December 2004

• Home for old folks: Here - Ben Blankenship
  
  Too soon the leaves fall, faster each autumn it seems, but only seems.
  
  Because to tell the truth, the lovely old beech trees in my yard kept their
  leaves well into November this year. Often in dry years they begin shedding
  even before September.
  
  Yet, the longer I enjoy these changing seasons here in the Harbour--27
  memorable leaf-raking opportunities--the faster they apparently come and
  go.
  
  As one grows older I suppose, this just happens.
  
  It's not all bad. When we seniors marvel over how fast the grandchildren
  are growing up, in our eyes they really are sprouting like weeds--even as
  vigorously as the bamboo shoots in my back yard each spring.
  
  And nowadays I've come to hardly dread at all the coming snow and ice
  that can really mess up our mobility in these hilly Harbour habitats. For our
  glorious springs do return before you know it.
  
  Besides, many winters here barely even deserve that name, they are so
  mild. I would happily cite the coming one as a good example.
  
  Many longer-term residents here are undoubtedly feeling like I do about the
  way time seems to accelerate with age, or they soon will. It happens.
  
  And have you noticed? The Harbour, as it matures as a community, is also
  gentrifying. You see more of us seniors around. But that's true elsewhere,
  too.
  
  Fact is, we're healthier than ever and living longer than ever.
  
  What you read, though,? can sometimes create the wrong impression. It's
  true that over 1,000 veterans of World War II die every day in our country.
  But what's also true is that the fastest growing age group in the country is
  the centenarians.
  
  Against that mark, Aquia's venerable WWII veterans like Bill Carpenter and
  Joe Duffey and many others here face another good decade or so. So get
  used to our graying and balding presence.
  
  While on the same subject, here are two tips for AHPOA directors if you
  want to keep your elders content:
  
  *? Get started with Bingo at the Harbour Inn. Consider it as just another
  playing field for those of us who no longer excel in soccer, baseball or
  tennis.
  
  *? Make sure our excellent rescue squad remains where it's at, right outside
  the gate.
  
  It might also help to speak a little louder and clearer at board meetings,
  except for Reinboldt, who does just fine.