'Home' entertainment was norm during my time

Staying at home more? Many people say they are. With economic times what they are, saving money with home entertainment is a good idea. I recall how easy it was to have fun at home in the "olden days," when I grew up.

During my school years, Thursday was always my favorite day of the week, because my sister Kath and I had a weekly evening of partying at home. It was our good fortune that my parents, who were quite a bit younger than the other kids' folks, played bridge every Thursday, and we were allowed to have the gang over at our house until 10:30 p.m. Believe it or not, we did observe that curfew: after all, we did not want to spoil a good thing.

It was always a great musical evening. We had permission to use Dad's grand piano, which was a big honor, because it was one that Dad played regularly himself and used to accompany Mother's rehearsals in the days when she had professional singing jobs.

In terms of who was playing the music, this was a strictly male group. Of course, we girls danced and sang along and loved the entire evening. We had Bob Roberts on the piano and Benny Anodel on both banjo and guitar, Joe Bloom on saxophone, and two or three others whose names escape me by now.

There were a few instances when a couple would disappear into the breakfast nook or kitchen for a stolen kiss or two, but in those days the music was the thing. I wonder if anyone from that time could remember those nights as well as me? There was one thing that should have made that a certainty - the group ended with several lifelong marriages, including my own.

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Have you visited the 'new' Gulf Breeze Hospital Gift Shop, with its larger size and new decor? There is an outstanding selection of decorative items and jewelry, and a variety of attractive cards as well. They are the kind of thing we all are pleased to give and receive.

It's also nice to note that all the proceeds benefit Gulf Breeze Hospital. As a 'long ago' volunteer, it makes me proud to see the community lend it support.

Gift shop hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Plan to see all the "Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast" this Saturday, sponsored by the Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs. You will tour five lovely gardens in and around Bayou Texar and also see educational exhibits and talk with master gardeners in each location. The cost of the tour - only $8 - is used to help fund PFGC's community outreaches. The tour will take place rain or shine, 10 a.m. till 3 p.m., and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information, go to secretgardentour@ bellsouth.net. See you there!

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You know you are getting old when:

An attractive woman sits next to you on the bus and asks, "Is this your good ear?"

When your hang outs used to be the sports bar and the coffee shop, but now, they're the pharmacy and the bathroom.

See you next week!