From the Editor: What Does 60 Look Like? Janice Lane Palko

What Does Look Like? 60

By Janice Lane Palko

Iturn 60 this month. I had to go back and look at those digits and ponder them after I typed them. They look so foreign. Me 60? Recently when people have learned that I was coming up on a milestone birthday, several have kindly quipped, “You don’t look 60!” But after the third person told me that, I thought, Well, what exactly does 60 look like?

When I was a kid, 60 looked ancient. That was my grandparents’ age. When I went to work, and a I was PYT (Pretty Young Thing), 60 looked like those old ladies in cardigan sweaters on the executive floor. Now, that I’ve arrived at 60, it doesn’t seem that old. Here’s a little secret for all those not yet 60, it’s not that bad. Sure, I’m not as svelte or supple as I used to be, but on the inside, I feel the same as I did when I was 16--only a whole lot smarter. I know a lot more; I figured a lot more things out; I’ve achieved a lot more; and I’ve come to learn what is important in life. I think you spend the first 20 years of your life becoming you and then

the next 40 creating and living your life—getting married, having children, building a career-- and then all of a sudden you’re rounding the bend and sliding into third at 60.

If I could go back now and visit my 20-year-old self, I think young me would be delighted and relieved as to how I have ended up. I’ve been blessed with so much and by so many people, it’s hard to mourn the passing of the years. As I mentioned in a previous column, I was fortunate to go on a Mediterranean cruise (before the Corona virus hit), and the ship was primarily filled with passengers who were 50 and up, and let me tell you, they were having the time of their lives. Sure, there were a lot of people on canes or were wearing knee braces or didn’t exactly look like Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, but they were enjoying themselves, with a sense of they had nothing left to prove. They’ve married, had children, had careers, faced obstacles, become grandparents and survived. There’s no time to look back only time to enjoy the here and now and make the most of what’s left of your life.

Last summer, my granddaughter Sadie, who was three at the time was over at my house, and she was playing at me feet. I was wearing shorts, and she looked at my right calf that has a varicose vein that runs down the inside like a lightning bolt, leaving a constellation of three clusters of spider veins. She touched one of the spider veins and smiled up at me. “Grandma,” she said, “I really like the blue spots on your leg. They’re beautiful.”

I chuckled. Only a three-year-old could think a spider vein beautiful. “Why, thank you,” I said. What does 60 look like? A lot like a varicose veins. In one sense it’s an unmistakable sign of advancing age, and on the other it’s simply beautiful. n

Weddings2020

Old Economy Village

Different areas of Old Economy Village are available to rent for various functions such as weddings, birthday parties, office functions, corporate meetings and photography sessions. Enjoy the good feelings of the past by booking your function at Old Economy Village today. Contact the Friends of Old Economy Village to make your reservation.

Old Economy’s beautiful historic gardens fill more than two acres brimming with colorful 19th century flowers. Formal pathways, a stone pavilion and seasonal flowering hedges are among the striking features that offer a lovely background for your intimate ceremony and memorable photos. Garden wedding events are scheduled from mid-April through mid-October.

Please call ahead for pricing on site rentals. Due to the popularity of Old Economy Village weddings and photography sessions, we recommend scheduling at least six months in advance. For more information, call (724) 266-4500 x113, or e-mail: c-kkarczew@pa.gov. n

Shannopin Country Club

One of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets

Shannopin Country Club is a beautiful private club and wedding venue in the Pittsburgh area. Our talented staff is dedicated to bringing the details of your vision together to create an event that is as unique as your relationship. While the club is steeped in a rich 100-year-old history, Shannopin boasts a newly renovated Ballroom that combines a touch of elegance with its historical charm. We are proud to be considered one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets!

Able to hold up to 225 people, couples can use both indoor and outdoor facilities for their special day. The lush green hills surrounding the venue are ideal for pictures or a tranquil outdoor ceremony. Whether you are dancing in the Ballroom or relaxing out on the Patio, you can also enjoy a magnificent backdrop of the city skyline. For more information, visit the website at: www.shannopincc.com or call (412) 761-2900. n

Jewelry by Alicia & Scott

Let’s be honest. Planning the perfect ring for the prefect proposal can be downright intimidating. Trying to determine what properties of a diamond best fit your needs while scrutinizing the perfect setting can make your head spin! At Jewelry by Alicia & Scott, we put your mind at ease during this very important and big purchase. We consult with each client explaining how to grade a diamond and how to know what aspects are most important for your achieved look.

With our 20+ plus years in custom-jewelry design and manufacturing, we can suggest a setting that is already in our inventory, or we can create a custom work of art through CAD design. Don’t think of us as just jewelers; think of us as your personal jewelry stylist and consultant.

To see more of our work and to read reviews, visit us at facebook.com/jewelrybyaliciaandscott or instagram.com/jewelrybyaands/ n