"Silly at Sixty: Making Memories and Messes"

Hello dear friends, Life has an extraordinary way of challenging us with unexpected trials, and I find myself on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that I never could have imagined. Recently, I received the heart-wrenching news that my battle with heart failure has entered its terminal stage. The medical team has exhausted all options for surgical and medicinal interventions, and the reality of my situation is sinking in. To add to this, I've also been placed under hospice care with an approximate prognosis of six months to live. These words are not easy to share, and the journey I'm embarking upon is filled with both heartache and resilience. The initial shock left me breathless, and the weight of the news is something I can't fully put into words. It's a unique mix of emotions – the sorrow of what lies ahead, the uncertainty of the coming days, and the determination to make the most of the time that remains. In the midst of this whirlwind, one of the most challenging co...

In a heartbeat, life can take unexpected turns. A recent episode of sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an astonishing 15-pound water weight gain in less than three days catapulted me into a whirlwind ER visit. While I'm back home now, the experience leaves me grappling with questions.  The ER offered temporary relief through medications, but the underlying issue persists. The mounting frustration begs the question: what's the next step? Is the cycle of uncertainty and temporary solutions worth enduring?  As I ponder the path ahead and while the road is unclear, I'm determined to find a way to a path with no more ER visits and just a life of pain free comfort and care, however long that may be. I am getting very, very tired.

Today, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy as I take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Over the last couple of months, our photography group has flourished into a vibrant community of creative souls, united by our passion for capturing the beauty of the world through the lens of a camera. Your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and dedication have been nothing short of incredible. From sharing stunning photographs to providing valuable feedback and tips, each interaction has played a significant role in making this group a warm and encouraging space for photographers of all levels. The growth and progress I've witnessed in our community have been truly inspiring. Each day, I eagerly look forward to discovering the photographic wonders you create. Your unique perspectives, artistry, and willingness to experiment continue to elevate our collective vision, making our shared journey in the world of photography an exciting and fulfilling one...

In the vast digital realm of social media, friendship knows no bounds, even if memories might be a bit "foggy." Meet Todd and Verleen, two seniors whose paths serendipitously crossed five years ago in the captivating landscape of China. Despite their "foggy" brains, their online camaraderie has flourished, with hilarious conversations about everything, especially politics and the ever-divisive Donald Trump. An Unlikely Friendship Blossoms: Five years ago, as Todd and Verleen recognized each other as "clueless" Americans trying to nevigate the Beijing airport after a very long and tiring flight, little did they know that they were embarking on a journey that would lead to an unforgettable friendship. Their shared adventures laid the foundation for a connection that would thrive on a virtual platform, becoming Facebook friends despite the distance that separates them. Political Opposites Sparking Laughter: As Todd and Verleen's friendship evolved, they c...

Hey, fellow relaxation enthusiasts!  Guess what? This Sunday, I'm taking a one-way ticket to Lazyville, and I ain't coming back 'til Monday where it will pretty much be the same! 🛋️🚫💼 Why, you ask? Well, I'm knocking on 60's door, and I've earned my stripes – and wrinkles – fair and square. It's high time I became a professional recliner potato, and you better believe I'm gonna nail it! So, here's the master plan: zero chores, zilch obligations, and absolutely no adulting. To-do list? More like to-don't list! Pretty much like every day in my life.📝🙅‍♂️ I'm diving headfirst into a sea of snacks, insulin shots, remote control acrobatics, and epic tv surfing marathons. My attire? Pajamas, and not the fancy kind. Bedhead? Heck yeah, it's my crown of glory! We will see about this one.I may have to give in and shower, just to enjoy my laziness👑🍿 To those who think I should be out conquering the world – you go ahead, my energetic amigos. ...

Today, I'm thrilled to share some heartwarming news with you all. It's been an incredible journey, and now we're about to embark on a memorable adventure to celebrate a very special occasion: our granddaughter Charlottle's first birthday! 🥳👶 Over the past year, our precious Charlottle has shown us the true meaning of strength and resilience. Born prematurely, she faced numerous challenges, but with the love, care, and support of her parents, James and Samantha, and the incredible efforts of medical professionals, she has blossomed into a bundle of joy. We are so grateful for the progress she's made and the joy she has brought into our lives. As the milestone approaches, we are coming together in the vibrant city of Las Vegas to celebrate this beautiful little soul. It's an occasion that calls for love, laughter, and the warmth of family. While Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour, this trip is all about cherishing family moments and spending quality ti...

