This week I read a news article so irritating that I choked on my Metamucil. The offending story referred to a couple in their sixties as “elderly,” obviously indicating that once you pass 50 you might as well give away the good silver and plan your farewell hike into the forest to sit under a tree and wait for death and/or to be eaten by a bear with a taste for well-aged meat. We old folks should do this to save the younger generation from the pathetic chore of dealing with our old and sorry butts.
I’d like to inform the naive writer that 50 is the new 25, so that makes 60 the new 30. As I’ve written before, it’s a great time to be alive. I don’t need to sunbathe anymore because my age spots just merge together into one darker color on my skin. I can wear white pants without worrying that my period will start early. I’m truly grateful for any construction worker who whistles at me. I’m delighted when I wake up another morning and can focus at least one eye. And, I don’t have to volunteer for PTO carnivals and act delighted when my kids bring home $10 worth of junk. (Hint to school fundraisers: skip the carnival and ask parents to send a check. Better yet, vote in some productive politicians who will take the money wasted on wars and invest it in education. But, I digress. Should this sentence still be in parentheses?)
I truly love being my age. I just coauthored a book (gratuitous plug for Drinking with Dead Women Writers.) I have friends of all ages who still like to laugh with me over a glass or two of wine. I’m bursting with pride about my fabulous children and grandchildren. I can still exercise several days a week to justify my cravings for anything chocolate or wine-related. And, every morning Studley brings me coffee, the paper, and gives me a kiss. I’m considering changing that habit to postpone the crap-laden newspaper and linger longer on the kiss. Midlife love has its own delightful rewards, and we don’t have to close the door.
So for now, I’ll enjoy taking a walk in the forest; however, I intend to return. I just bought a new case of wine and I don’t want it to go to waste.
Today’s blog is fueled by a delightful new wine that my daughter and son-in-law found at Berryhill. It’s 2008 Trutina from Dunham cellars in Columbia Valley, and I love the unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. It’s also carried by A New Vintage Wine Shop at Fairview and Eagle. A bit pricey at about $30 a bottle, so buy a case and save 10%. Dunham Cellars is located in Walla Walla, an area that is producing some excellent wines. Dunham also offers Three Legged Dog – a good wine at $18 but I don’t like the label. I’m such a snob.
