It won’t make a bit of difference tomorrow!

Got a poor hand of cards? Lost the card game? Win or lose: “It won’t make a bit of difference tomorrow.” That’s the attitude about playing games around here. Snowbirds – oops, winter visitors – are quick to point out the big picture in life. They know not to sweat the small stuff, not to focus on their aging bodies, and to quickly forgive and/or accept apologies so that hard feelings are not harbored.

One senior was overheard saying, “I just wish I could get up one morning and feel really good.” The other said, “I’m just grateful to put my feet on the floor.”

Author/pastor Chuck Swindoll said well when he wrote,

“Instead of eating our heart out because a few more aches and pains have attached themselves to our bodies, we determine to celebrate life rather than endure it. Aging isn’t a choice. But our response to it is. In so many ways we ourselves determine how we shall grow old.”

Saturday’s big event was the Bar-B-Q chicken dinner. Not only was it a delicious meal, the chickens were cooked on the huge grill that Gloria’s husband Roy made. In fact, when Roy was alive, he was instrumental in making several things around the park (pun intended because he did the wrought iron parts of the park’s fence)

The grill is big enough to hold all 302 half-chickens – 300 for the ticket holders and 2 for “quality control.” A volunteer crew tended the chicken, turning when necessary. Meanwhile the kitchen volunteers were preparing coleslaw, scalloped potatoes, beans and rolls. The dessert was ice cream. What a scrumptious meal!

Then came the evening’s talent show – what a hoot! The skits kept everyone in stitches. Then when the Red Hat “Ladies” took the stage you should have heard the whooping and hollering. I’m sure you’ve guessed that they were men dressed up. The guys really played the part – one even had on sandals and had painted his toenails red!

As I lay in bed on Saturday night I was reflecting on the lively seniors here – and elsewhere, I’m sure:

In childhood years, life is full of fun. Children play games, laugh a lot and can be silly.

As they progress through life, things get serious.

They study during the school years.

As young adults they settle into jobs and family.

Then their children are out on their own. The empty-nesters/retirees can now play games, laugh a lot and be silly!

Sunday morning the park held a non-denominational church service. After the opening, there was a brief memorial service for the six park residents who passed away last year.In the evening, and to close the Sierra week activities, a special party was held for four couples celebrating their golden wedding anniversaries.