Enjoy beautiful surroundings at a Brookdale community in your area. Our many convenient locations make it easy for friends and family to visit and we’ll welcome them as warmly as we welcome you. Take a tour and meet our friendly residents and staff. We’ll even provide a delicious lunch for you while you’re here!
Choose from the many Brookdale communities located in and around your area.
• Pet-friendly communities welcome your four-legged friends
• A variety of ways to connect, from art and fitness classes to book clubs and happy hours
• Personal care plans tailored to your individual needs
• Several floor plan options to meet your personal style and budget
Celebrating Grandparents' Day on September 8
September is one of the prettiest months in southwest Florida –temperatures are beginning to ease and the beaches and theme parks are noticeably less crowded. There’s so much to do in September, with a fun holiday or observance nearly every day. Here are some of my favorites:
Take it easy on September 2 (Labor Day), but on September 5, unleash your inner do-gooder on the International Day of Charity. September 7 is International Bacon Day, and September 8 is National Hug Your Hound Day (luckily, they’re a day apart; I hear dogs love bacon). On September 12, grab a frozen treat for National Chocolate Milkshake Day and then call up long lost friends to commemorate Are You Okay Day. September 13 is what my grandma would have called a “red letter day:” it’s both International Chocolate Day and
Positive Thinking Day (coincidence? I think not).
The second half of September is loaded, too. On September 21, get out to Florida’s beaches for International Coastal Cleanup Day (it’s also World Alzheimer’s Day). September 22 is the first official day of fall, and we celebrate National Centenarian’s Day. Enjoy the extended brood on National Family Day on September 23 and your significant other on September 26 on Love Note Day with a side of National Key Lime Pie Day (see the recipe section for a key lime treat). September 27 is National Good Neighbor Day. Round out the month with another double-great day: September 29 is both National Biscotti Day and National Coffee Day.
Whatever you do, relax and enjoy your September in sunny Florida.
Until next time,
Lifestyles After 50
Volume 35, Issue 9
Published by Connected Community
Media Group
Publisher@lifestylesafter50.com
Editor Michele Baker
Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50.com
Website Editor Allie Shaw
Allie.Shaw@lifestylesafter50.com
Distribution Distribution@lifestylesafter50.com 813-336-8247
Question: What is the earliest age to file for retirement benefits?
Answer: Age 62.
Question: What are the eligibility requirements to get Social Security Disability Benefits?
Answer: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). Then, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability.
In general, we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more, or who have a condition expected to end in death. The disability must be so severe the worker cannot work, considering age, education and experience. Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
• You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment;
• You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
• You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
Question: What is a disability update report and can I complete it online?
Answer: The Disability Update Report is part of our Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process, which is required by law. We periodically review your case to determine if you continue to meet the eligibility rules to receive disability benefits. We mail the Disability Update Report, or Form SSA-455, to disabled beneficiaries to obtain updated information about their medical conditions and recent treatments. You also have the option to complete the SSA-455 online.
Key Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes
With only 200 calories per cupcake, this recipe makes 12 perfectly portioned mini-cheesecakes with just the perfect amount of key lime zing!
Ingredients for the crust:
• ¼ cup graham cracker cookie crumbs
• 2 ½ Tablespoons melted butter
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
Ingredients for the batter:
• 1 cup cream cheese (8 oz. brick)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 Tablespoons key lime juice
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup whipping cream
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 300 F. Place paper cupcake liners into12 standard size muffin tins.
2. Mix together the cookie crumbs, butter and sugar. Divide evenly between the 12 paper liners and press firmly to make a crust.
3. Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and key lime juice until smooth. Beat in the egg. Finally, blend in the whipped cream until smooth.
4. Divide the cheesecake filling equally among the 12 cupcake tins.
Ingredients for the whipped cream:
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 rounded teaspoon powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheesecakes have set and do not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and leave the cheesecakes to cool slowly while you make the topping.
6. Using a mixer, whip 1 cup of whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms firm peaks.
7. Once the cheesecakes have cooled completely, top with whipped cream and a wedge of key lime.
Puttin’ On the Dog & Gettin’ Bit
By Barbara Sanders
Whenever we have a cookout with friends, something always goes wrong. When we were first married, my husband and I had our biggest fights over something he forgot to do. It’s a wonder we’re still married after all these decades. For instance, the coals on the barbeque grill. It was Daryl’s only job, and we always ended up waiting an extra 30 minutes till the charcoal was hot enough to grill the meat.
My Aunt Katie commiserated about Uncle Herm, and the infamous time when three neighborhood couples arrived for an elegant sit-down dinner.
