Senior Scene
An old-fashioned bargain at Olde Seville Square

Stuck in traffic behind a small truck trailering a boat through Gulf Breeze, I was able to contemplate the name staring at me from the boat's transom. The clever and not-so-clever names I have seen in the past seem to have included many card names, such as 'Three of a Kind' 'Royal Flush', 'Grand Slam,' etc. It's a fact that the most-requested name for boats in the U.S. is "Obsession."

I also recall a boat name my husband had chosen that backfired bigtime. Many of his childhood summers were spent on his uncle's sailboat, and, since he always helped with the boating chores, he was allowed to help choose its name.

At that time, my husband was a serious student, and president of his class at school. He had just started to take Latin, and decided to give the boat a Latin name. He chose "Celeritas," meaning "swiftly." His uncle was pleased with the selection, and especially liked the 'high-toned' idea of the foreign language.

The boat was moored at the Island Height Yacht Club, and since Uncle Bill was rather competitive in nature, he always entered it in the races that the club held on most summer Saturdays.

The boat did very well, coming in first in its class. But when the winner was announced over the loudspeaker, the young man acting as announcer stammered over several tries with the name "Celeritas," finally proclaiming, "Celery Tops comes in first, skippered by Bill Ryder."

Everyone on the docks howled with laughter, and ever after, poor Celeritas was known as Celery Tops.

Well, we all have to learn to laugh at ourselves sometime. As Shakespeare asked, "What's in a name..."

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I recently spent an interesting afternoon at The Skin Care Center right here in Gulf Breeze. Estheticians from Saks Fifth Avenue of New Orleans brought the benefit of their expertise to demonstrate how to use Bobbi Brown skin care products to obtain the new, 'fresher' look all day long. A fresh fruit buffet and summer drinks kept everyone busy as they awaited their turn at getting a makeover.

Each makeover recipient was advised individually on the right products for her skin type, and the professionals who performed the makeovers were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. All of us enjoyed what we saw in the mirror - even myself, in my ninth decade - for there is never an age when you cannot look better, fresher, and more attractive. Bobbi Brown skin care and makeup products are internationally known as safe, effective and pleasant to use.

It's amazing what a little color can do, applied correctly and with a light hand. These professionals proved that what I have always said is true - everyone can benefit from a little lipstick and blusher, and eye makeup, when used sparingly, enhances everyone's look.

The Skin Care Center is located next to the Hershey's Ice Cream shop on Highway 98, just east of Whisper Bay. If you missed the makeovers, you can call 916-9969 to make an appointment. And prepare to be pampered!

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As someone who tries to practice what I preach, I am recommending a medication review with your physician at least once every year. In the process, you may find it possible to eliminate some medications that you no longer need. Ask your doctor what each pill is for and mark it down so you won't have to try to remember, Why and I taking this, and what does it do? Remember, YOU are ultimately responsible for your own health. I keep my medication list posted on my refrigerator. Should I ever need rescue personnel, they would also know at a glance exactly what medications I use.

If saving money is a priority, it is a good time to make sure you have asked your doctor for the generic equivalent of all your medications. They are of the same quality as the brand names. Also, your doctor can sometimes recommend a double strength pill that you can split in half to obtain the correct dosage, and which may be cheaper than buying double the quantity of a lower strength pill.

Always be certain your are taking your medicines correctly. Most importantly, embark on that healthy lifestyle of daily exercise, no smoking, and a healthful diet. Get set for your next decade!

******* See you next week!