Lifestyles After 50 Lake Edition, July 2023

July is for Beaches, Festivals & Picnics

July is here – the weather is hot and so is the grill. Now is the perfect time for beach picnics and backyard barbecues, swimming and sunbathing. We celebrate our nation’s 247th birthday with friends, family, fireworks and eating well.

July is such an amazing month in Florida! There is live music nearly every night, the breeze off the sea makes for perfect outdoor sports, and it’s festivals, festivals, festivals. Because of the heat, summer is also a good time to slow down, sit in the shade, and drink a cold glass of lemonade. Rest your soul, spend time chatting with loved ones and friends, and then bring your community together for a meal in the open air.

For beer lovers, the summer months are rich with opportunity. Check out beer-themed holidays such as July 4 (Independence Day, a day to savor American beer!), July 12 (Michelada Day), and July 18 (St. Arnoldus Day, patron saint of Belgian brewers and hops pickers).

In this issue, you’ll find ways to celebrate this summer, more Armchair Adventures, humor, and recipes that make good use of the abundant fruits available from your garden or the local farmer’s market.

I wish you fair skies, hot coals, and long, happy summer days at the beach,

Volume 34, Issue 7

Published by Connected Community Media Group Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com

Editor Michele Baker Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com

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Photo by James Patterson

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a wonderful time for people of all ages to celebrate, enjoy warm weather, and spend time with friends and family. The holiday is filled with activities from parties to live entertainment to cookouts and more.

For seniors, health issues and limited mobility can make it more difficult to participate in the full range of activities. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to join in and celebrate the holiday. Here are our five favorite 4th of July activities for seniors.

PICNIC

A picnic is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family and does not take a lot of effort to plan. Host a picnic in a park or rented space or at your home or assisted living community. Picnics cater to seniors of all ability levels and can also be great for family members, kids, and pets.

PARADE

The 4th of July sparks parades of all types across the country. Parades are accessible to all seniors and can be a great way to connect with friends, see family, and support local causes. Some parades even recognize seniors in the community or allow seniors to participate in the ceremony.

NATIONAL PARK OR MONUMENT VISIT

Independence Day is the perfect time to take advantage of Florida’s unique landmarks such as the DeSoto national memorial and the Everglades. Make a road trip of it! Or, just go for a leisurely walk around a nearby park or local monument and learn something new.

TRIVIA

The 4th of July is a perfect opportunity to test your knowledge of U.S. history. Playing a game of trivia is a fun way to pass the time while getting in the spirit of Independence Day. Various trivia games can cater to participants of all ages and skill levels, so the whole family can get involved. You can even order red, white, and blue game supplies to make the day extra special.

FIREWORKS SHOW

No 4th of July is complete without fireworks – they are the quintessential way to recognize the holiday and celebrate Independence Day. If possible, get a group together and make an outing of it, or you can enjoy the show from a more distant location that is quieter and more friendly to seniors. Many fireworks shows are even televised, so you can enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home.

ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION’S JULY 1–28

You can help: StJosephsChristmas.org

23-2808766-0523

Be a bright light for children like Aubrey during what can be an overwhelming time in their lives. Making a donation during the Christmas in July event is a way to give kids comfort and help them cope while they’re in the hospital.

Meet Aubrey Rhabdomyosarcoma patient, age 9

Butterfly at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus, Osprey, FL (photo submission by reader Sally Valentin)

CUTEST PETs

ABOUT THE COVER:

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later on July 4, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From that day to this, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Tika says Happy 4th of July from Lakeland

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the holiday began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. A ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.

Bee in a magnolia blossom (photo submission by reader Sally Knoll of Ft. Meyers)

Plant City Welcomes Replacement Center

by Dale Bliss

Since its beginning, in 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital has seen major additions, new technology and has cared for many patients. And yet, there was still more to come!

The same shovel that broke ground with the original South Florida Baptist Hospital, all those decades ago, found its way and honor in breaking ground for the future hospital located on East Sam Allen and North Park Roads in Plant City.

On October 18, 2022, Karen Kerr, BayCare Executive Vice-President along with St. Joseph’s-Baptist Board Chairman, Ralph Garcia and South Florida Baptist’s Medical Board Chairman, Dr. Juli Jeffrey attended the historic event with approximately 200 people in attendance.

Mike Sparkman, former mayor and lifelong citizen of Plant City, is excited and happy about the new facility. “It is quite a big facility and is very much wanted and needed. We are thrilled to have it.”

The former Mayor continued, “It is going to be first class with new technology and a tremendous asset to our community.” BayCare really put forth an effort to give us up-to-date and state of the art technology.”

Updates and new technology are not foreign to Plant City’s current facility. In 1969 a three-story hospital wing was added. Then in 2017 a Heart and Vascular Center was another addition to the medical facility.

With its completion the hospital will stand six floors tall and have two-six story towers. It will have 146 private rooms and more room to expand. There will be 26 ICU beds. The new emergency room will have a 30-bed capacity with an addition of four interventional/cardiac Cath suites. The surgery center will have a capacity of 8 beds.

The hospital grounds will include a medical office building. This will give access to physicians. The grounds will also include rehabilitation facilities. Additionally, the campus will include imaging and wound care.

Expected completion of the 420,000-foot medical facility is sometime in 2024 with a “projected cost of $326 million.”

The BayCare Communications office was exceedingly helpful with information for the exciting event and readily available for facts and details.

Mayor Nate Kilton relayed his enthusiasm for the new facility. “We are very excited about the expansion of the new hospital.” South Florida Baptist Hospital is an institution and has been in our community for about 70 years.”

