80 as better than 70

Glendale, AZ

January 3, 1991

Dear L -

Just a brief scribbled note to say I enjoyed talking with you. It was LouBelle's idea to initiate the telephone call to you - that's how impressed she was with the book and how much she enjoyed it. You may say she had a "burning" desire for calling.

The new year has started out actively. And tonight we put many of the house decorations away for next year. LouBelle did a beautiful job at decorating. The house looked beautiful. (Of course, if she did a beautiful job.)

Not put away is the little train LouBelle bought for herself as her "Christmas Toy". Battery operated it chugs around the dining room table (on top!), headlight aglow, and steam coming from the smoke stack.

Tomorrow is one early morning visit to the dentist for LouBelle. Her tooth started aching just before New Years - and wouldn't you know the dentist (and staff) were on a week's vacation. I guess there was a death or serious illness in the family which made it necessary to go out of town to meet the emergency.

My dentist authorized a penicillin prescription, which has helped some - but not always the pain.

And tomorrow I take the "new" Toyota (14,000 miles) into the dealer to get the AM/FM cassette, cruise control, etc. put in - part of the deal for buying it. It is Almond Pearl in color - and, of course, is a station wagon. There are a few others "pay for" things we want.

And, Diamond, the cleaning lady, comes in the morning - and Orpheus Rehearsal in the evening - and...

Now. Hilites from 80 as better than 70. The first 80 years are the hardest. The second 80 is a succession of birthday parties.

Once you reach 80 eveyone wants to carry your luggage and help you up steps. If you forget your name or someone else or an appointment - or tel # - no one scolds you. If you survive until your 80 - everyone is surprised that you are still alive. They treat you with respect just for having lived so long. They seem surprised if you can walk or that you can talk sensibly.

At 70 people are mad at you all the time. They expect you to retire to Florida and spend your $ having a good time - but don't use up the estate $. They begin looking at furniture, jewelry, pictures, etc. suddenly remembering you or someone else said they could have this or that.

Must go - 12:45 AM   Love, Grape Scaldabones & Lady LouBelle