Throughout the week preceding the dinner party, Katie, an immaculate housekeeper, nonetheless cleaned out closets and drawers; scrubbed down walls; wallpapered a bathroom; swept out the garage; trimmed bushes; mowed the lawn; planted flowers; painted the front door; washed and re-hung curtains; decorated; cleaned silverware; and shopped for food, candles, and mauve color linen napkins.
Nothing like “company coming” to get you motivated! Completely exhausted by the day of the dinner party, she managed to bake, cook and set an elegant table for the grand finale. It was perfect except for one thing. She left a simple, lone task to her husband.
The big evening arrived. The four couples were seated in a romantic, candlelight setting. The dimly lit dining table was adorned by fresh pink flowers with coordinated starched and ironed linens.
Each silver-rimmed plate awaited the splendid arrival of skewered shish kabobs arranged on a large platter, fresh out of the broiler. My aunt confidently jumped into action. It was her finest moment. All eyes were transfixed on the presentation as she swiftly slid grilled steak and vegetables off each skewer to tower on a mound of piping hot, perfectly fluffed, white rice. With the precision of a sous chef, it came together like a finetuned symphony.
The dish looked and smelled divine. The hungry guests were ready to dig right in. The smiling hostess gracefully sat down and
gently nodded to her husband seated at the head of the table. By waving her arm, she gestured like a master conductor toward the guy with a set of huge cymbals. She had placed hubby in charge of purchasing the wine, opening the bottle, filling the glasses, then making a special toast to good food and fellowship with wonderful friends. That crescendo never happened.
He lifted the wine bottle to pour.
“So, Katie? Where’s the cork screw opener?”
Undaunted, Aunt Katie rushed back to the kitchen. The dinner guests heard her yanking open drawer after drawer to no avail. It seemed like she was gone for 20 minutes. Jumping up, one man piped, “Oh, I’ll run next door and get ours.” All three men leaped to their feet and rushed out with him. They disappeared for an actual 20 minutes. I would have hated to be one of the guest wives waiting for their return. It probably felt like a somber medical lounge waiting for the results of a biopsy or facing a root canal.
Years later, we laughed about it, but at the time Aunt Katie felt like skewering her husband. I know the feeling. Through similar mishaps, I’ve learned that whenever you try “puttin’ on the dog, you end up gettin’ bit!”
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Green Curry Shrimp Skewers
Fresh seafood is still in season, and this is the perfect recipe to use that bounty. If you’re not a fan of green curry, try red curry, yellow curry, or even a Mexican inspired spice blend.
Ingredients
• 1 lb. medium or large shrimp
• 2 Tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 lime; juice half and cut the other half into wedges
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
Method:
1. Peel and devein the shrimp. Rinse well and place in a clean bowl.
2. Add curry paste, lime juice of half a lime, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
• 1 red Thai chile, thinly sliced and seeds removed
4. Heat a grill pan to medium high and brush with coconut oil.
5. Cook shrimp until charred in spots, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Garnish with coconut flakes, cilantro and chile.
7. Serve hot with sauteed veggies and wild rice.
“The Night Chicago Died”
BY: RANDAL C. HILL
In England, Mitch Murray and Peter Callendar were pop-music creators responsible for several best-selling singles. But these partners didn’t have their facts straight with “The Night Chicago Died,” which breathlessly—and erroneously—told of a Chicago gun battle with Al Capone’s gang, and a heroic cop who miraculously survived an ordeal that killed 100 officers. (Gangs sometimes had shootouts with each other but not with the law, and no gunfight ever involved 100 cops.)
“The Night Chicago Died” was unlike any other successful 45 record. Rather than being offered an instrumental lead-in followed by a vocal, we were instead snapped to attention by a throbbing drumbeat, a shrieking synthesizer that simulated wailing police sirens, and a passionate spoken introduction by Paper Lace lead singer Phil Wright:
Daddy was a cop // On the east side of Chicago
Back in the USA // Back in the bad old days
Paper Lace was formed in 1967 in Nottingham, the home of the Robin Hood legend and at one time the cloth- and paper lace-making capital of the world (hence the band’s name). The band’s gloriously catchy (but highly inaccurate)
Movie Preview: “Wolfs”
BY RANDAL C. HILL
Let’s begin this review by soothing the feelings of cringing English teachers everywhere. Yes, we remember being taught that the plural of wolf is wolves. Just not here: “Wolfs” is not a typo.
A-listers George Clooney and Brad Pitt became a blockbuster buddy team with three beloved casino-heist films (“Ocean’s Eleven,” “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Ocean’s Thirteen”). The last time they frolicked together onscreen was in the 2008 comedy “Burn After Reading,” so it’s been a while (too long?) since the dynamic duo have cavorted at the multiplex.
hit was originally conceived to be a UK-only release before Mercury Records honchos in America decided that it had hit potential here—which it did, reaching the peak of the Billboard charts.
