She is beautiful, smart, funny as all get out and she is my friend. She is also 105 years young! Elba Cruse is one of the most delightful humans I’ve ever met and I have to keep reminding myself that this lady is not 65 years old!

As I write this, it’s Labor Day and I could swear I just heard Drew, the nice weatherman on television say it’s 113 degrees here in East Contra Costa County. No, I am not kidding, that’s one hundred degrees, and thirteen more on top of that!

This coronacoaster we find ourselves riding now is not only crazy, it’s downright frightening as well as extremely confusing.

For the last four months and some-odd days, Grandpa and I have stayed inside about 98% of the time, going out for only the essentials. While we have totally enjoyed each other’s company for the last 39 years, our relationship, like so many others, has been tested a time or two being together…

At any given time of the day, you can turn on the news and hear about this awful coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19. Whatever you call it, it’s just plain awful. With the recommendation to stay inside as much as possible, lots of seniors are concerned about going to needed doctor appoi…

The last few weeks were literally a nonstop eat-a-thon. The devouring of cookies, pies, pasta, and everything I could possibly make involving mass quantities of cheese may just be the culprit of my holiday weight gain. Everything looked so good. As I told my Facebook friends: I need to learn…

On Monday, Nov. 11, schools, post offices and other government-related functions were closed.

Many seniors experience some sort of hearing loss as they get older.

Medicare has a lot more to offer than just medical coverage.

For the last two weeks, I have been enjoying my pool walking. I go down to the Summerset 4 pool and do my laps in the sunshine with several lovely ladies who go at the same time. The few men there are lovely, too!

Grandpa and I enjoy our trips to Las Vegas, mainly to see dear friends who have become family over the past 40 years. Our visits do not focus around gambling or other Las Vegas norms, but exploring and spending time with these loved ones.

Nobody loved to watch fireworks more than I did. Back in the early to mid-sixties, every July Fourth I would take a blanket and walk to the beach with friends. There were two small beaches in our little town, and the one across the bridge was the best place to lie down on those blankets and …

I didn’t have an article in last week’s paper because Grandpa and I were on our annual vacation to our favorite island of Kauai. Although we are both retired, we still look forward to vacations that take us away from day-to-day chores and, yes, those ever-increasing doctor’s appointments. I …

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day. It was bittersweet for a lot of us who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but missed our moms who are no longer with us. I, personally, had a wonderful weekend surrounded by loved ones and, although I miss my mom very much, I felt her around me all day. 

It rained here all weekend, which for this area is very unusual.

Not too long ago, I wrote an article about cannabis.

My heart just about broke while I was watching the news the other night. There was a story about an entire family who perished in their home from carbon monoxide poisoning.

When I pull up next to a police car at a stop sign or red light, I look over, smile and wave. I always get a return smile and a hello. I have the utmost respect for police officers, firemen, teachers, service men and women and many other selfless people who choose an occupation that helps ot…

Some people crave salty foods like chips, pretzels or some well-seasoned french fries, while others have a sweet tooth and crave sugar. I, personally, am a very nonpartisan snacker and enjoy both, but what am I doing to my body with my choices? My blood pressure is on the low side so salt is…

I shop at the Dollar Tree or Dollar Store or 99 Cent store, and I am not ashamed when it comes to buying stuff for a buck.

There are several mornings I wake up and have to take a minute to figure out what day it is. Oh, sure, I can listen to the camel on TV screaming that it’s hump day and glean that it’s Wednesday, but for the most part, my life with Grandpa is now an endless series of days that feel like Satur…

I am not really sure what bugs me more this time of year, the daylight savings time fiasco or tax season. Luckily, Grandpa takes on the burden of getting our files ready for the tax preparer, but he has yet to get me back that one hour of sleep I lost last weekend. Keep trying, Dear!

Many seniors, myself included, have “senior moments.” I will be telling a story or chatting with a friend on the phone and I have trouble recalling the right word. Sometimes, my friend will finish my sentence, and vice versa, but it’s a bit frustrating. As we age, some memory loss is quite n…

Receiving emails from readers of my column is always wonderful. Whether the reader agrees with me or has an opposing viewpoint, I welcome all input and respond to each and every one. I often get inquiries about what is available for seniors who need a little help.

The last time we went to visit family in Nevada, we went to see a show called “Piff the Magic Dragon.” I had seen this act on “America’s Got Talent,” in which an odd little man from England comes on stage dressed entirely as a dragon, carrying a tiny, white chihuahua named Mr. Piffles. My fi…

Chanukah is the Jewish, eight-day, wintertime ‘festival of lights,’ celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, family and friends.