Mayor Kilton continued, “We are so grateful to Karen Kerr and her team and look forward to their continued support for the health and wellness in Plant City.”

Patriotic Caprese Salad

This 4th of July, celebrate with this stunning but easy-to-make take on the classic Italian caprese salad!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cartons grape or cherry tomatoes, washed (about 85 pc.)

• 2-3 cartons mozzarella pearls (about 65 pc.)

• Fresh blueberries

Method:

1. Wash and cut the stem ends off about 85 cherry or grape tomatoes; arrange in rows on a large white rectangular platter to form the red stripes of the American flag.

2. Alternate these with rows of mozzarella pearls to form the white stripes.

• Fresh basil

• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

3. Place a rectangular mound of blueberries in the upper left corner. Top with miniature stars (use a ½” star cutter on rolled cream cheese or sliced mozzarella pearls).

4. Serve with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar on the side.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

BY: RANDAL C. HILL

The once-ubiquitous Andrews sisters – Patty, Maxine and Laverne –premiered “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in the 1941 Abbott and Costello comedy film “Buck Privates.” For the beloved Minnesota trio, that perky ditty became their twenty-fourth consecutive Decca Records winner.

Written by Don Ray and Huey Prince, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” has always been associated with World War II, even though the song was recorded in January 1941— nearly one year before the Pearl Harbor attack.

The original cheerful tune featured a storyline – good for laughs but an obvious fantasy – about a hip Chicago street musician/army draftee. Apparently, without his bandmates, the cat couldn’t do justice to “Reveille” when he was ordered to play it to announce the dawning. But his good-natured company leader (“the Cap”) saved the day by assembling a barracks-based band for the frustrated musician, who could then handily offer a spirited wake-up call for the snoozing soldiers.

In 1973, it would take a rising young star to bring the song to a contemporary audience.

Bette Midler, born in Honolulu in 1945, earned a bit part as an extra during the 1966 filming of “Hawaii.” Flushed with confidence, she moved

to New York to try her luck in the entertainment world. She rose to Big Apple prominence in 1970 when she began singing in the Continental Baths, a Gotham gay bathhouse. There she built a loyal following, along the way growing close to her pianist, the then-unknown Barry Manilow. (Reflecting on her bathhouse times later, Midler professed, “I’m still proud of those days. I feel like I was at the forefront of the gay liberation movement, and I hope I did my part to help it move forward.”)

Manilow produced Bette’s future classic debut Atlantic Records offering, “The Divine Miss M,” which spent 76 weeks on Billboard’s album chart and featured the track that first brought her to national prominence. When Midler made “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” a summertime Top 10 single, a new generation of music fans came to embrace an iconic tune that had all but faded into the mists of history.

Recording hit songs new and old wasn’t the only pursuit for the versatile Midler. During her five-decade career, she earned a head-spinning three Grammy awards, three Emmy awards, two Tony awards, four Golden Globe awards, and a Kennedy Center honor, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards.

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

Q. Do we lose our sense of taste as we get older?

In general, sensitivity to taste gradually decreases with age. But there are some people whose taste isn’t affected by getting older.

The ability to taste food and beverages means a lot to seniors. Let’s face it; we lose a lot of the pleasures of our youth, but eating well isn’t usually one of them.

Taste also has a major impact upon our physical and mental health. Our sense of taste is especially important if we must stay on a diet. If food loses its appeal, we may eat improperly and put ourselves at risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Loss of taste can lead us to overeat, undereat, or add too much salt or sugar to our food.

While taste is important, we recognize flavors largely through our sense of smell. Try holding your nose while eating. Smell and taste are closely linked in the brain. It is common for people who lose their sense of smell to say that food has lost its taste. This is incorrect; the food has lost its aroma, but taste remains. Loss of taste occurs less frequently than loss of smell in older people.

When an older person has a problem with taste, it is often temporary and minor. True taste disorders are uncommon. When a problem with taste exists, it is usually caused by medications, disease, or injury. In some cases, loss of taste can accompany

or signal a more serious condition, such as diabetes or some degenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.

There are several types of taste disorders. You can have a persistent bad taste in the mouth (dysgeusia). Some people have reduced ability to taste (hypogeusia). Others can’t detect taste at all (ageusia). People with taste disorders experience a specific ageusia of one or more of the five taste categories: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory.

The most common complaint is “phantom taste perception,” which is tasting something that isn’t there.

If you think you have a taste disorder, see your doctor. Diagnosis of a taste disorder is important because once the cause is found, your doctor may be able to treat it. Many types of taste disorders are reversible, but, if not, counseling and self-help techniques may help you cope.

If you cannot regain your sense of taste, there are things you can do to ensure your safety. Take extra care to avoid food that may be spoiled. If you live with other people, ask them to smell and taste food to see if it is fresh. People who live alone should discard food if there is a chance it is spoiled.

All Rights Reserved © 2023 by Fred Cicetti

Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com

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Linguists have identified a new English dialect that’s emerging in South Florida

Adapted from an article by Phillip M. Carter,

The

Conversation “We got down from the car and went inside.”

“He made a party to celebrate his son’s birthday.”

These phrases might sound strange to the ears of most Englishspeaking Americans. In Miami, however, they’re part of the local parlance. These expressions form part of a new dialect taking shape in South Florida, which came about through contact between speakers of Spanish and English.