Songfacts.com is a website dedicated to behind-thescenes information about popular recordings. It was there that Mitch Murray, one-half of the team behind “The Night Chicago Died,” emailed a note that read, “As co-writer of this song, I feel qualified to settle some of the questions involving ‘The Night Chicago Died.’ My writing partner, Peter Callander, and I are both British, and we had never been to Chicago at the time we wrote the song. Having been brought up on a tasty diet of American gangster movies, the term ‘east side’ usually meant the seamy side of a city. Of course, looking back, it was used about New York, not Chicago. We were obviously a little careless with our research.”
Obviously, Mitch. Just be careful next time.
shown snapping on gloves in preparation for covering up a grisly murder. “There’s nobody who can do what I do,” he asserts, just moments before Nick (Pitt) enters the scene and snaps on his own gloves. (Nick is even dressed much like Jack.) It seems that this second hunky fixer is equally skilled in clandestine endeavors.
Clooney and Pitt are no doubt the Newman and Redford of modern times. Still GQ-model hot at 63 (Clooney) and 60 (Pitt), these two have proven themselves more than just (very) pretty faces, as the pair have earned their Hollywood stripes by the amassing of five highly coveted Academy Award Oscars—three for Pitt and two for Clooney.
A “fixer” here is someone illegally hired to conceal a high-profile crime. We meet our first nogoodnik in the character of Jack (Clooney), who is
As it turns out, both men are working the same assignment, and eventually the two lone-wolf workers are forced to form an unlikely partnership, which finds them leaping feet-first into a convoluted night-long web of intrigue, doublecrosses and absurd situations, many of which are fraught with danger and possible death.
Jon Watts (Spider-Man) wrote and directed the Columbia Pictures project.
“We had a blast doing it,” says Clooney. “It’s an off-the-charts great film, and it was fun to work with Brad again.” The two are reportedly in talks about an eventual sequel.
“Wolfs,” an imaginative visual stew of humor, suspense and more twists than a bowl of pretzels, opens September 20.
Armchair Adventures: Oh, Savannah
By Evelyn Kelly, PhD
Meet Patrick, who was put in a London prison because his dad died owing lots of money. The Law in England said if debts were not paid, the oldest son must be put in prison. Patrick was in London’s most notorious London prison, Marshalsea.
Patrick heard of General James Oglethorpe, who planned a new colony in America. He would take “the Worthy Poor” for this town. Patrick was chosen, arriving at the present site of Savannah, Georgia, on February 12, 1733. He was auctioned as an indentured servant, and after working for seven years, he was free to acquire land. So began the new colony of Savannah, Georgia, which thrived. Planters established a booming cotton trade and brought in slaves. Oglethorpe did not like the idea of slaves, but he caved in.
CIVIL WAR: FAST FORWARD 80 YEARS
General Sherman marched across Georgia with Savannah as his goal. On December 1, 1864, the Savannah mayor told the General they would surrender with no fight if the soldiers would not burn their homes or harm their citizens. Sherman telegraphed President Lincoln, “I present to you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah.”
YOUR GIFT TODAY
Many houses were spared from destruction and have been renovated. Here are some places you can visit:
• The Armstrong House, Italian Renaissance Style, is now Armstrong College. It was featured in the film “Cape Fear.”
• My favorite is the Mercer-Williams House, the boyhood home of the singer Johnny Mercer. He wrote the song “Moon River,” about a river in Savannah. This house was featured in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
• Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum of Mary Flannery O’Connor, writer of Southern Gothic fiction and nonfiction, which contains her memorabilia from the 1930s.
• The home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, is on the Ghost tour. The guide told us that a child dressed in 1860s attire had been seen at the top of the stairs. After the
guide finished, the lady next to me said that when she first came in, she had just seen that child.
• The Ole Pink House Restaurant - This is the place for old Southern charm with cuisine to match. We ate barbecued ribs, fried okra, and cornbread with lots of butter.
• Forsyth Park is what Central Park is to New York. The center fountain is modeled after the Spanish fountain in Cuzco, Peru.
• Bonaventure Cemetery overlooks the river. It is home to ornate monuments and sprawling live oak trees hundreds of years old.
Remember that these homes are not in the antebellum style found in Natchez. (Most were built before this style.) For a lot of astounding history in a small area, Savannah is the town for you. For a self-guided tour of Savannah, go to GPSmycity, which can be downloaded on your smartphone. This app will guide you around the city, or you can tour the city with Old Town Tours.
