Column: Life in the slow lane

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Commentary by Lorene Burkhart

Being older than 80 years of age means that I’m in the Silent Generation” born between 1927 and 1947. We slow down at the roundabouts, probably use the drive up at the bank and post cute things on Facebook, if we use it at all.

This morning I scanned Facebook and was relieved to see that life had not changed since yesterday. There were recipes, videos that someone thought I should see, political rants, pictures of cute pets and children, profound “sayings” to make me a better person but none of why I was there – my grandchildren or other relatives sending photos.

Recently, I met my new “granddog” on Facebook. The cute puppy was being held by an equally cute granddaughter who resides in sunny California. My son, who lives in the great northwest, often posts beautiful photos of mountains and streams. Sometimes, it’s golf courses, but at least I know where he is.

I enjoy seeing my eldest brother, who is 92, when he posts a photo of his latest triumph on the golf course (last year, a hole in one!).

But enough of that. Facebook is a fun way to communicate, but watch out what you post, it may be seen by unsavory folks who wish you harm. A recent talk at The Stratford by an FBI agent helped us understand what not to do on the internet.

Just because we’re in the “slow lane” doesn’t mean that we don’t know what’s happening in the world. A recent Wall Street Journal article described the rise of the Smart City. Another article spoke about the age of intelligence. I especially liked this quote: “Knowledge is having the right answers, Intelligence is asking the right questions.” Maybe I should post it on Facebook?

I’ve mentioned in a previous column that we have Conversations Clubs. Each has 12 members who meet for dinner once a month to discuss a specific topic. At a recent meeting the topic was “NEW.” We brought for discussion a new concept, idea, product or whatever we wished to share. One lady had discovered a new brownie mix using Girl Scout Thin Mints. She even prepared them for us. Another shared a new cruise line concept for millenials.

If you feel that you are caught between the slow lane and a faster pace, don’t despair. The boomers will age, the sun will rise in the east and there will always be something new.


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