Most English speakers are probably aware that words such as “sriracha” or “croissant” are borrowed from other languages, but borrowed words are far more pervasive: “pajamas” from Hindi; “gazelle” from Arabic, via French; and “tsunami” from Japanese. About 800 years ago, more than 10,000 loanwords entered the English language. Words that today seem thoroughly “English” were borrowed from French, such as prince, government, administer, liberty, court, prayer, judge, justice, literature, music, and poetry.

Similarly, in the years following the Cuban revolution in 1959, many Cubans left for South Florida, bringing their language with them. In 2010, more than 65% of the population of Miami-Dade County identified as Hispanic or Latina/o. Of course, identifying as such is not synonymous with speaking Spanish, but the point is that a lot of Spanish—and a lot of English—is being spoken in Miami.

First, people alternated between Spanish and English, sometimes within the same sentence. This set the stage for emergence of “Spanglish.” Then, as people learned English, they tended

to translate directly from Spanish. These translations are a type of borrowing that linguists call “calques.”

Take “dandelion.” This flower grows in Europe, and when Germans realized they didn’t have a word for it, they looked to Latin botany books, where it was called dens lionis, or “lion’s tooth.” The Germans named the flower “Löwenzahn”—a literal translation. The French didn’t have a word for it, either, so they borrowed “lion’s tooth,” calquing it as “dent de lion.” The English, also not having a word for this flower, heard the French term without understanding it, and borrowed it, rendering “dent de lion” into English as “dandelion.”

This is exactly the sort of thing that’s been happening in Miami. There are “literal lexical calques,” a direct, word-for-word translation. For example, “get down from the car” instead of “get out of the car.” This is based on the Spanish phrase “bajar del carro” – but “bajar” means “to get down,” so Miamians think of “exiting” a car in terms of “getting down” and not “getting out.”

Locals say “Juana got married with José,” based on the Spanish “casarse con”—literally translated as “married with.” They’ll also say “make a party,” a literal translation of the Spanish “hacer una fiesta.”

“Language is always changing” is practically a truism, but rarely do we pause to think about how these changes take place, or to ponder where dialects and words come from. “Get down from the car,” just like “dandelion,” is a reminder that every word has a history.

AROUND TOWN

JULY 1: LADY LAKE FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

237 W. Guava St., Lady Lake

JULY 1: ZEPHYRHILLS SUMMERFEST

Zephyr Park, 4843 5th St., Zephyrhills

JULY 4: 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Ski Beach Bar & Grill, 21 Dozier Cir., Leesburg

JULY 4: FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN

Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington, Orlando

JULY 4: FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Harbor Hills Country Club, 6538 Lake Griffin Rd., Lady Lake

JULY 4: RED, WHITE AND BOOM!

Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St., Clermont

JULY 4: MOUNT DORA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

Foxtail Coffee Co., 138 E. 5th Ave., Mt. Dora

JULY 8: BEER TASTING & LIVE MUSIC

Maggie’s Attic, 237 W. 4th Ave., Mt. Dora

JULY 13: JULIAN MARLEY IN CONCERT

Cafe Da Vinci, 112 W. Georgia, DeLand

JULY 21: WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando

JULY 29: SOUTHERN OUTLAW DRAGBOAT ASSOCIATION

PRESENTS THE SUMMER SHOWDOWN ON LAKE EUSTIS

Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Dr., Eustis

JULY 30: EUSTIS FAIR & CORN SHOW

Lake County Fairgrounds, 2101 County Rd. 452, Eustis

Save your energy and focus on the important things in life.

Save your energy and focus on the important things in life.

Let the energy experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

When you participate in our free Home Energy Audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

You’ll also learn about our other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork and more.

Let the experts at Tampa Electric show you how to save on energy costs.

Visit tampaelectric.com/save to schedule your free Home Energy Audit today or call 813-275-3909.

When you participate in our free home energy audit, one of our energy analysts will visit your home and identify areas where you can save valuable energy.

You’ll also learn about other energy-saving programs including Energy Planner, Ductwork, and more.

Stop at our table on Thursday, June 11th 2020 at the Lifestyles After 50 Fun Fest to be held at the: Town N’ Country Senior Center 7606 Paula Dr. Tampa, FL 9AM-1PM

Visit tampaelectric.com/save or call 813-275-3909 to schedule your free home energy audit today.

Bring this ad and receive a free energy-saving kit, made available through Tampa Electric ’s Energy Education Outreach program.

Best Berry Cobbler

If you don’t have – or don’t prefer – strawberries, substitute any other seasonal berries in this deliciously easy summer dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups strawberries, cleaned & halved

• 2 cups raspberries

• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/3 cup plus 1-1/2 Tablespoons sugar

• 2 Tablespoons plus 1-1/2 cups AP flour

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, toss the berries with the lemon juice, 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 Tablespoons of flour. Set aside.

3. In another large bowl, mix together the remaining 1-1/2

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• Ice cream or whipped cream

cups flour, salt, the remaining 1-1/2 Tablespoons sugar and baking powder. Cut in the butter with two forks or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal. Add the cream and mix just until the mixture comes together. Gently

shape the dough into patties about 2” in diameter and a ½” thick.

4. Put the berry mixture in a 2-quart baking dish. Arrange the dough patties on top.

5. Bake 45 minutes until the patties are brown and the berry juice bubbles around them.

6. Serve straight from the dish with ice cream or freshly whipped cream.

CLERMONT’S CITRUS TOWER REOPENS

Q&As about Supplemental Security Income Information from Social Security Administration

The SSA Also Serves People Who Have Limited English Proficiency

The Citrus Tower is a Clermont icon. This past September, a Coloradobased religious group bought the tower and started renovating it. They cut the ribbon Sunday morning, opening it back up to visitors. The tower was built in 1956, and rises 226 feet above the city, visible for miles. It was designed as a monument to the local citrus industry.

