North Norway

NORTH NORWAY — I just read that to boost memory one should lift weights. The way I figure it every time I get up I lift a considerable weight so my memory should be perfect.

It’s a squally day outside, not conducive to taking a walk. We went to Lewiston yesterday and saw our rheumatologist who prescribed physical therapy and walking. I walked my legs off yesterday in BJ’s and Walmart. Could hardly get out of bed this morning.

Mary, Pat and I attended the annual meeting of the Finnish Cemetery Association in West Paris Tuesday evening. Saw our kissin’ cousin, Veikko, there.

I found the meeting very interesting and couldn’t keep my mouth shut entirely. Nothing new about that. We were able to accomplish our business and get home before dark. At our age we don’t drive much after dark.

One thing I dislike is those cars with the new blue halogen lights. They absolutely blind one. Whoever designed those, what were they thinking. I know, I know, but I think I am entitled to be a little cranky at my age. Generally I have a very nice accommodating chauffer named Dell. For this I am thankful.

Mary tells me they haven’t been up too much. Frank has had some traffic through the Museum and has given talks there and elsewhere. They had a Young Explorers Club who had a pretty good attention span. Mary had a dental appointment and they went to lunch one day.

We all enjoyed a visit by our newest family member, Luke, when Brenda and Paul Perham brought him to the Sunday gathering at Pat and Charlie’s. He was passed around and took all the attention very well.

Burped on demand and ate well. He is a cutie. Dana says our IQ drops 50 points on sight of a baby and we revert to baby talk and nonsensical actions. He may be right.

Charlie has planted peas and his garden is all neat and trim. Not a weed in sight. He planted nearer the house this year. As we age our boundaries close in.

Paula volunteers as a teacher's helper and Wednesday she helped the fourth graders plant flowers. She and Dana keep a pretty hectic schedule but I have not kept up with them this week.

Dell has been slowly getting the outside work done. Had to stake up the peonies already. He has put in a horseshoe pit and is practicing up as he found a neighbor who is a horseshoe player.

Said he was surprised to find how much a regulation horseshoe weighed as it has been years since he had hefted one.

We ate at the Longhorn Steakhouse, both because we had a coupon and because we were sick of chicken. Had blood drawn at the rheumatologist's and again at Stephens for a different test yesterday.

I felt as if the vampires were after me. It no longer bothers me much. I used to be a horrible patient and many could attest but age has calmed me down.

I will attempt to get more news of interest next week but for now, as I have nothing I will close with this. “A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory.”