Recently
I seem to have misplace both of my hearing aids for my good ear which put me at
a disadvantage this last Saturday while attending my wife’s family reunion. But
there was an upside. All of her relatives think I am a really friendly, because
I was always smiling and nodding, which I often do when I don’t have a clue
what everyone is talking about!
But
I haven’t panicked, because those hearing aids are at least six years old, and
this may be the impetus to purchase a new pair sooner than later. .
But
as I research new hearing aids, I find so much talk about the stigma associated
with wearing them. I’ve worn glasses since grade school, and there hasn't been
a negative stigma associated with them. Okay, maybe it is because the majority
of folks with hearing aids are over 65; and that means if you have hearing aids
you must be old - which everyone seems to want to avoid. But often because of
the stigma (and the fact they cost as much as decent used car), too many people
go without them - affecting their health and quality of life.
But
I think if will do my part to take up the fight to reverse the stigma. Instead
of trying to hide the hearing aids, why not flaunt them. I was thinking my next
pair of over the ear hearing aids would be - bright red. Now your reaction may
be the same as my wife’s which was “Are you nuts!” But how about Oregon green -
or a calm ocean blue.
But
I see several reason to wear a bright colored hearing aid.
First
I’m proud of my age. Okay, I may find it difficult to climb out of the pool,
but it was difficult when I was five and I didn't complain then. Also, since I
only need one hearing aid, because my left ear is basically deaf, everyone will
know my good ear and which side to sit or walk on. And finally, I can become a
fashion icon for the older generations - a trendsetter, which is often hard to
do in your sixties.
So
if you see me with a wild colored hearing aid, don’t laugh. I will be walking
tall, wondering where all the noises are coming from.
It will be an
exciting “Fort Dalles Fourth” in The Dalles with live music, Independence
Parade on Saturday starting at 10:00 and many more activities. Plus the largest
fireworks show in Oregon. Thanks to all the sponsors and community support to
make this event happen. And you can still donate online at www.fortdallesfourth.com.
The Center and
Meals-on-Wheels will be closed on Friday July 3rd as will government
offices. And for all the bingo players, there will not be Bingo this coming Thursday
or Saturday nights.
For next Tuesday
Night Music and Dance its back to the top of the charts with Andre, K.C. and
Tom playing on July 7th for your dancing and listening pleasure. The
doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and over by 9:00. As always, everyone
is welcome and donations are appreciated.
The
name of the place where Ted Walker
had his swim team practice in the Columbia River before the Natatorium was
built was called the “Dip”. Jerry Phillips (who is this week’s winner of three
Quilt Raffle tickets) remembers it being located just downriver from the old ferry
landing, or where the cruise ships now dock. And fortunately, back in those
days, the Floozies weren’t around to distract them from their invigorating
practices.
Does
the hot summer days and nights remind you of your younger days, driving around town
or the back country roads, late at night trying to stay cool while listening to
one of the many summer hits? These recent hot days reminds me of one of those
songs. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the rock
band with folk roots that sang the #1 summer hit in 1965 that included the lyrics
“Hot town, summer in the city/Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty”? Email
your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or mail it with the
name of your favorite summer song.
Well, it’s been another week, trying
to find that cool spot. Until we meet again, as Rob VanCleave once told me,
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
“It is officially too hot when the
lure of jumping into a cold pool is finally stronger than the horror I feel
when I see myself in a swim suit.”
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