SAVORING SAVANNAH
You’ve got to try fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, pralines, and peaches. Of course, you can’t get away without stopping at Leopold’s Ice Cream. Every flavor is made from a secret recipe handed down from the original Leopold Brothers.
Evelyn Kelly is coauthor of the upcoming book, Have an Affair with Travel, to be released this fall.
THE HEALTHY GEEZER
Hip Replacement Surgery
Q. I’m considering having my hip replaced. What are the odds that this operation will work?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says joint replacement surgery is successful in more than 9 out of 10 people. Replacement of a hip or knee lasts at least 20 years in about 80 percent of those who have the surgery.
In the procedure, an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a “prosthesis.” Artificial joints are medical devices, which must be cleared or approved by the FDA before they can be marketed in the United States
The goal of surgery is to relieve the pain in the joint caused by the damage done to cartilage, the tissue that serves as a protective cushion and allows smooth, low-friction movement of the joint. Total joint replacement is considered if other treatment options will not bring relief. Usually the damaged ball and socket of this joint are replaced by a metal ball and plastic socket. Metals include stainless steel, alloys of cobalt and chrome, and titanium while the plastic material is durable and wear-resistant polyethylene.
After total hip or knee replacement you will often stand and begin walking the day after surgery. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches or a cane. Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing, but it will end in a few weeks or months.
Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After your surgery, you may be permitted to play golf, walk and dance. However, more strenuous sports, such as tennis or running, may be discouraged.
Complications may include infection, blood
clots, loosening of the prosthesis, dislocation of the joint, excessive wear, prosthetic breakage and nerve injury. There are remedies for all of these complications, but sometimes the correction will take more surgery.
There is a surgical alternative to total hip replacement. It’s called hip resurfacing. The primary difference in hip resurfacing is that the surgeon doesn’t remove the ball at the top of the thigh bone. Instead, the damaged ball is reshaped, and then a metal cap is anchored over it.
Hip resurfacing, unlike hip replacement, preserves enough bone to permit a total replacement if it is necessary later. Resurfacing is not recommended for patients with osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones porous and vulnerable to fractures. Some healthcare experts advise getting a replacement hip joint, not a resurfacing, if you are older than 65.
Surgeons are refining techniques and developing new ones such as minimal-incision surgery. In this type of surgery, smaller incisions are used. Minimal incisions reduce trauma, pain and hospital stays. Not all patients are candidates for minimal-incision surgery.
Send your general health questions to Healthy Geezer with Lifestyles After 50 in the subject line to fred@healthygeezer.com.
subscribe, simply email us at info@lifestylesafter50.com. Or mail this coupon along with your payment of $21 for 1 yr/$38 for 2 yrs.
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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 passion for the arts!
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. All creative pieces must be submitted before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published based on what space is available.
Wildlife Photo by Viana Tavares Fischer
CREATIVE CORNER CREATIVE CORNER
Hyperthermia, or heatstroke, can be a life threatening condition, and it is very common here in sunny Florida. The heat causes a higher body temperature, which requires immediate treatment. A normal body temperature for your dog is 99.5 degrees to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If their body temperature exceeds 105 degrees, this is a true emergency.
Common reasons for heatstroke here in Florida include exercising in hot/humid weather, prolonged periods of outside time without adequate shade or shelter, and being left in a car without any ventilation or air conditioning. Other things that may contribute to your dog’s elevated temperature are obesity, prolonged seizures, or poisonings. It is especially important to take extra precaution if your dog is a “short-nosed” or brachycephalic breed (Pug, Boston terrier, French Bulldog, etc.).
The first signs of heatstroke are excessive panting and restlessness, and your dog may appear distressed. As body temperature rises, your dog can start drooling excessively, become unsteady, and their gums can turn bright red or even blue/purple, which is a sign of inadequate oxygenation.
If you notice this occurring to your dog, please seek emergency veterinary care, but there are a few things you can do to begin the cooling process. First, remove your pet from the hot environment and into a shaded or cool place. If you can, try to take a rectal temperature. You can place your pet in a cool or tepid water bath/shower, and be mindful not to submerge their head. Wetting the paws and ear flaps can help with evaporative cooling by a fan.
It is important not to cool TOO quickly. Do not cover your pet with wet towels or try to force water into their mouths. Do not leave them unattended. Seek immediate veterinary care.
Severe hyperthermia can affect almost every bodily system. By lowering your pet’s body temperature alone, you can avoid life threatening events. Please be mindful of the Florida heat, it can save your pet’s life!
