Last week’s image, according to the History Museum of Hood River County’s records, shows a cooking demonstration, possible designed to help Hood River area resident and photographer Alva Day sell more kitchen appliances.

I have always forgotten things. (Fred MacMurray in the Absent Minded Professor was one of my role models.) I can still remember the sinking feeling when I forgot an appointment for a haircut or picking the kids after school.

I’m not fond of these winter doldrums in The Dalles: grey overcast skies with a few days of sunshine, just to tease us that better days are ahead. And although I may not like them, I find these gloomy days are necessary, because without them I wouldn’t really appreciate the warm T-shirt days with blue skies. And isn’t that the way it is in our daily lives? All the challenges and difficulties, the missteps and losses, remind us not to take for granted the simple joys and comforts we can experience every precious day.

Over the last six years since I turned 60, I have found getting older is a series of adventures: never knowing what to expect next.

Being active in your community is both good for the community and good for your health and well-being.