Age is just a number

 I know we have all heard the phrase "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40".  I have always said "Yeah right.  40 is 40 and 50 is 50!"  Well, I have to say I may be having a change of heart.  I have begun looking around me and noticing that there are people of an older age..."gasp" doing some pretty incredible things.

I always thought that 50 sounded ancient, I still kind of do  Unfortunately, I have to admit I am somewhat past the ancient age of 50.  I have to say though, I don't really feel like what I thought over 50 would be.  Although at 30 how do you know what over 50 is supposed to feel like.  You can only conjure up visions of a hump backed, white haired, crotchety old woman that smells like perfumed powder.  I am here to say, I was sadly mistaken.


I had the privilege of golfing with a beautiful, sharp, vivacious, 80 year old woman that kicked my butt in putting expertise.  She walks 18 holes of golf and golfs twice a week.  I so enjoyed golfing with her, it made me stop and look around at a lot of the women I golf with.  The ages range from 40s - 80s.  These women are intelligent, witty, attractive and funny people.  They come from all walks of life. They have immensely interesting stories to tell and none of them match the stereotypical "old woman".

A beautiful swing at 80 years young, if I do say so myself!

After golfing for the last 15 years, I have come to the conclusion that golf is ageless!  It is one of the few sports that my nephew at 11, my son at 26, myself at uhhh 50 something and my Dad at 75 can all enjoy together.  It places us outside among the sun, beautiful green grass and blue sky for 4-5 hours.  I can't think of any other activity that can claim that, except for maybe yard work.  I don't see the four of us sharing that activity joyfully together.  I'll say it again Golf knows no age!

I do have to admit that some things that used to be a lot easier, are a bit harder.  Ok, some things are almost down right impossible.  I have started a pretty intense workout program that kicks my butt every time I go.  As all these wonderful, fit bodies blaze by me when we run, I have questioned whether I ever show any improvement.  My CrossFit trainer assures me I have, (hmmm I think that might be her job though).  I have had to tell my narcissistic ego to bud out.  Yes, 20 years ago I could jump onto a small step.  Now, I look like an accident waiting to happen when I attempt the jump.  Believe me, it is not pretty.  Yet, 20 years ago I did not have a grand daughter to hold and I couldn't hit an occasional golf ball 200 yards.  So, I have to find the positive in there somewhere.  Is it an accomplishment that we still care and try?  I think it is and I think I will continue to pat myself on the back each day I show up for another beating. 

20 years ago this would have looked so much cuter.

So are we to believe that "40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40"?  I don't know.  I am still not crazy about that saying.  I think so much of aging is in our mind.  Yes, I will agree there are more aches and pains attributed to aging, along with the random hairs growing in bizarre places.  I do think though our thoughts and how we approach our increasing age is the real key.  It is easy to say you can't do something because you are too old, but if it is something you feel is worth doing I think you can find a way to do it.  Or at least make the attempt.   So until I ride off into the sunset I think I will go by these wonderful words.  "Age is something that doesn't matter, unless you are a cheese." - George Burns

 

Valley Winters and the Blahs

Winter in the valley is never my favorite, not even likable in my opinion.  I have always felt that after Christmas cold weather should be over.  Living in an agricultural area, I do understand the importance of the rain.  Therefore, I don't mind a few rainy days here and there.  I see no need for the frost though.  That is totally unacceptable.  It's only purpose is to kill your plants and cause frost delays on the golf course. 

Now this is not what a golf day should look like.

The cold, grey, valley winters do provide for great snuggling on the couch with your favorite pet and a nice cozy, warm fire.  A good football game on TV is certainly enjoyable.  I do enjoy that occasionally.   Of course, if you are going to spend your time being a couch potato you have to have couch potato snacks.  These are never healthy snacks unfortunately.  Healthy snacks just don't seem to compliment laying on the couch all day.   







So, needless to say it is time to for me to get off the couch, dust off my golf clubs and running shoes.  I will go to the pantry and empty it of all the deliciously, horrible foods that become my friends during the cold, blah days of winter.  I will actually visit the outer aisles of the grocery store (where all the produce and non processed foods usually hang out).  I will be faithful in working out regularly, but I will continue to complain about that one.  I know there are still a few months with some cold days in store, but I did see the sun today, so I am optimistic that spring will be here soon. 

I'll say a toast with a nice glass of wine...(What? It's good for the heart!) and leave you with a wonderful healthy soup recipe.  Enjoy!    

Harvest Salmon Chowder

1 can of salmon                                                                 1 tsp. salt

1 clove of garlic, minced                                                   1 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion and celery                                     1/2 tsp Thyme

2 Tblsp. Butter                                                                   1 cup Broccoli, chopped

1 cup potatoes, diced                                                          1 can of creamed corn

1 cup carrots, diced                                                            1 can Evaporated Milk 

2 cups Chicken Broth                                                         Parsley, minced

Drain & flake salmon, reserving liquid.  Saute garlic, onion, celery in butter.  Add potatoes, carrots, reserved salmon liquid, chicken broth and seasonings.  Simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender.  Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes.  Add flaked salmon, corn and evaporated milk, heat throuroughly.  Sprinkle with minced parsley.  Makes 4-6 Servings

"An Outstanding Golf Year"

Well, it's a new year.  What golf game is in store for me this year?  I always have high expectations of an "outstanding golf year".  I started thinking about that and I realized, I am not really sure what would constitute "an outstanding golf year".  Would that mean that I get a Hole in One?  No, as wonderful as that would be, I don't think that would be the solution. 

How about getting my Handicap to a single digit?  (That actually is a goal of mine, but unless I get my somewhat lazy butt out there and practice on a regular basis...that is not going to happen).  I better not make that a stipulation for an "outstanding golf year".  I guess maybe I haven't realized yet, what actually would make this year an "outstanding golf year".

Ok, maybe I could get some suggestions from some of my friends, golf buddies and anyone with an opinion.  What do you think?  What would make this year "an outstanding golf year"?

Maybe it would be getting out there regularly every Thursday, not letting work get in the way of fun?  Yeah, I like that suggestion!
Maybe it would be playing as many different golf courses as I possibly could?

Maybe it would just be enjoying the company of some of the wonderful women I get to golf with on a regular basis?

Pictures from our 2011 Solheim Cup

I think for me this year my definition of "an outstanding golf year", will be the one of enjoying the company of my wonderful golf friends.  Thanks to you all for so much fun.  I am looking forward to "an outstanding golf year".