“I think it brings memories to a lot of people who’ve been here for more than 20 years,” said Clermont resident Daniela Martinez, “and for those of us who are new, who never saw the citrus groves, it shows you some history.”

“I think its role is, it’s kind of a window to the past,” said Mascotte resident David Malagon.

This past September, a Colorado-based religious group bought the tower and started renovating it. They cut the ribbon Sunday morning, opening it back up to visitors. “Our whole idea was to bring it back to what it was years and years ago,” said Ralph Messer, with the group Simchat Torah Beit Midrash.

Locals John Litton said the tower carried deep meaning for the people of Lake County. “I came through here first when I was seven years old, when my grandfather was a truck driver delivering strawberries and tomatoes from homestead, so my memories go long and wide, without all this glass paneling to protect us, we could just stand out here and have the wind blow in our face.”

Visitors said it was great to be able to ride up the tower again for a commanding view of Central Florida. “Lets people know that, while we are progressing,” Malagon said, “we still have that window to our past and it’s still very much a part of our community.”

The SSA strives to deliver great customer service and helpful information to everyone. That includes improving access for underserved communities. We aim to reduce language barriers and increase access to Social Security programs, services, and benefits, and we have resources available to help clients in their preferred language.

What resources are available?

We provide benefit information online in Spanish –including Retirement, Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at SeguroSocial.gov.

Our free interpreter services are available by telephone and in person in more than 200 languages to clients who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office and ask for an interpreter in the preferred language.

Publications and other resources are available in more than 12 languages at www.ssa.gov/multilanguage. These include a sample Social Security Statement and 10 supplemental fact sheets, Social Security Number for Non-Citizens, and the document Understanding the Benefits.

Our Language Access Plan (LAP) showcases our commitment to increase access to benefits and services for people who prefer a language other than English. For more information visit www.ssa.gov/pubs/LAP202223.pdf.

CUTEST PET CUTEST PET CUTEST PETs

Do you think you’ve got the cutest pet? Show him or her off in the next issue of Lifestyles! We’re looking for the best dressed and most festive companions that our audience has to offer. See information on how to submit your fur baby for publication below.

For submissions:

Send us a little bit about your pet (100 words or less) along with the best photo in their modeling portfolio and what city you live in to Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Cutest Pet” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Submissions must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held for a potential feature in the following issue’s publication. Include your name, phone number and Florida city. Submissions are published on a basis of what space is available.

Cape Coral’s Caped Crusader “Rosie” wishes you a Happy 4th!

CREATIVE CORNER CREATIVE CORNER

Are you an aspiring writer, poet or artist? Or maybe you want to try your hand at any of the above? We want to share your art! Read directions on how to submit your work below:

For submissions:

Send your short story or poem (150 words or less) or a photo of your artwork to Michele.Baker@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Please include which Florida city you currently live in and your name. Artwork must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published on a basis of what space is available.

Selby Spanish Chapel, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus, Osprey, FL

Armchair Adventures: Shine Little Glowworm, Shine

By Evelyn Kelly, PhD

I stepped gingerly into the small, rickety boat along with my daughter and six others. We have been at the village of Waitomo about two hours south of Auckland, New Zealand. We are now descending on an underground river into the dark bowels of the earth into the Cave of the Glowworms. I have no idea what to expect. Are we going to be able to grab fireflies?

I remember summer nights in Tennessee when we chased fireflies or lightning bugs and put them in a jar. We watched them twinkle and shine and wondered how they did it. A popular 1950’s song had a lilting melody and words to match: “Shine, little glow worm, glimmer, glimmer.”

As we descend into the dark depths, it is church-mouse quiet, except for the paddle shoosh-shooshing against the water. It is cold, very cold, and water is dripping from somewhere onto our heads.

shine, shine from the limestone roof of the cave. We paddle on for an hour, “oohing” and “ahhing.”

These little cave glowworms are not fireflies; they are insects called Arachnocampa luminous. They emit a glow to attract mates and to entice prey, which they capture with sticky threads that hang down from their bodies. The light is a chemical reaction takes place in cells called photocytes. The enzyme luciferase excites a pigment luciferin, producing light, like the process used by lighting bugs.

Females use the pulsing bioluminescence to entice the attention of male glowworms to fly up and mate with them. The product of the mating is larvae stuck to the roof that also glow and attract mosquitoes and other insects in their sticky threads.

“Look up!”

In blackness, a myriad of stars appeared before our eyes! It looks like those that shine and twinkle on the Milky Way. Tiny beings are showing off for us. They are letting their little blue-green lights shine,

As we emerge from the Cave of the Glowworms, we blink and warm up a little. What an experience! But is there a lesson from the twinkling lights of the cave? We saw small insects living a happy life as nature intended. Maybe, we can relate to a simple children’s song: This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…

ANSWER TO #5138

Last Month’s Answers Enter To Win!

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Dads

4. Complain

“And the Rockets’ Red Glare, the Bombs Bursting in Air”

Jeanette Haug, Wimauma

Jacqueline F. O’Keffe, Ft. Myers

July ushers in one of those rare months of celebration. It is eagerly anticipated by grown men who “like to blow up things” (according to Dave Barry), as well as seasonal vendors, who like to sell things that blow up, and no doubt bring in the big bucks doing so, although not year ‘round.

