Marla Luckhardt

Honoring the first man in my life

Jun 13, 2018

My readers all know how important the relationship I had with my mom was and, in my heart, still is.

Recognizing elder abuse

Jun 6, 2018

When we are sick we go to a doctor – if it’s something a little more serious or specific, we are referred to a specialist who can talk to us about our heart or our skin or even our feet.

Make sure to properly dispose of medication

May 31, 2018

Spring cleaning is a term I grew up with.

Determining the right time to retire

May 23, 2018

Grandpa and I retired almost a year ago.

Deciding when it's time to retire

May 14, 2018

Grandpa and I retired almost a year ago.

Understanding the ins, outs of HIPAA

May 10, 2018

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to find out how a loved one is doing while either in assisted living, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Just when I thought I had heard them all, the phone rings, and yet another scammer thinks this ‘defenseless little old lady’ will scurry to her wallet and throw money at a perfect stranger just because he asks.

Remembering the late Barbara Bush

Apr 26, 2018

No matter whether you are republican, a democrat or on the fence, you have to respect and admire the lady and her legacy.

Always a fan

Apr 18, 2018

Batter up!

Facebook has positives and negatives

Apr 12, 2018

There has been a lot of negative press about Facebook lately, with the discovery that our privacy has been hacked.

Don’t ignore the ‘special’ envelope

Apr 5, 2018

Every day except Sunday, I ask Grandpa if he will get the mail or if I should.

Powering up the research on solar

Mar 15, 2018

I was driving through my old neighborhood recently and noticed lots of solar panels.

Working to keep businesses in line

Mar 7, 2018

Michael Finney makes me smile.

Making every retirement dollar count

Feb 28, 2018

Finding bargains is a retired person’s joy and, in most cases, a necessity.

Keeping cholesterol under control

Feb 15, 2018

It seems to me that there are more and more ads for medication than ever before.

Checking one more off my bucket list

Feb 8, 2018

The year was 2007 – Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman played two terminally ill gentlemen who meet while receiving chemotherapy in a hospital.

Understanding inherited debt

Feb 1, 2018

Someone approached me recently with an interesting question.

Too much of anything can be unhealthy

Jan 11, 2018

Everyone likes a bargain, and we all love a good discount when shopping at our favorite stores.

Memories come easily this time of year

Dec 21, 2017

It’s hard for me to believe that I have been writing these pieces for almost five years.

Keeping those savings rolling in

Dec 14, 2017

Every morning when I get up, I go to my phone or computer and check my emails and, yes, Facebook.

Remembering the last WWII heroes

Dec 7, 2017

This month marks the 76th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor – a day that, as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, would “live in infamy.”

Savoring the holidays

Nov 21, 2017

April showers bring May flowers, and Mayflowers bring Pilgrims.

What can a chiropractor do for you?

Nov 9, 2017

In 1972, I started visiting a chiropractor.

Get rolling with open enrollment

Nov 2, 2017

It’s that time of year again.

Planning makes holidays so much brighter

Oct 26, 2017

I’m a planner.

Staying upbeat in troubling times is tough

Oct 20, 2017

A friend of mine was driving down Highway 4 the other day, and a woman in front of her tossed a lit cigarette from the car window.

Keeping your brain sharp

Oct 13, 2017

Sitting down at the computer and writing my articles each week is more of a joy than a job for me, and having the keyboard in front of me presents time to pause, think, ponder and decide what words to use.

Visiting the zoo

Oct 6, 2017

It’s been about 10 years since I went to a zoo, which was in San Diego, and it was delightful.

Celebrating birthdays never gets old

Sep 29, 2017

Every parent has pictures of their 1-year-old eating birthday cake.

When you are ready for the next chapter

Sep 21, 2017

Driving through the streets of Sun City Summerlin in Las Vegas to look at model homes was a lot of fun in 1990.

Security systems can provide peace of mind

Sep 15, 2017

As a baby boomer growing up

Weathering the storm together

Sep 7, 2017

In January 1960, my family moved from our small, but ample, one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn to a spacious, 1,485-square-foot brand new home on Long Island.

Grandkids growing up is bittersweet

Sep 1, 2017

This week, chronological grandchild No. 3 leaves for college.

Let’s get rolling

Aug 24, 2017

In 1971, an artist named Melanie wrote and released a song called “Brand New Key.”

Remembering Woodstock

Aug 4, 2017

In June 1969, I graduated high school.

Getting blood work may be a necessity

Jul 26, 2017

Bubby’s nickname for me varied over the years, but around age 4, whenever we had to go to the doctor and I needed a shot, it was Spider.

Like it or love it, sometimes you have to say no

Jul 20, 2017

A major dilemma for both parents and grandparents is how much to financially help kids or grandkids and when to say no.

Finding fun ways to exercise

Jul 14, 2017

I hate to exercise.

Celery isn’t just for salads anymore

Jul 7, 2017

Mom’s dear friend asked me if I knew where they sold celery juice around here.

When the mirror says it’s time for a massage

Jun 29, 2017

There are priorities when you become a grandmother.

When one chapter ends, another begins

Jun 15, 2017

Everyone’s life is a series of chapters, and for Grandpa and me, a new one is about to begin – retirement!

We need you, Walter Cronkite

May 25, 2017

Often cited as the most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite was truly one of a kind.

We need you, Walter Cronkite

May 22, 2017

Often cited as the most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite was truly one of a kind.

Clinging onto favorite cliffhangers

May 19, 2017

In 1979, I, along with millions of others, was glued to my television set for the 1979 to 1980 season finale of “Dallas.”

Wardrobe spring cleaning not so easy

May 12, 2017

Looking in my closet this morning, I thought, geez Louise, I have more stuff than anyone could possibly wear in a year!

Tips for seasonal allergy sufferers

May 1, 2017

AHHHCHOO! God bless you.

Grandma finds the best bargains

Apr 27, 2017

The expression, ‘everything is negotiable’ is really true.

Putting your final wishes into place

Apr 20, 2017

Some of the hardest things to discuss with our family members are our final wishes.

Remembering my mom

Apr 13, 2017

The biggest joy of writing my articles each week was watching my mom’s reaction to each piece.

Going the way of the dodo bird

Apr 6, 2017

Grandpa and I enjoy watching the program “Sunday Morning” on CBS.

Columnists

Marla Luckhardt

Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Visit her website www.marlasreferrals.com or email her at marla2054@aol.com.