Ronald J. Patrick, MD • Holly K. Bartley, APRN • Michelle L. Troyer, APRN
by William R. Mumbauer - Attorney -
People are concerned about the high cost of probate. So much so that in 2002 the Florida legislature attempted to put the brakes on escalating attorney’s fees in probate cases by passing into law Florida Statute 733.6171. The statute sought to curb excessive attorney fees by establishing essentially a tiered fee schedule for small estates and capping attorney fees for estates exceeding $100,000.00 at 3% of the value of the estate. The statute also aimed at reigning in attorney fees in probate cases by reminding attorneys that except in extremely unusual circumstances a decedent’s homestead real property should never be counted as an estate asset for purposes of determining attorney fees.
To insure the constitutionality of the new law -- technically a “fee schedule” would be an unconstitutional restraint on trade -- the statute states that an attorney can still charge a higher fee than what is mandated in the statute, but only if the client “knowingly” agrees to a higher fee. Implicit in this is that the client be made aware of the attorney fee statute limiting attorneys fees before agreeing to a particular fee. Unfortunately, there is a small percentage of probate attorneys who simply quote higher fees without giving their clients the benefit of knowing that the fees quoted are above and beyond what the law considers reasonable and fair.
Under the attorney fee statute, it should cost the same to probate a homestead worth 5 million dollars or one worth $50,000.00, the value doesn’t matter. But in practice a small percentage of unscrupulous attorneys simply choose to ignore the fact that the homestead is a distinct and uncountable probate asset and, instead, lump it together with the truly countable assets in an estate to arrive at a higher value for the estate and thus a significantly higher attorneys fee.
But as the saying goes knowledge is power. Tell your kids who will probably be making the decision as to who will handle the probate of your estate to insist that the attorney they choose follow not only the letter, but also the spirit of Florida Statute 733.6171.
Mr. Mumbauer, a 5th generation Floridian, has maintained a law practice in Brandon, Florida since 1980 with emphasis on estate planning. Mr. Mumbauer takes special pride in representing the senior community by maintaining a sensitive and practical approach to problem solving. Mr. Mumbauer is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. Mr. Mumbauer is also a Mentor in probate law and has been qualified by the Second District Court of Appeal in Florida as an expert witness in matters involving the drafting of Wills. Mr. Mumbauer’s Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating among judges and lawyers for Legal Ability is High to Very High and his General Recommendation Rating is Very High. His articles are based on general principles of law and are not intended to apply to individual circumstances.
KLINE TOURS
DAYTONA 500 BUS TRIP
Exclusive ticket and motorcoach transportation offer to the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, with departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton ClearwaterDunedin, Largo, Seminole, and St. Petersburg areas. Just $199 per person includes a race ticket with a ticket value alone of $240.
Our package includes your ticket and bus transportation for just $199. Option to add UNOH Fanzone/Pre-Race Access for just $95 (a $110 Value)
4 days/3 nights Monday-Thursday September 23-26. $399.00 per person (double occupancy),) includes 3 nights at IP Resort Casino Spa in Biloxi, $50 Slot Play ($25 from IP Casino, $25 from Beau Rivage) $32 in food vouchers ), Departures from the Sarasota-Bradenton area and St. Petersburg-Largo area.
NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE TOUR
Monday-Friday, September 30-October4 $1649 per person (double occupancy), roundtrip air, 4 nights lodging in Tilton, NH, 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners including a Lobster Bake with entertainment, one boxed lunch Ride on the Cog Railroad to the Summit of Mt Washington and back Cruise on the MS Mt Washington from Weirs to Wolfeboro, Visit to Kennebunkport, Stonewall Kitchen and Nubble Lighthouse, Wine Tasting at Seven Birches Winery.
BRANSON SHOW TOUR
5 days/4nights Sunday, October 13- Thursday, October 17 $1879 per person (double occupancy, Round trip air to St. Louis, motorcoach from St. Louis to Branson, four nights lodging at Hotel Grand Victorian in Branson, nine meals, seven shows including Yakov Smirnoff. Neil Diamond Tribute, Clay Cooper, Pierce Arrow presents Decades, The Haygoods, Six, Showboat Branson Belle, Dogwood Canyon, Branson Craft Mall, and Local Branson guide.
NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT
Sunday-Wednesday December 15-18 $2019 per person (double occupancy). includes roundtrip airfare, 3 nights lodging at Gaylord Opryland Resort., 6 Meals, four shows including a Christmas Dinner show in the ballroom at Gaylord Opryland with the Frontmen.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.
NEW ORLEANS PRE-MARDI GRAS 2025
Monday February 24- Friday February 28, 2025 $2099 per person (double occupancy) Roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, 5 days, 4 nights accommodations in French Quarter 7 Meals New Orleans School of Cooking, comprehensive city tour of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World Museum, National World War II Museum (including 4D film), Steamboat Natchez
Harbor Cruise, Louisiana Swamp Boat tour, and reserved parade bleacher seating for four parades in New Orleans
Follow us on Facebook at Kline Tours Florida Gulf Coast
WE WANT YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS WE WANT YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS
Send us your community news! We’re looking to share good news that influences your community. From organizational events to honorary people, we want to share your news.
