and finally Denver. I just love that piece so I decided that it had to be the first to go --- sorta symbolic of me really being able to let go of my favorite things.

I was shocked to find 2 websites devoted to the sale of Drexel Heritage furniture and within 2 hours received an email from a lady living in New Jersey who had been looking for that particular piece for over 15 years! After some negotiating, we agreed on a price and frankly, it cost her more to ship it to NJ than she paid me. I really hated to see it go; but hey, if I can sell that; then the rest can easily go. But, I'm thrilled it's found a new home.

What are you holding on to?

Whether it's an emotion, a friendship that's run it's course or a thing..........you need to consider if it's holding you back as you plan for your future.

CHANGE!!

Have you ever heard that expression --The only person who likes "change" is a wet baby?

We all know how true that is and most of us will do anything to avoid a major life change. Yet, here I am at 63 willingly taking on one of life's most stressful changes -- moving!

See, I've had that nagging sense of wanderlust for quite awhile since I currently spend 3 to 4 months a year either in Summit County or St. Louis and feel like I've been using my home as nothing more than a crash pad for the past few years.

So, last week I put my house up for sale and have now started that dreaded process of cleaning and giving away or pitching most of my stuff, because my new retirement lifestyle does not include owning a big home. I'm creating my dream retirement lifesytle around what I love most --4 months in the mountains, 4 at the beach and 4 in St. Louis with my family and friends.

OK -- I know you're probably thinking that I've gone off the deep end, but "WHY NOT?" After all, at age 40 I took a huge leap of faith by moving to Germany and leaving behind all my family and friends. At that time, I had never lived anywhere but St. Louis, so it was really difficult at first. I didn't know anyone, didn't speak the language, and felt very lonely and depressed for a few months, but it turned out to be the best adventure of my life.

Are you a Boomer who's afraid to follow your dream because 'fear of change' is holding you back? If so, and you really want to make a major change in your life, then check out the book "Take the Risk" by world-renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson.

http://www.amazon.com/Take-Risk-Learning-Identify-Acceptable/dp/0310259738

I'll keep you posted and would love to hear from you about any dare-devil life changes you've made since retiring or are working on!

St. Louis Visit

I just returned from a 12-day trip to my hometown - St. Louis. As always, it was hectic but lots of fun visiting with my family and friends.

We ate out daily......the Cheesecake Factory, Macroni Grill, and Massa's, a local's hangout. But my favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden.

I love their Chicken Scampi, which is made in a garlic cream sauce and served over angel hair pasta. It's a light meal which left room for one of their new, mini-sized desserts.

To find a location in your area:

http://www.olivegarden.com/locator/locationSearchAlt.asp

Adam Lambert

ENTERTAINING...SEXY.....PASSIONATE!

ADAM LAMBERT was all that and more last night at the American Idols concert in St. Louis.

Sure, it's called the American Idols Tour but Adam Lambert steals the show and that's who everyone came to see. The others might as well have been his back-up singers! Until he hit the stage the audience was rather subdued.

When Adam appeared, the crowd went wild! The screams were deafening. Say what you want about the man.....as many people dislike him for being gay.......BUT Adam Lambert is the most versatile entertainer I've ever seen. And I've seen them all from my very first concert featuring Bobby Darin in 1960 (anyone remember him?) to Yanni, this year.

Whether he's singing "We are the Champions" or "Tracks of my Tears", the man entertains the crowd like no one else! He's the best I've seen since ELVIS!

Adam Lambert - just remember the name! You'll be hearing a lot more about him.
Check out his videos at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAwFpWXQYT4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9g-jDV5K3o&feature=related

You'll see why I'm hooked!

SUGO's

I'm still in St. Louis on an extended holiday visit with family and friends. As usual, I've eaten out way too much -- but I've got to tell you about a great, inexpensive ($5 to $14) restaurant -- SUGO's. The food there is just delicious and the atmosphere is so energizing that you feel like you're in a bustling New York pizzeria.

Tonight I had caesar salad and pizza. The caesar salad was fresh and the dressing was perfect; light, with just a hint of anchoivy. The pollo pizza (chicken, alfredo cream sauce, garlic & cheese) was scrumpious, with lots of chicken and freshly shaved parmigiano cheese.

If you live in St. Louis, give it a try -- you won't be disappointed!
SUGO's (314) 569-0400 http://www.sugosspaghetteria.com/menu.html

Rockettes Christmas Show

I went to see the
Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular with my sister Ginny and my nieces, Lauren and Linsey. It's such a fabulous show that this was the 2nd time that we've seen it here in St. Louis at the Fox Theater. The dazzling production has been put on at Christmas for more than 75 years!

The show features several numbers with the Rockettes performing their signature waist high kicks and precision choreography. Highlights of the show included the legendary "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", and "New York at Christmas," a colorful, fast moving holiday number.

With Santa as the emcee and several numbers specifically designed for the kids, it's definitely a show that your grandchildren will love.

