I would like to say that it was the demise of my rather short romantic relationship that kept me from writting on this blog, but that is not the case. In many ways it is a relief to be out of it. Although, I cared a lot for her there were too many problems related to age differences and other issues that brought an end to it. It was a mutual "break-up." However, it was nice to have, even for a short-time, that "rush" of romance in my life. We are now what we were before, friends. But even that is a bit trying. She calls or runs into me everyday. Still, I am the sounding board for her myriad of life problems.
The other night during one of my ever frequent middle of the night wakeful periods I began thinking about growing older, the non-stoppable aging process and the perceptions folks have about it. It is amusing to note people's responses to you once you tell them that you are in your 60s, and even that word, "retired." I again mention what my now departed friend and mentor, John Haynes told me about year after his retirement. He said, "do not retire too early . . . you will find people no longer value you or your opinion much anymore." What is so interesting about that statement is that I have found it to be very true.
In small scale societies (sometimes referred to as Primitive), elders are valued. They are the primary decison makers and counselors to the young. They are the library of knowledge in these preliterate cultures (you see all my background in anthropology coming through here). Today this is not the case for many reasons. First and foremost is probably the advent of the computer and all the instant information sources, albeit flawed as they may be. Granted there are cadre of older, and predominantly whites males, running the country, but for most "everyday" people this is not the case. Even in many of the cultures mentioned above once you have gotten to a certain age you determine that your usefulness to the people has come to an end and you go out on the ice (Eskimos), or into the wilderness ( Plains Indian tribes) to fast and go to the next realm. Here, in this culture, without the fasting I guess the equivalent is to move to Sun City and/or become a Wal*Mart greeter.
At any rate, in my life I have noticed some of what my friend John warned me of . . . This is especially true in relationships with the opposite sex. I have had women interested in me, or at least they seem to be in initial conversations. But, as soon as they find out my age there is a change in the way they look at me and their demeanor toward me. What is interesting for me is that I use to have what I called, "the ten year rule." That is, I would not date anyone below that threshold (I know I broke that rule a couple of times). Now-a-days I could not even get a 54 year old to be interested in me once they know my age. Joanne was an exception but that was just a fluke and we see how that turned out. If you did not get married a while back and are a bit "picky, " as some friends call me, then you are like that old bull bison who can no longer compete with the younger males and is out there on the prairie by himself. And I will not even go into the cases where peolple do not listen to you anymore, do not value your opinion. Of course, maybe many of them never did listen to you.
Nothing much has been going on with me here in Flagstaff other than I bought a new Subaru Forester a couple of weeks ago (have to stay ahead of Nephew-in-law Bob Adamo). I did not intend to purchase a new car but had gone to the dealer to schedule a oil change and service. I got caught by the financial manager and he started talking to me and a few hours later I drove out with it. Now I know what most of you are saying, but the "kicker" for me was that my payments came out to be $75 lower a month. I have always had car payments so that does not bother me. My main concern is how much goes out a month. Besides, I love the color, "Steel Metallic Silver," and was never enamored with the darker shade of the previous one.
Since purchasing the vehicle I have gotten the windows tinted, put roof racks on top and gotten my Satellite radio reinstalled, so have had some additional expenses that have ironically kept my travel for the month of July limited. My next trips are planned for the end of August and September. The first will be back up to Wyoming and Montana (Tetons again, and Glacier Park), and the second to San Diego County in mid-September to visit family.
Movies: As I have mentioned so many times, the summer movie "pickings" have been just that for the most part. I drove to Scottsdale last weekend to see the 2nd movie in the "millenium" series based on the books of Swedish author Stieg Larsson (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, etc.). I had read the three books in the trilogy and seen the first film. The 2nd film, Girl Who Played with Fire, is as excellent as the first one. Of course, you have to read sub-titles and that will put some folks off. However, I highly recommend the books and the movies. The last is set to be released in October. I saw Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. The new version of The Karate Kid was good but not as good as the original. Both were entertaining if not great movies. I am contemplating going to see Inception either today or next week. I am not a big fan of these fantasy flicks, or Leonardo, but since it is getting decent reviews I will try it and let you know.
Hope all is well with you all this summer. Stay cool!
