Dancing in the 70’s

Eight days left until I become a true septuagenarian. Then I will be 71 years old, well on my way into that 70s decade. I have been busy here in my new home. So busy I have not been doing my stretches. I tried the Tai Chi classes but I was not comfortable there. Besides, the instructor was a middle-aged man who clearly wished he was in India practising his craft. His graying hair was pulled into a ponytail and he wore loose, printed loungwear that you only find at International Imports. He, very obviously, did not believe in underwear. Disturbingly distracting. Enough said.

I was at dinner in the pub on Friday. That night, we had live music. Ed is one of the four musicians we enjoy, each once a month. It is always filled with country, Americana, and Elvis/Chubby Checker. Everyone stands for the finale, and they always play “God Bless America.” Everyone sings along. Some put their hands on their hearts. This is the way in the South.

For those of you who know me, when I hear the words, “Come on baby, let’s do the twist…” I am up out of my seat, along with eight, or so, others who are older than me, some a lot older. I dance like no one is watching and if they are, I don’t care. When there is an appropriately slow dance, I go over to the bar where two veterans always sit and ask (alternately) one of them to dance. Both of them have legs and hips that have seen much better days, so we stand/dance, moving only slightly more than you would see The Fonz dance on Happy Days. “Wise Men Say…” by Elvis fills the room. The smiles on their faces are always greater than any discomfort they feel in their worn-out bodies. Then, I leave them, returning to the dance floor. That was Friday. Saturday, I felt it. The hips reminded me that I had been neglectful of my exercises and stretches. Each step was a stark reminder! I have got to get back to my dance body. My heart and my feet demand it. My new doctor is also adding it to my “must needs” list of do’s and dont’s. Sigh!

Everyone I have talked to is excited about the upcoming Thanksgiving week. The majority will be with family, their eyes lighting up when I ask them about their plans, their hearts revealing excitement and expectation. Don’t worry about me, I will be busy. Richard is flying in from California. His hotel room is within walking distance. Our week is filling up, and we will have our T-Day dinner here. Apparently, they have a splendid spread for us stay-at-homes and our guests.

In 14 days I will tell you all about my B-Day and T-Day adventure week.

I was thinking about going on a cruise for Christmas, but having a special needs senior dog complicates things. Never fear. I will figure out something wonderful. One thing is for sure: I will be dancing into the 70’s.