POLISH SAYING

Starość nie radość, is a Polish proverb, which, when translated pretty much says it all:  There’s nothing pleasant about old age.  I thought that I’d beaten this subject to death and could stop writing about it.  Unfortunately that’s not the case.  This virus scare has taken away one of the few pleasant moments this old man has been enjoying.  With plenty of time on my hands I’ve been able to get out of the house almost daily and visit the local Price Chopper.  Since I became the household chef after my retirement, the frequent shopping trips succeed in keeping our food inventories current and fresh. I also consider these daily trips my personal exercise program.  I don’t adhere to any serious program, but walking up and down the store’s isles at least provide me with a little exercise and exposure to the outside world.  Having made friends with many of the store’s employees a little conversation and joking around also helps make these trips a pleasure.

Now Corona-19 has taken this away. My very wonderful and concerned children insist that I not leave the house and expose myself to this formidable enemy. They insist that I make out a shopping list for them to take care of all our outside needs.  They’ve been told by the reporting media that elderly senior citizens in their age group are in danger if infected with the disease and should make every effort to stay away from the rest of the world.  Obviously my ripe old age of 85 puts me right in that zone. I could not be prouder of the kid’s deep concern for Marge and my welfare, but maintaining an extended period of isolation is going to be a major pain in the ass, at least for me.  At this point I think a little adventuresome exposure might be better than the forced isolation.  Watching reruns of ball games and golf matches not my cup of tea.

Oh well, I guess I’ll come a lot closer to reaching my “Books Read” goal of 900 books.