Right about now, early October 1975, I was living in South Lake Tahoe, California, and just 6 weeks earlier I had driven cross country, from Pennsylvania to California, and landed at my cousin, Michael’s, house in the bay area. EVERYTHING was new to me as I had never been west of Pennsylvania; never camped; and never owned or slept in a sleeping bag. Yet, over 8 days I drove solo across the United States, and wondered, “Will I drive BACK?” Just 4 months earlier I had turned 21, a man legally, but very naïve and inexperienced in life. The drive was a cathartic experience as I saw mountains and plains and things I had never seen before. My cassette deck was loaded up with my favorite albums to keep my mind busy, and by the time I reached California I pretty much knew this was going to be a one-way trip.

Six weeks of traveling around California and Mexico was more education until I reached my destination in the mountains of South Lake Tahoe. Michael and I planned to be ski bums and work at one of the many resorts up there, but that never happened.

Fifty years ago this all took place, about 18250 days more or less. WHERE did that time go?

I look at my body, my face, my skin, and lament over what “was.” No more supple skin, now it’s wrinkly and dry. Even though I hit the gym and the weights, my muscles do NOT respond like they used to. The mind forgets as much it remembers, it seems, and Kat and I always keep in mind that we need to be kind to each other—and ourselves—when we forget stuff. Over the past two years I lost two really good friends from high school, and if you CAN recall the past 50 years, count your blessings. Many have long passed.

When we were young, “old age” was just an expression, and we had NO WAY of knowing what it would be like. If you’re still pretty young you may be reading this and thinking, “sorry, I can’t relate.” Good for you, we once said the same thing! So for all of us 70-somethings out there that can relate to this, have a great day, month, year, and rest of life, however long that may be. You are probably grateful that you ARE still here, we surely am, and are grateful every day.