The show ends with an emotionally-charged Living Nativity scene with vividly designed costumes and live animals. There's just a few shows left this year, but here's a website where you can check out tickets. It's so popular that they are already selling tickets for the 2009 Holiday Season!

http://www.coasttocoasttickets.com/concerts/radio-city-rockettes_tickets.shtml

To see more clips of the show, go to the official Rockettes website at http://christmas.radiocity.com/

Am I old yet?

On this trip to

St. Louis I've thought a lot about aging as I have several aunts and uncles who are over 90, so the term "old age" has been brought up a lot. At 96 my aunt Katy is my oldest living relative and not doing well. My Uncle Barney is over 90, in decent shape and lives in a very nice old folks home. To me, they are really old!

That's a picture of me and my nephew Nick at our Christmas dinner. I just found out that he thinks I'm a really "old person". Pretty depressing!!

See, I hadn't really thought much about it, but our age differences (30 plus years) are about the same as me to my older aunts and uncle, so it makes sense, but it hurt!

I don't want to be classified as 'really old' by anyone. He made a few jokes about me living in a retirement community and sitting around all day with the old folks playing bingo and shuffleboard. So while I don't feel old yet, either chronologically or physically, it was interesting to see how I'm viewed by the younger generation.

While it's hard to accept, because of my chronological age, I'm now considered part of the "young-old" (ages 55 to 74). Check out article at http://ohioline.osu.edu/ss-fact/0101.html

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii is still one of the hottest Christmas gifts this year.

I visited with my brother and his wife today. We had a great time this afternoon bowling, playing tennis and skiing (even though I'm in St. Louis).

It's really fun......and something you can do with your grandkids or even your much older parents.

I love to ski and when playing with the skiing video, I actually felt like I was flying down a mountain. It's just so realistic, with the various elements coming into play....riding the chairlift, the wind, snow, moguls, jumps and even dodging other skiers on the mountain.

We even got my 83 year old mom to bowl! At first, she had a hard time with the Wii Remote, but finally got the hang of it and bowled a few lanes.

Nintendo Wii games are becoming very popular in retirement communities and many are even organizing senior Wii tournaments. Check out the YouTube Video of a Wii Sports bowling championship tournament among residents at Erickson senior living communities.

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/old-people-wii-bowling-is-awesome-episode-1/

Travel Tidbits

Flying to see the kids and grandchildren for the holidays?
Then join the maddening crowds!

I flew out of Denver International Airport (DIA) on Monday and while I’m a seasoned traveler, I was a little nervous as there just had been an accident there last Saturday night. A plane skidded off the runway on takeoff. Luckily, all the passengers escaped and there were no deaths. Still the accident was on my mind as the winds were extremely high again this morning.

Here’s a few tips that made my trip easier:

• Leave for the airport an hour earlier than you normally would. You just can’t accurately anticipate car accidents, icy roads or the wait in the security line.
• Carry as little as possible with you on the plane which will speed things up in the security lines. Isn't it absurd that we have to pay to check luggage, but I’d rather do that than try to dodge passengers while pulling a heavy suitcase through the airport. I was shocked as I paid $37 to check in 2 small suitcases, neither of which was overweight, so that was just the standard check in fee for 2 bags on United.
• Make up a mantra to repeat to yourself while standing in line. Okay, I know that sounds a little metaphysical – but believe me it will help you stay calm as you’re being pushed and shoved in that long security line. Mine was – ENHANCE, ELEVATE and EXPAND.

ENHANCE – Reminded me to have a pleasant encounter with everyone I met at the airport and ENHANCE their day by being friendlier than usual and wishing them” Happy Holidays”.

ELEVATE – Reminded me to ELEVATE myself more spiritually during this season by doing more an unexpected kindness for someone.

EXPAND -- Reminded me to expand my circle of friends by reconnecting with some of my friends in St. Louis and making new friends. It sincerely helped me to repeat those words to myself as I grew impatient in the security line.

If you’re renting a car – be persistent in getting what you reserved. When I went to pick up my car, the agent first told me that there were no mid-sized cars left and I’d have to pay for an upgrade. When I refused, he tried to give me an economy car. When I went out to the lot, I talked with the attendant who checked in the returned cars. Sure enough, he told me that there were several of the mid-sized cars available. Since I’m here in St. Louis for 2 weeks, I decided to take the time and change out cars.

No matter where you spend your holidays I wish you a joyful, fun time with your family and friends!

Meet Me in St. Louie

One of the joys of retirement is the flexibility and time to travel more often to visit family and friends. I'm in St. Louis (my hometown) this week to celebrate my mom's 83rd BD and attend my niece's baby shower. It's been a fun week, dining out at some of our favorite restaurants -- the Pasta House Company and Rizzo's. Fall in St. Louis is the best, with cool temperatures and highlights of gold, red and orange coloring the trees. I had a wonderful time reminiscing with my friend Ruth who I had not seen in almost 20 years! We traveled together a lot during college and spent a month in Europe in 1970 using Arthur Frommer's Europe on $5 a Day as our bible. It wasn't easy, but doable and we visited 14 cities in 28 days never spending more than $5 for food and lodging. That's when I fell in love with traveling. If you're retired, don't forget that the cheapest days to fly and those with the least air traffic are usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I've found the best travel bargains on those days using www.cheaptickets.com