I have recently penned a short treatise describing things I refuse to judge people by, and the things I do judge them by, one being those who choose to explode fireworks nightly for a full week following specific holidays. I am certainly not a “Scrooge” condemning those who celebrate such. Whether or not I am a celebrant is irrelevant.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

#5173 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1. Heavenly Mlles.

2. Nag

But I live in Florida, and each summer, it’s mandatory that I stay on top of the weather situation, particularly concerning anticipated thunderstorms, so that I know how far in advance to give my dog Marcell a Xanax. Currently, it’s 5 PM since the storms have been coming in around 7 PM.

Pompeo

’s Juan Carlos I 19.

FILL IN ANSWERS & WIN GREAT PRIZES

3. Not just tacit 4. Mom, dad, or madam 5. Take place 6. Friend at the école 7. Greek letter 8. Expunge 9. Refer

Spring

Bit of cereal

Take advantage of

German article

High schooler

Start

It takes time to prepare his pill for him, and to get him to take it. I have finalized and prepared several in advance, to be kept refrigerated in a Ziploc bag. I bury each pill within a dough ball, sprinkled with bacon drippings, and you better believe he does not spit these out. I’ve even been known to spread a little peanut butter on them as well, as a bonus, much to his delight; so much so that he recently got loose, ran into town to a record store, and returned with a CD of environmental sounds (in this case, thunderstorms) to put on his personal CD player, thinking he could con me into preparing such treats. He didn’t fool me for me for a minute.

Fireworks don’t bother him as much as thunderstorms do, but I know of a lot of other dogs who are terrified by the sounds. I’m also aware of the number of war veterans with PTSD, who have devastating reactions to the sounds, and my heart goes out to them.

I love blowing things up as much as the next guy, but I prefer to do it in the privacy of my own home, usually in the basement or the guest bedroom, while praying that it doesn’t wake my wife up.

If you are traveling north this year through South Carolina, and happen to drive by “South of the Border” “Area 51 Fireworks“ or “Red Rocket Fireworks” Mike will gladly pay you Tuesday for a package of M-80s today. Final arrangements can be made by contacting him at micwrighthamo@gmail.com.

Morning Matinees

Season Tickets On Sale

KLINE TOURS

SMOKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Sunday –Thursday September 16-22 $1379 per person (double occupancy). Includes: 8 Meals,. 5 Shows: Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Comedy Barn, Country Tonight, Soul of Motown and Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage dinner show. Tour of Smoky Mountains, Titanic, Dollywood Admission

HOMESTEAD MIAMI SPEEDWAY

Sunday October 22 for the NASCAR Cup Series 400 . Race time 2:30 p.m. with departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton area and Largo. $249 per person includes grandstand seat in Turn 4, pit pass and roundtrip motorcoach transportation. A portion of ticket proceeds is being donated to the American Legion to benefit Veterans programs. This trip is open to everyone. to purchase.

SAN ANTONIO & DALLAS

Sunday September 24- Friday September 29. 6 days/ 5 nights includes 3 nights on Riverwalk and 2 nights in Dallas. $2249 per person (double occupancy includes: roundtrip airfare roundtrip airport transportation, five nights lodging including three on the Riverwalk ,nine meals, Tours of San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth. Alamo, Imax film “The Price of Freedom”, El Mercardo, private canal barge, Southfork Ranch, George W. Bush Library, Sixth Floor Museum, Cowboys Stadium Tour, Billy Bob’s Texas, free time on the Riverwalk

NEW

ENGLAND FALL FOILAGE TOUR

Monday – Friday October2-6 5 days/4 nights $1599 per person (double occupancy) . Round trip transportation to Tampa airport, round trip air from Sarasota to Manchester, NH, motorcoach transportation throughout tour. 4 nights lodging in Tilton, NH, nine meals including a Lobster Bake with entertainment, Ride on the Cog Railroad to the Summit of Mt Washington and back, Cruise on MS Mt. Washington,  Guided Tour of Kennybunkport , Walkers Point, Stonewall Kitchen, Scenic train ride  with boxed lunch, fully escorted with local tour guide.,.

Take Flight | Oct 4 & 5

Natural Wonders | Nov 8 & 9

Mythic Masterpieces | Nov 29 & 30

From the Beginning | Jan 10 & 11

Center Stage | Feb 7 & 8

Waltz Into Spring | May 1 & 2

Packages start at $150. Subscribers save $5 per ticket compared to single-ticket price.

NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT

Friday-Monday December 15-18 Nashville Country Christmas $1979 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, roundtrip bus to Tampa Airport, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, four shows including Christmas Dinner show in ballroom at Gaylord Opryland Resort with Darryl Worley and friends, Amy Grant & Vince Gill at the Ryman, General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise with entertainment., Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, guided city tour of Nashville, Delta Flatboat ride, Treasures for the Holidays, Ice.

KLINE TOURS

(727)-439-5520 | www. klinetours.net/floridadepartures

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The VIPcare Patient Experience

Going to see your doctor is probably never on your list of things to do for fun; however, it’s important in maintaining your health, especially for adults 65 and older. Patients who have an ongoing relationship with their primary care physician have fewer health incidences and unnecessary ER visits. That’s why you need a doctor that you’re comfortable with and who you trust. One you can turn to 24/7.

Quality over Quantity

It can be hard to find that doctor with whom you truly connect. Healthcare has become so rushed. It’s like doctors compete to see the most patients. Sadly, that doesn’t leave much time for one-on-one time.

That was the key difference Dan and Tina DiFrancesco noticed with VIPcare after moving from Pennsylvania.

....

“They make you feel like you’re the only one,” Tina said. “It’s really the first doctor that I’ve had like that.” ....

