FUNNY...I DON'T FEEL THAT OLD

Twice in the space of the week, I was reminded that I am near "elderly" and given a "senior" discount. Funny, I don't feel that old yet.
Last Friday, I went to the pharmacy at the local grocery store to get my flu shot. Afterall, I am constantly going into nursing homes, hospitals, and shaking hands on Sat. evening and Sunday mornings. I figured I ought to get the shot. Well, lo and behold, when I asked if the shot was a double strain, I was informed that it was the four strain shot. "When you are 60, elderly, there is a mega
flu shot." Thanks a bunch! Now, I am approaching elderly. Funny, 60 doesn't seem that old anymore and most 60 year olds are an active crowd. I am not there yet. I have more than a year to go. I am not elderly, thank you very much. I am middle-aged. Mature. Well, at least most of the time!
  Then, on Wednesday, I stopped at Kohl's to pick up a rectangular serving dish to put my apple strudel on for my husband to take to the church he serves for the Reformation Dinner & Movie (Rick Steve's The Reformation). I had $15.00 in Kohl's cash and there was a white porcelain FoodNetwork serving tray that was on sale. When I checked out the cashier gave me the "senior" discount of 15%.
The dish cost  me $2.48! I don't know what qualifies at Kohl's for "senior" status - some places it's 55 years and up and others, it's 60 plus. I got it any way. Apparently, Wednesdays are senior discount days at Kohl's. Who knew?
   I don't have gray hair yet. Well...I do, but I color it as close to my natural brown with red highlights. There can be a wee bit of gray at the temples when the dye starts fading. But it's not that noticeable, I think. I'm not full of wrinkles - although I have some - laugh lines. I body lotion my neck every morning so it doesn't look too turkey-like. I know I'm not 40 any more, but really, I don't think I look 60 already. At least not most of the time I look in the mirror. I still feel 45 inside.
I'm not ready to be 60 yet. Give me that year plus to go. I just don't see the 60 look yet.
   The woman who gave me the flu shot was no spring chicken, but the checkout gal at Kohl's was younger. Maybe, I look old to the younger folks. I just don't see myself there yet. Or am I fighting it?
Sigh. I've always accepted the age I am, except when I was younger and always wanted to be older.
I think a person live their age and be proud of it. But this 60 thing is a bit unnerving, maybe worse than 50.
  Well, if they want to give me the discount, I'll take it. But inside I know, I can still be young, and am still middle-aged. I am not yet "elderly." For gosh sakes, elderly is like 80. And I have a lot of living yet to do before then. Good Lord willing.

TRICK OR TREAT

Take your pick - trick or treat!
This is a busy, crazy month for moi! I have Bible Study every Tues. evening and this month,
Early Communion class on Wed. evenings, for the month. Tomorrow is the potluck lunch at
M church - Tailgate Party - is the theme since the Indians are in the playoffs. I'll be making my
spinach veggie dip, and fresh veggies. I figured we needed something healthy along side all the carb laden dishes that will be there. On Thursday morning at M church I will be leading a study lesson for the one women's circle stepping in for the education director who will be out of town.
Next Wednesday evening is a Reformation Dinner at my husband's church (which I will miss since
I have early communion class) and am making an easy apple strudel to go along with their bratwurst dinner. This Saturday morning, I will need to make communion bread for the upcoming early communion class.
On Sunday, Oct. 29th from 3 pm- 6pm, I will be at the church by 2 pm, will be our Reformation Walk sponsored along with 3 other L churches nearby. There will be 7 stops with folks in makeshift costumes as tourists arrive in Wittenburg. They will get a german lesson with Luther's teacher, make
a pretzel in the Café which will get baked and they can eat, Tetzel will be selling indulgences, one
can nail a thesis to a door, meet Martin & Katie Luther, learn and color the Luther Seal, and sing
a verse or two of "A Mighty Fortress". I have put together props, made signs for all the stops in an old script, and even have some items for costuming certain characters. It has taken much time and
organization but it should be fun for the whole family.
   In the midst of all this, we are working on our dining room and getting new flooring, a paint job, new light, etc. So, I am in the process of boxing up the entire contents of our china cabinet - 1 complete set of china for 12, along with crystal beverage and wine glasses for 12, some champagne
glasses, another set of dishes for 8, fondue dishes for 6, and an assortment of glass serving plates and bowls, and a couple antique bowls. Yup, I must be totally bonkers! I have about 1 more box or two to
go, and then everything will need to be washed before going back into the cabinet. The dining room
table legs need to be removed in order to move the table out of the room and the china cabinet will
also need to be moved. We bought sliders hoping that once the cabinet is empty, we can carefully
slide the thing into the family room. This is a monumental undertaking at one of the busiest times
of the year. Everything will need to be put back by Thanksgiving!
   So, take your pick - is this a trick or a treat? I'm hoping that when all is said and done it will be
a delightful treat that will last for a long time!
   May God help me maintain my sanity!