For submissions:
Send the information (150 words or less) and a photo of the people involved to Michele.Baker@lifestylesafter50. com with the words “Community News” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. News must be submitted before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Include your name and current Florida city along with the contact information for the news event. News is published based on what space is available.
Improve Your Health With Creativity
Traveling usually evokes a sense of excitement and anticipation. However, the actual act of traveling, When it comes to art, the possibilities are endless. Sadly, though, it seems the older we get, the less our creativity shines. But it’s actually in our health’s best interest to be creative.
In addition to improving your imagination and artistic side, creativity is good for your physical and mental health.
Cognitive – Creative activities help keep our brains agile and active. Creative ventures force us to use both sides of our brains, which ultimately strengthens our neural pathways.
Emotional – Studies have found that creative activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For example, when you listen to music or even create music using an instrument, it helps to calm brain activity. This creates a sense of emotional harmony.
Physical – According to a study, older adults who participated in creative arts programs had fewer visits to the doctor and experienced fewer falls. The study also found that participants took fewer medications. Channeling your artistic side helps to motivate you and get you up and moving.
Don’t think you’re creative? Try again. Creativity is subjective, and everyone is creative in their own way. Here are a few different “non-art” activities you can take part in:
Exercising – Research continues to find a relationship between physical activity and the mental processes that lead to creativity, i.e. dance and yoga.
Cooking – Cooking is a process in which you can express yourself, your culture, and your passion. From how you prepare the food to how you serve the food, the entire process is art.
Gardening – From the design of the garden to the placement of the plants, when you are in your garden, you are expressing your creativity.
Reading – Literature forces your creativity by making you conjure up images and snippets of the story you’re reading.
BOOK REVIEW by
Kathy A. Megyeri
“Scratch My Itch, A Caregiver’s Honest, Humorous and Healing Stories About the Horrors of ALS,” by Cyndy Mamalian
More than 65 million people – 29% of the U.S. population –provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year. It takes a toll on one’s body and soul, but this book will give caregivers permission to prioritize self-care and extend themselves grace, forgiveness and encouragement.
In the book, Cyndy Mamalian shares engaging stories about the lessons she learned and the resilience and humor she found while caring for her mother for three years and experiencing the frustrations and horrors of an ALS diagnosis that made scratching an itch feel as futile as putting in contact lenses while wearing mittens.
Mamalian, who has a PhD in criminology from Rutgers University, is a mother of three, a children’s book author and a private school development director, so she is certainly adept at juggling duties, and caring for others. In the 11 years since her mother died, she has written of her journey of emotions, challenges and bits of humor that carried her through offer hope to others. Proceeds from book sales go to support much needed ALS research and will help infuse hope into curing such a dreaded disease.
For all readers – like me – who are caring for a loved one,
Mamalian’s book is a godsend because she knows of what she writes. Her stories are honest and relatable, joyful and sad, and reflective from one who’s definitely a member of the “sandwich generation” juggling children, career and a sick parent at the same time. The book is brutally honest and beautifully written complete with repulsive, scary, exhausting and treasured memories of her mother who’s fighting this disease with no cure and who’s daily losing movement and the ability to express even the simplest idea or thought.
When my friends claim they’ll stay in their homes as they age and deal with life-threatening diseases, I shudder and think of the revolving door that author Mamalian compares to the TV show “The Bachelor.” She found escape and comfort in Diana Ross’ music, swimming at the YMCA and writing her mother’s eulogy as well as writing this book that is part love letter, part confession and party comedy.
Mamalian also discusses what happens when the journey ends and caregivers must clean up the mess and go on loving and living again. If every caregiver read this book, their days would be enriched and a little happier. I would feel better knowing that I had shared Mamalian’s story and maybe they wouldn’t feel so alone, no matter the type of illness or hurt their loved ones deal with.
Last Month’s Answers
SUDOKU
SUDOKU
SUDOKU
Sudoku
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills.
Last Month’s Winner is Carol Sands, Port Charlotte Congr atuL ations ! Good Luck! Good Luck!
APRIL W ord Sea rch
September Word Search
WORD SEARCH
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.
The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers.
In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An
In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions –forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?
In the grid below, twenty answers can be found that fit the category for today. Circle each answer that you find and list it in the space provided at the right of the grid. Answers can be found in all directions forwards, backwards, horizontally, vertically and diagonally. An example is given to get you started. Can you find the twenty answers in this puzzle?
Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order.
Win Great Prizes!
Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
Each row of 9 numbers must include all digits1through9inanyorder. Each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
New winner selected each month
SEPTEMBER
APRIL
Sudoku
Sudoku requires no arithmetic skills The object of the game is to fill all the blank squares with the correct numbers. Each row and each column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Each 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9 as well. Good luck! The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th will win.
Send your answers along with your name, address, telephone number & email to:
Lifestyles After 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583
WIN GREAT PRIZES! Sudoku mu ST b E RE c EI v E d by T h E 20T h of T h E mo NT h.
ANSWERS TO
Send your answers along with your name, address, email and telephone number to: LIFESTYLES AFTER 50 P.O. BOX 638, SEFFNER, FL 33583
The first correct answers selected from the drawing on the 20th of the month will win. WIN! WIN! WIN! GREAT PRIZES! (Puzzles must be received by the 20th of the month)
TriviaPalooza!
Trivia Palooza
: Play each month to be entered in a drawing to win a prize! Deadline for entries: September 25th Mary Tursellino, Port Charlotte was last months winner! Last month’s answer: NORAD, Col. Harry Shoup. The more you play the better chance you have to win! Go to LifestylesAfter50.com
Movie Trivia
September Fun Facts
What are the dying words of Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane?
What year did the Roman senate ratify a new calendar, naming September as the ninth month?
NAtIoNAL grANdPAreNts dAy Is sePtember 13. WhAt Is the offIcIAL soNg ANd offIcIAL fLoWer for thIs NAtIoNAL dAy of observANce?
What are the names of the two possible full moons that rise in September?
What was the first feature-length animated movie ever released?
ANsWer:
What famous socialite wedding took place on September 12, 1953?
Who played the protagonist ‘Rose’ in the famous 90’s movie Titanic?
& submit these trivia question to win a prize
Nichole Veesaert, Apollo Beach
Josephine Jimenez, N. Ft. Myers
Brittany Corbin, Tampa
Burke, Largo
Coffee Klatsch: Raising the Coffee Bar
By Patricia Finn
Coffee is more than a drink. The tradition of the coffee klatch goes back to my mother and grandmother.
Well, it is finally here. National Coffee Day is September 29. I have been gearing up for this for months. I remember the coffee habit I enjoyed when my children were young. We lived on a Florida Key and everybody rode bikes. I soon learned that there is nothing like an early morning ride to the local luncheonette for a cup of coffee “straight up.”
Before the advent of specialty coffee shops (yes there was a time when we did not have them) luncheonettes had a counter that was often called a Coffee Bar. If you are unsure of the word “luncheonette,” you probably understand the word “bar.” Coffee was not an acceptable drink in our house, so by necessity, I began my day with an early morning bike ride along the beach: no traffic, fresh air… the cruel consequence of being a part of the 1970’s health food movement.
Coffee is more than a drink. The tradition of the coffee klatch goes back to my mother and grandmother. My mother used to drink her coffee black, a somewhat manly choice. Mom was unique and so were her coffee drinking habits. She would order coffee by the half cup. If a confused waitress brought her a full cup, Mom would pour half into her water glass and continually ask for half cup refills. This assured her that she would always be drinking it hot. Temperature is important.
In keeping with this family tradition, I ask for a few ice cubes when ordering my coffee to cool it down. It is sort of like the three bears: not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
I will now suggest that the entire world, not just Americans, would be unable to give up drinking coffee. Why? Consider the social bonding effects and the potential unification of diverse people groups. We all want coffee, and we want it first thing in the morning. Universality. It’s the Brotherhood
of Bean, a bond that unites us. “Stop, don’t shoot. Do you drink coffee? I drink coffee too.” We are all one. Then, there’s the adultness of it. Children don’t get coffee. The drink provides instant age superiority.
Next, let’s consider the Boston Tea Party. Tea, the colonial beverage of choice, was dumped into the water. If the prerevolutionary addiction to tea matched our current addiction to coffee, I submit that we would be bowing to the queen. Would you be willing to give up coffee? All the coffee gets dumped into the water? “No Taxation Without Representation,” but no coffee? In keeping with this patriotic theme, I humbly offer my variation of Paul Revere’s Ride:
Listen my children and do not fear
The midnight ride of Paul Revere
On the 18th of April in ’75
Before the coffee did arrive
The patriots dumped into the sea
The oh-so-boring British Tea.
Seniors getting Together
WOMEN SEEKING MEN
WOMEN SEEKING MEN
5625 – NEED LOVING 5609?
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.
Contact me, Marvin. NEED A COMPANION 5607? Contact me. Riverview, Fl
5619 – INDIAN SINGLE ISLAND
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.