Time for a Better Experience

Dan had two doctors before visiting VIPcare. He admits they were nice but immediately noticed a different experience upon switching.

“The doctors, they care,” he said. “You get an X-ray or something, they call you, ‘how did you make out.’”

By taking the time to know you and your health history, your primary care physician can provide you with the unique care you need and deserve. No more running around from doctor to doctor for answers. Your doctor is your direct link to comprehensive care. ....

“The whole office, they follow up,” Tina said about her VIPcare experience. “The next day, they’re on the phone with you. It’s great.” ....

Your Journey to Better Health

Real health care is getting you healthy and keeping you healthy. Find a trusted partner in your health and get the care and attention you deserve.

BOOK REVIEW

Book: “How did I Get Here So Fast? Rhetorical Questions and Available Answers From A Long and Happy Life”

by Chalmers M. Roberts (Time Warner, 1991)

Chalmers M. Roberts was an award-winning reporter and chief diplomatic correspondent for 38 years at the Washington Post. Chalmers covered the Cold War, the nuclear arms race and DC’s powerbrokers in the ‘50s and ‘60s. After retiring in 1971, he kept writing to “sandwich in some real life between medical appointments because time is our most important asset.” In 2005, he died at age 94.

Born in 1910 in Pittsburgh, he edited the school newspaper at Amhurst, worked as picture editor of Life magazine and covered the administrations of Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. He’s best known for his coverage of the Pentagon Papers in 1971 for the Post, but he wrote numerous books as well, including “The Washington Post: The First 100 Years” (1971) and “How Did I Get Here So Fast?” when he was 80. His observations on aging are perceptive, accurate, and a joy to read.

For example, Roberts is aware that most people feel the shock of being no longer young between the ages of 40 and 50 as they notice changes in appearance,

How Did I Get So Old So Fast?

- by Kathy A. Megyeri

stamina, emotions, memory and intelligence. Their skin gets drier, they think more about retirement, and they become part of the sandwich generation with both children and parents to care for.

Roberts reminds us that aging is a process with wide individual variations. When you’re 70, you’ve beaten the odds that existed when you were born. Roberts’ book is a positive read because in retirement, he says, you’ll find out who your true friends are. They don’t forget you when you’re past 75.

By 80, we’re making concessions to our own state of physical health. He also emphasizes that it’s necessary to keep one’s sense of humor in addition to keeping the heart pumping, the mind active, and the mood cheery.

People who made it to their 90’s have good genes and a good attitude toward life. Roberts remarks on a comment made by 91-year-old Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes to his close friend Justice Louis Brandeis, 74, when an attractive blonde came into view: “Oh, to be 70 again.” And Roberts laughs that Walt Whitman wrote a passage describing the “grandeur and exquisiteness of old age,” when Whitman was only 41 years old. Roberts even admits that his favorite tombstone reads: Been there / And Gone / Had a Good Time.

Seniors getting Together

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

5540 – BEAUTIFUL BLACK

QUEEN. 80yy, ISO friend/king, 75+, intellectual, P, astute, honest, single, SOH, NS, SD. Enjoys reading, poetry, reggae, classics, jazz, swimming. No wife. Tampa. Send name and phone number.

4907 - SWF. 59 yo, 5’9”, 160 lbs, smoker, blonde hair, blue eyes. I like shing, movies, traveling, dancing, good food. Seeks SWM who likes the same.

5409 - WRETCHED old hagg seeking miserable old troll. If U respond U obviously have a sense of humor & R adventurous. I’m 76, blonde, petite, earthy, easy to B with. Love singing, dancing, biking, cooking, vintage cars & vintage men. Must have a little class & a lot of character.

be friends with male, 78 to 90 for lunch, flea markets in Venice Florida. I still work –if you are Spanish or not, get in truck with me now.

5419 - HAVE A NICE DAY. SWF, 75 yo, 5’5”, slender, brunette, green eyes, adventurous, love walks, parks, outdoors, healthy food. Am happy, loving, kind. LTR, intimacy? Have photo. Tampa.

5590 – RETIRED – PETITE – SINGLE. Fun female, blonde, 5 foot tall, avg. build, ISO single, happy, stable man, who loves the outdoors & animals. No smokers.

5422 - VERY PRETTY WWF ISO FF. Long blonde hair, youthful 60’s, 5’4”, slim, ND, NS. Fine dining, dancing, theatre, travel. Looking for retired W gentleman, 5’9”, 6575, HWP, SOH. Will speak soon. Send photo & phone.

5557 – I’M TRYING! I’m looking for someone who doesn’t think he’s better than everyone else. I’m 79yy, 5’5”, blue eyes, white hair. NS, ND, NDrg, SOH, HWP. I’m told I look younger than I am but looks aren’t everything. It’s what’s in the heart & soul. I like to dance to the 50’s & 60’s & country music. I’d like to meet a man in his late 70’s to early 80’s and healthy. SOH, HWP, and a good heart & soul. Please send phone number. Good luck & GOD bless.

5436 - TAMPA VETERAN NEEDS COMPANION QUICKLY. SW, 60, looking for healthy, W, 45-65 for LTR. Need compuer operations, applications expert and handy homemaker. Quiet music, parks, swimming, local touring. Veteran literary a plus. Tampa.

5449 – WSF SEEKS SECURE WSM. NS, ND, clean cut, honest, FF, companionship for enjoying life’s casual socials, travel, theatre, dancing, dining, cards and walks with a love of life. Please send photo and phone number. Port Charlotte area.

