Author: Iris Ruth Pastor

It was not what I expected.  It was surprising, gratifying and sobering. It was a reunion of sorts – my high school graduating classmates of ’65 celebrating turning 75 years of age. OUCH! The two evening get-togethers were greatly aided by the committee’s foresight in having our name tags not only sport our maiden names along with Continue reading

Some ABC’s of Being 75 A:Adult kids starting to parent ME B. BUYING LESS, savoring more C:Chair lift I put in for my elderly parents is now being used, not damned for its unsightliness  Compulsively cleaning closets – deciding what I will leave to whom Contemplating – just contemplating – getting a PYB tattoo and a Continue reading

September can be such a joyous month and, at the same time, such a cruel month. In nature, it marks the end of summer’s lushness and the beginning of fall’s crispness.  For me personally, it’s usually been a time of loss – so many family members I cherished and loved passed away in September.  September Continue reading

Where have all the children gone? Think of the song by Peter, Paul and Mary: Where Have All The Flowers Gone? The flowers went to graveyards. The children – our children and grandchildren – thank goodness – have not, but they are nowhere to be seen. I walk my neighborhood and see lots of garages filled Continue reading

46 Tidbits of Wisdom for Each Year I’ve Been Married My husband and I had a fairy tale beginning. We re-met at our 10th high school reunion over the 4th of July weekend, 47 years ago. The following year, we were wed. On Monday, August 15, we celebrated 46 years of wedded “bliss.” Here’s 46 Continue reading

I recently threw myself a 75th birthday party.  It took a little chutzpah – I’ll admit – but I quickly got over my misgivings at how giving myself a party appeared so self-absorbed and self-serving. And I had a great time planning it too: Venue. Table decorations. Menu. Party favors. Guest list. I started with neighborhood kids I Continue reading

My friend Faye and I have been friends since first grade – we shared scraped knees, chicken pox, pimples and boyfriend woes. And then for many years we lost touch. We reconnected recently and I invited her to go with me to see the Cincinnati Reds play the Miami Marlins while I was visiting my Continue reading

Maria Shriver writes in her Sunday Paper column about what Kara Lawson, Duke University women’s basketball head coach, said recently: We wait for stuff to get easier. It will never get easier. What happens is you handle hard better.”  OMG. I love that statement! Turning 75 is not easy. For me, it’s a difficult milestone, but the alternative Continue reading

Ann Lander’s advice column was the first thing I would read in the daily paper.  These days, I peruse the funeral notices – keeping a sharp eye out for the unique, the ones written with flair and humor. I usually leave those pages disappointed, as most obits are formulaic and boring. But not this one: Continue reading

It’s been an intense time in our country – so this week I’m going with lightening up. I’m a firm believer in how you see the world determines the world you see. And I think my house reflects this. I’m devoting this week’s newsletter to a glimpse of some of the plaques and signs I have hanging around Continue reading