WOMAN seeking single W, M, Asian or Hispanic. ND, NS, Long partner 60 plus. Tall & fit. Tampa only. No FB or email. Phone only. Please serious partner.
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.
5617 – SWF LOOKING FOR COMPANIONSHIP. I’m 70, 5’3”, 120 lbs, brown/auburn hair, blue eyes. Retired paralegal. Enjoy dancing, karaoke, restaurants, cooking, beach, flea markets, theatre and traveling.
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.
5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.
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.
5621 – CWF, 80 yrs, NS, SD, HWP, R, P, FF, TLC. Loves theater, dancing, swimming, walks, especially ocean walks, people, my toy poodle, and teaching Tai Chi. Looking forward to spending time with you. N 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.
5626 – SHW LOOKING FOR COMPANIONSHIP I am new to Florida, 59 years young. Looking for a FF SOH male. Likes, relaxing on the beach, music, fishing, camping, flea markets. NS - No drugs - TLC. I am 5.1 and 155 lbs. - Parrish
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.
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.
5627 –BLUE EYED RED HEAD Retired and loving it. ISO trustworthy W-NS-SD companion. No loud music. Enjoys quiet times, all animals, pleasant conversation, old movies, home decorating, cooking, laughter, social gatherings and ocean views. Published short stories. Friendly and fun! - Englewood
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.
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.
5628 – NEW TO FL Looking to fall in love one more time. R-63 YY. 5’2” 160 lbs. blonde hair, blue eyes SF. Enjoys walks, sunsets, dining out, traveling SOH, NS, SD, NDRG. Looking for WM, SD, NDRG. Must know how to treat a lady. Age doesn’t matter. Let’s give it a try!
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
5631 – SAIL AWAY WITH ME Off little Sarasota Bay. Spirited aqua eyes. WD, young 70’s. S,R,P, 122lbs. Same size as HS. NS, SD ISO magnetism LTR, FF. SOH makes it work. Into the arts, NCAA. No, you’re close enough in all your moments. Touch, kindness, smiles a lot and travels. Send letter/email please. Sarasota county 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!
seeking t, attractive, female. Very handsome, very t senior. 5’11”, 175, blue eyes, silver hair. Let’s enjoy life’s pleasures. Dunedin.
companion to finish our life's journey. I've been a home & business owner in Tampa for over 60 yrs . I am an active and healthy person looking for similar qualities in a partner. I have all my own teeth and hair too. Give me a call and maybe we can have some fun. Marvin
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.
5632 HI – A VERY MATURE W, M. Italian born, 82 years YY. 170 lbs, NS, NDrg. Looking for W, F 50-70 YY. I own a waterfront condo.
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.
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
CommonLY USeD ABBReViATionS:
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.
5618 – VENICE SENIORS SINGING TOGETHER. Wanna sing? Men and ladies welcome to sing four-part harmony with the Venice Gondolier Singers Chorus. No previous musical experience required. Just having fun. 941-953-3752.
5620 – ELDERLY, AFFLUENT, nice looking professional WWM seeking 40-50 trim SWF. Enjoys theater, travel, dinner with wine + conversation in condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Send photo(s) + resume.
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.
5428 - M, WW, NS, SD, HWP, R, TLC, 70’s. Likes sharing many activities together, quiet evenings; be adventurous.
5622 – HI – A VERY MATURE W, M, 140 lb., white hair, brown eyes, of reasonable looks, 5’8”. In Tampa. NS, SD only. Shall we meet for coffee, and see? Yes, my parents are of Italian descent, but born in the USA. Seeking H, W, P, lady who is mobile and likes life, but wants more. Trump can offer a better life. Now you know how I think.
(First 4 Words)
5630 – LOOKING FOR FEMALE COMPANION I’m 80, YY, SD, SM, LTR, FF, TLC. I like fishing, golf, going to the beach, spending time with family, watching TV, watching movies cuddling on sofa. Romantic. She should like the same, plus some of her own. Lehigh Acres
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.
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.
5633 – NEED GOOD WOMAN 5060 with smiles from the heart. More interested than interesting, willing to adventure and recognizing all humans are children of God. Please pray that you are the one. NS, ND, white male & high spirited. 79 going on 120. Sings like a bird not worrying who hears! Port Richey 8
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
5629 - WANT TO TAKE A TRIP TO ALASKA? Fly there and back, motorhome camping & Jeep waiting for us there, sightseeing & fishing. I am 86 YY, WM,WW, C,NS, 5’9” 165 lbs, SOH. Excellent health, very active. Southern country gentleman. I'm looking for a long-term
Name: Address:
Phone: Email: 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.
Best Little Cat House in Riverview, FL for 25 Years!