  Once upon a time in a world where laughter ruled and dogs held the power of justice, there lived a mischievous pup named Dre and his loving owner, Karen. Now, Dre was not your average canine companion. He had a peculiar sense of duty that revolved around protecting his human, especially from imaginary foes. One sunny afternoon, I decided to engage in a bit of playful banter with Karen. I concocted a hilarious scheme to pretend I was playfully "beating up" Karen, all in good fun, of course. Little did I know, Dre had his own ideas about what constituted a laughing matter. As I enacted my faux skirmish with Karen, throwing air punches and feigning over-the-top dramatics, Dre's ears perked up, and his doggie senses tingled. He saw not the jesting between Karen and I, but a dire situation demanding his intervention. Without a second thought, Dre launched himself into action. Bounding across the room, Dre's fur bristled with determination. He barked ferociously, a jarrin...

Hey there, fellow mischief lovers and photography enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the wonderfully wacky world of an almost-60-year-old man who has mastered the art of doing nothing while juggling an unconventional breakfast routine, lazy photography habits, and a surprising new passion for power napping.  Buckle up, because this is one rollercoaster of a ride! Breakfast of (Lazy) Champions Forget the traditional morning spread; I start my day with a rebel's breakfast – Gatorade! Who needs cereal when you can have a blast of electrolytes to kickstart your day? My meds may scoff at the lack of toast and eggs, but I'm a firm believer in marching to the beat of my own drum. Breakfast is overrated anyway, right? Backyard Photography, the Ultimate Adventure If you ever find yourself wondering what kind of amazing photographs a man with no schedule and no one to answer to might take, you'd be surprised! My photographic adventures center exclusively around my backyard – a...

  Embarking on a two-week adventure through China was a dream come true for us. This incredible journey took us to some of the most iconic cities and picturesque landscapes, where we experienced the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders. Join us as we recount the highlights of our unforgettable trip to Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and the dazzling cityscape of Hong Kong. 1. Beijing - Embracing Imperial Grandeur:                          Our journey began in Beijing, where we were immersed in the city's imperial grandeur. The awe-inspiring Forbidden City welcomed us with its imposing red walls and golden roofs. Strolling through the vast courtyards, we couldn't help but imagine the lives of emperors and concubines who once inhabited these historic halls. The hike along the Great Wall left us breathless, not only from the physical exertion but also from the breathtaking panoramic...

 Once upon a time, Karen and I set sail on a thrilling adventure—a cruise to Cuba. As we docked in Havana, the energy was palpable, and we couldn't wait to explore the city's captivating charm together. Eager to experience the local culture, we decided to ditch the guided tours and set off on foot to discover the hidden gems of Havana. Armed with a sense of wonder and a paper map (yes, we decided to go old school), we meandered through the narrow streets, captivated by the colorful architecture and lively atmosphere. As we wandered deeper into the heart of Havana, I couldn't help but feel like an intrepid explorer. However, my sense of direction was far from reliable, and my map-reading skills left much to be desired. Before we knew it, we had veered off the beaten path, and with each twist and turn, we seemed to get more lost. The hours passed by, and the initial excitement began to wane. Hunger started gnawing at us, but I remained determined to find our way back without ...

I'm thrilled to embark on this new blogging adventure with you, where we'll laugh, reminisce, and embrace the joyful chaos that life at sixty brings. You might wonder why "Silly at Sixty"? Well, as I turn the grand age of sixty, I've come to realize that life is too short to take seriously all the time. Through this blog, I aim to celebrate the moments that leave us in stitches, the mishaps that remind us we're only human, and the memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime. Now, I must admit, I'm not your average sexagenarian. My life has been filled with twists and turns, and I've faced my fair share of challenges. At sixty, I proudly wear my badge of resilience, having navigated the journey with a medical disability that taught me life's true meaning. But let me tell you, there's never a dull moment, and my trusty camera is always ready to capture the most hilarious and heartwarming moments. Through this blog, I'll share snippets ...