5427 - SEEKING SINCERE, HONEST GENTLEMAN. I’m 70s, HWP, NS, ND, like to meet SWM with same interest for LTR. Laid back, no drama. Like animals. Hillsborough & Pasco.

5575 – SEEKING FOR FRIENDSHIP W. MALE. I am loving, sincere, faithful, Filipina, 5’3”, 109lbs. I show picture in Facebook if you wish. 72 years old lady.

5576 – LIFE IS SHORT. Blessed to be here after Ian. I am W, WW, 5’5”, 125, HWP. ISO honest, kind gentleman in mid-80’s for friendship. SOH, NS, HWP, Lt SD. S. Ft. Myers.

5425 - SINCERE CHRISTIAN WOMAN desires C-man who really loves God and is active, lives a healthy life, helps his neighbor, enjoys nature (including picnics), canoeing and a friend to all animals. I’m all of the above. I’m a W ,etite lady with long hair and chearful. Age 60’s, Age preferred: Mid 50’s and up. I live in Hillsborough County. Please write me, tell me about yourself.

5431 – LONELY WWF, looking for love & companion. Man should be 70 to 80 yrs old. I am nancially secure, have a car & condo. I live in N. St. Pete.

5579 – SEARCHING FOR SOULMATE. R, S, W, M, NS, ND, NDrg, HWP. I am W, S, F, all the above. Likes dancing, country music, theatre, art, traveling. I am blonde, blue eyes, no baggage. Let’s share life. Phone please. Seminole.

5429 - HERE, DURING COVID-19 IN S. FT. MYERS. ISO friendship only with W, widower in early 80’s. SOH, honest, NS. I am W, WW, HWP, attractive & intellgent. Please respond with phone/email. Be safe & well.

5580 – I-INDIAN, SINGLE. 70 years, Tampa. Single island girl seeking single W, M. Asian or Hispanic. ND, NS. Long term. Retired or semi-retired 60 and over.

5583 – 71, BROWN SKIN BEAUTY, seeking single, NS, ND, W male, 65 – 75 for dancing, dining, getting to know each other, and having a good time. Send phone & photo. Tampa

5413 - WW ISO BUDDY, FRIEND to pal around with who’s about my age, 80’s, gal or guy with SOH. Good health, nancially secure to have fun & enjoy life. No Trumpers or religious zealots please. Let the good times roll.

5587 – PUERTO RICAN, 84, wants to

4119 - Seeking Honest gentleman. Former airline stewardess and model, 5’4”, 104 lbs., slender, white with Ph.D. in healthcare. Fulbright scholar, eats healthy and exercises. Likes sports and animals. WW. Loves the Lord. Florida.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5591 – NEW TO ME. Secure SWM, 5’7”, 150#, NS, ND, seeks romantic, relocatable female for life partner, best friend, lover. Share my home. Save that rent for good things. Please send description, photo, phone.

seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.

5417 - PINELLAS PARK, FUN LOVING SWM, seeking SWW to enjoy sports activities, bridge, dominoes, pinochle and swimming at Mainlands. I’m 88 and very active. Looking for SWW over 70. I’m 6’3”, 235 lbs and a dancer. Pinellas Park.

To PLACe An AD: Send your ad, stating what edition(s) you would like it placed in, along with a $6 fee for 30 words (25¢ for each additional word, abbreviations not charged) to the Lifestyles After 50 address listed below. Ads received by the 15th of the month will appear in the following issue.

5594 – OLD FASHIONED MAN. Wants homemaker gal, 40-60 for strictly monogamous, run all over the world guy. 70’s, 5’8”, 170 lbs, NS, ND, Love Jesus AND all religious people. Please write. Florida.

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

5411 - BM seeks LTR with 50-65 yr old woman of character. I am 6’0”, 180 lbs, 60 year old. NS. Children are adults. Free to travel. I am a one woman man. Race is not an issuecharacter is!

5567 – OUTDOORSY, HONEST, HEALTHY, MUSIC-LOVER. Humble, semiretired, loving & fun 70 y/y, searching for his best friend to enjoy life’s adventures with. Looking for that special gal who enjoys beaches, boating, biking, hiking, animals and cares for our natural environment. Someone spiritual who can “see the light.” A love of theater, music and dancing a plus.

5593 – HI LADIES! I’m 61, 160 lbs, 5’7” hgt., physically fit, enjoy swimming pool & beach, art fest’s, going out having fun, sense of humor, doing new things. Looking for same ages 57-65. Venice.

To ReSPonD To An AD: Write a letter to the person you want to contact. Place that letter in a stamped envelope and write the ad # on the bottom left hand side of the envelope. Place your stamped, numbered envelope(s), along with $2 for each letter enclosed, into another envelope and address it to:

Lifestyles After 50 Seniors Getting Together P.O. Box 638, Seffner, FL 33583

5407 - ISO BF, 50+, slender build who likes to read, go out to eat, movies, laid back, enjoys laughter & is drama free. Look forward to hearing from you. I am a WM, 5’11”, 155 lbs, NS and drama free.

5415 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, P, FF, likes cards, walks, cooking, travel, fun.

5573 – HI, I’M MARVIN. Looking for companion, I am 85YY, WM, WW, C, NS, 5’9”, 165 lbs., SOH. Excellent health and very active. Southern country gentleman. This is my first experience with this. Homeowner with pool, semi-retired, own truck dealership. Please send phone number. Let’s talk. Let’s have fun.

5592 – WISH YOU WERE HERE. I’m a SWM, 5’6”, 180 lb, SOH, NS, ND, SD, CONDO who likes happy hour, restaurants, shopping, TV, the Elks, going places, kissing, holding hands. ISO SF, white or asian, fun, easy going, smiles, overweight OK, enjoys life – then contact me. Thank you. Pinellas Park.

CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS: F-Female, M-Male, S-Single, D-Divorced, WWWidow, A-Asian, B-Black, H-Hispanic, I-Indian, W-White, C-Christian, J-Jewish, YO-Years Old, YY-Years Young, ISO-In Search Of, SOH-Sense Of Humor, SM-Smokes, S-Light Smoker, NSNon Smoker, ND-Non Drinker, SD-Social (Light) Drinker, DR-Drinks, NDrg- No Drugs, LTR-Long Term Relationship, HWP-Height & Weight Proportional, R-Retired, P-Professional, FF-Friendship First, TLC-Tender Loving Care.

5585 – ADVENTURE TO ALASKA IN JULY. Fly up & back. Stay in my motorhome, sightsee, fish and have fun. 85 yy, WM, WW, HWP, 5’9”, 165 lbs, SOH, C, NS. Home & family business owner, semi-retired, looking for LTR, Companion, or ? Send phone number.

5424 - HI, Lonely guy, WM, 5’8”, 160 lbs, a young mid-seventies, NS, NS, t, active and adventuresome. Seeks lady, mid-sixties to early seventies, HWP, exercises, possible romance, LTR. Let’s be happy and celebrate life.

5393 - SWM, 69, 5’11”, AVG. Hair black, thinning, DAV, honest, sincere, relocated Hudson. Retired Leo. ISO WHF, widow preferred, attractive, sm. butt, NS, ND, handy homemaker, intimacy yes, no baggage, drama.

Seniors Getting Together

5586 – LADIES PLEASE…In your ads –please state your town and height. It will make responding much easier. If you are a SF, White or Asian, fun, easy going, smiles, overweight OK, enjoys life – then contact me. I am a SWM, 5’6”, 175 lbs, SOH, NS, NDrgs, SD, condo who likes Happy Hour, the Elks, restaurants, shopping, TV, going places, kissing, holding hands. Thank you. Pinellas Park.

TITLE:

5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.

5426 - EASY GOING MAN. I’m 69, 140 lbs, 5’7”, widower, lives alone. Seeking other gentlemen for friendship, to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Will answer alll.

5588 – SWM, 78, recently widowed, seeks SWF in 60’s, SW Florida resident who is affectionate, energetic, active gal for LTR. NS, ND. I enjoy oldies music/shows, beaches, pools, BQ’s. Send phone number. We will talk.

5369 – Looking For Ms Right. Retired New York Attorney, former New York Police O cer, looking for loving relationship with kind and sincere, self-caring lady. 65 – 75. Widow preferred. Clearwater area.

If more room is needed, please use separate sheet. Mail this form along with $6 for each ad per month (add $4 for each additional edition/market in the same month). We cannot accept your ad without it. This information is confidential.

5412 - LOOKING FOR ADVENTEROUS WOMAN. SWM, NS, healthy, retired, enjoys country music, home cooking, day trips to scenic attractions, sun rises, sunsets, movies, walks in the park. For more info, write me. Pinellas County.

5416 - LOOKING FOR COMPANION. SWM

5589 – WANTING WHITE, UNMARRIED WOMAN. Divorced, widowed, never married, ex nuns good. Like the idea of helping dedicated souls in the world. Getting older (78) but got heart. 170 lbs, 5’8”, clean shaved rooftop. Write real letters please. Florida

Alexa Together: A Remote Caregiving Service Using Echo

By Michele D. Baker

Amazon’s new Alexa Together service is a way to provide support for your loved ones, keeping you together even when you’re apart. Getting started is easy: you need one Alexa Together subscription (currently $19.99/month), one Echo device, and two (2) Amazon accounts, one for the caregiver and a separate one for the recipient. To make this easier to understand, let’s assume a daughter (Sue) is the caregiver of her elderly father (Bob) in another city.

Using the voice-activated Echo device, Bob can begin the morning by saying, “Alexa, start my day.” With the Echo, Bob can control smart devices in the home such as lights and temperature, get doctor or other appointment reminders, and even control lights and music: “Alexa, play Glenn Miller and his Orchestra.”

Bob can also access 24/7 urgent response (“Alexa, call for help”) and there is a third-party option to enable a fall detection device which notifies emergency services and alerts Sue. (Compatible fall detection devices include Vayyar, SkyAngelCare, and AltumView.)

Bob can use Alexa Together to set reminders to take medicine or vitamins, manage shopping lists (“Alexa, add eggs to my shopping list”), and even share photos. Sue can create customized alerts, share messages and snapshots, and even check to see how Bob is doing simply by checking the Alexa app on her smartphone.

Sue can build a virtual team around her beloved father Bob, all while ensuring that privacy is maintained. Designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, Bob can allow Sue (and other family members) access to a Circle of Support. Bob can also revoke access or delete the Alexa Together relationship at any time. Likewise, Sue can only see high-level information in the activity feed.

You can also bundle Alexa Together with the Echo Show 8 – if Bob and Sue each have an Echo Show, they can also enable video chat! Learn much more and get started at Amazon.com/ alexa.

Ronald J. Patrick, MD • Holly K. Bartley, APRN • Michelle L. Troyer, APRN

Butterfly at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus, Osprey, FL (photo submission by reader Sally Valentin)

more connection

more delight

We make the choice between a water park getaway, relaxing spa escape, and wonderful dining, an easy one at Gaylord Palms –everything! You can have it all during your summer of more experience.

GaylordPalms.com