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Do you support the proposed Master Plan for Pensacola Beach

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Senior Scene

How many times do you find yourself doing something you've done many times before and suddenly you recall one time that was special?

This was the case recently, when one night I decided to have a slice of watermelon. It took me back to the 1920's when I spent my summers at my grandparent's home. That was a rectory, where the parishioners always seemed to be dropping by to visit, bringing all kinds of food as gifts. Many of the church members had large farms and they were always happy to share. There were jars of dill pickles, shoefly pies, fresh-picked field corn, and homegrown peaches.

One summer day, I opened the kitchen door to see the teen-aged son of a church member pulling a wagon holding the biggest watermelon I had ever seen. He asked me where he should put it, and Grandfather, who had followed me into the kitchen, said, "Put it on the picnic table in the yard, and call everyone in the house to come, and all the men working on the church grounds next door, too."

I called my grandmother, and Ruby, who helped around the house, and the four workmen. We invited the iceman and his helper, who were delivering a 50-pound block of ice, to join us.

The windows of the church were open, and the ladies quilting inside popped their heads out for a look, and they were invited too. When Grandfather brought his trusty old butcher knife out to the table, there were nearly 30 of us assembled to share that delicious red fruit. There was a lot of laughing going on, and I must confess some of us were spitting the little black seeds at one another (not just the kids among us, either!)

Seems like, in those days, everyone didn't need so much to have a good time.

*****

If you are like most seniors you tend to glance at the obituaries each day when you pick up the morning paper. Anyone we know?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women in the United States live an average of seven years longer than men. Good news for us gals, but the downside to these statistics can be that, in that extra span of life, many women have an increase in chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Of course you know I will follow this with Senior Scene's constant advice (as well as that of the Department of Health) "These conditions can be minimized with healthy eating and appropriate exercise." Time to clip on the old pedometer and start moving.

*****

Now that summer is here in earnest, most of our clubs are taking a breather until September. But if you are still looking for a cool and fun thing to do at least once a month, how about becoming a member of the Gulf Breeze Seniors' Club. This meets at 11:30 on the first Thursday of the month, all year round, at the South Santa Rosa Recreation Center on Shoreline Drive. Dues are only $5 per year and there are Bingo games and a fine lunch, prepared by Barnhill's, for only $4. And, best of all, there is the company of lots of friendly people. Just call 9345140 and sign up to join the oldest and best club in town. There's plenty of easy parking and an automatic door, so a pleasant afternoon is accessible to all.

******

A quote from Bertrand Russell: "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."

And, from Ruth Brillhart, "The best thing to do behind a friend's back is pat it."

See you next week!