After my wife and I spent nine nights visiting our children in San Diego and San Luis Obispo, it was nice to come back home. Back to my regular routines, where I know what to expect each day: Waking up, getting dressed, eating my Cheerios for breakfast, working, and then exercising, eating dinner, watching a comedy, and going to sleep. Not the most exciting, but familiar.
And not every day is the same. There are meetings, visits with friends, and doctor’s appointments, but I can control those changes in my routine — except the doctor’s appointments! I’ve found, as you may have also, that regular routines can make life simpler and less stressful.
Now I’m not complaining. It was a wonderful visit: Assembling my daughter’s new Ikea bed — which was an all-day endeavor that tested both my brawn and brain; watching The Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas Day; and spending time walking on the beach in coat and scarf — it was a cold blustery wind! And I can’t forget the casual scenic 20 mph drives along the L.A. freeways.
We had fun hanging out with our children, although we’re still waiting for grandchildren, and are looking forward to visiting them again next December. But I’ve found after being away for nine nights, it felt good to be back home and my daily routines — although, if the temperatures drop down into the low teens, I just might have the urge to take the next flight to San Diego!
But it’s time to catch up on all of you who sent in answers for the last three “Remember When” questions.
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The child actor who was Hollywood’s top box-office attraction from 1935-1938 was Shirley Temple. I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Nancy Higgins, Judy Kiser, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Rebecca Abrams, Bruce Johnson, Debbie Medina, Eva Summers, Donna Mollet, Linda Frizzell, Lana Tepfer, Kim Birge, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Mike Nagle, Anne Saxby, Craig Terry, and Judy Hanson.
The prolific American author and former lawyer, best known for the Perry Mason series of legal detective stories, was Earle Stanley Gardner. I received correct answers from Jay Waterbury, Rebecca Abrams, Jess Birge, Judy Kiser, Rhonda Spies, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, Anne Saxby, and Pat Evenson-Brady.
And from last week, the name of the comedy trio active from 1922-1970 and who were known for their eye-pokes, face slaps, hollow head knocks, and knuckle cracks were the Three Stooges: Larry Fine, Moe Howard, and the third stooge played by brothers Shemp Howard and then Curly Howard. I received correct answers from Jay Waterbury, Judy Kiser, Keith and Marlene Clymer, “Nyuk, Nyuk” Jess Birge, and those who also answered the bonus question: Marny Wetting, Donna Mollet, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Bruce Johnson, Elaine Kirby, Rebecca Abrams, Eva Summers, Rhonda Spies, and Rose Shultz.
And winners of a quilt raffle ticket for the last three weeks are Craig Terry, Anne Saxby, and Eva Summers.
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I remember using this duplicating device, often found in schools, libraries, and churches, that printed multiple copies of images in light purple ink but fell victim to the Xerox copier. (I particularly remember in grade school wanting to smell the sweet chemical aroma of the damp newly produced copies.) For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this machine that was easy to use, inexpensive to purchase, and produced many pop quizzes for young school children? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a box of two-ply spirit masters.
And quickly, before the lights go dark, here is this week’s Brain Tease. Which number is next in the sequence: 11, 22, 43, 74, 115, 76, 137, ___?
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Well, it has been another week trying to face the music without losing the beat. Until we meet again, enjoy the present because as a friend once reminded me, “Today is the oldest you have ever been — and the youngest you will ever be.”
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“We don’t know all the answers. If we knew all the answers we’d be bored, wouldn’t we? We keep looking, searching, trying to get more knowledge.”
— Jack LaLanne
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through
Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Mondays and Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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Answer
118. The last digit in each number is simply increasing by one each time. Add all the digits of each number to get the first digit(s) of the next number.
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