Cranky retiree finds something to be happy about – his favorite holiday, his AARP card, Cracker Barrel...
By Bill Kalmar, Retiree
Nov. 18, 2011 - Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Unlike other holidays, there is no pretentiousness. One just arrives
at the host home dressed in an everyday wardrobe and not encumbered with loads of presents. Now that is not to say that as a guest you can’t
bring a tasty food dish or a bottle of wine for the host, or perhaps don your favorite gaudy holiday sweater, but it is a day to enjoy great
company, wonderful food and exciting football. What could be better than that?
No biker helmet laws in some states, lots of corn for E85, return the coffee sleeve? Special: plea for unity on 9-11
- By Bill Kalmar, Retiree - Sept. 2, 2011
But before we dive into that plump turkey or carve a slice of a turducken, how about taking a few moments and recount all
the events we are thankful for?
I suspect the pilgrims did so when they arrived after a long voyage and landed at Plymouth Rock. No doubt they
were thankful that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not submit them to a “pat down” or ask them to surrender their
muskets!
In any event, here are some things I am most thankful for:
For the ability to celebrate holidays and birthdays and special events with family and friends. Having been
out of town for high school and some college, I can tell you first hand that being absent from Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations leaves
a sad melancholy feeling in your heart. As such, whatever we as Americans can do for our men and women in the service during this season would
certainly be appreciated by our brave troops. In 1954 crooner Perry Como sang, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays”, and here in
2011, it is still true!
For my AARP card which gives me discounts at hotels and restaurants. In fact, I see Denny’s restaurant is
currently offering a 20% discount to us oldsters between 4:00PM and 10:00PM everyday through the end of the month.
For the social security COLA increase of 3.6% set for January 2012. And a thanks to all of you who are
still working and supporting me with your FICA payments.
For the television program “Saturday Night Live” for poking fun at the Kardashians, anyone running for
President of the United States, and any other politician who promotes party goals over the nation’s citizens. We need for these people to be
criticized and joked about since they take themselves so seriously. Thank you “Saturday Night Live”.
For all episodes of “Seinfeld” which parallels real life experiences. My favorites: “The Puffy Shirt” and
“The Jimmy”.
For the Cracker Barrel restaurant and their great breakfasts and all the knickknacks in their store. One day
I might even purchase one of the rocking chairs that grace the front porch of each establishment. And for the cinnamon rolls at Panera (St.
Louis Bread Company) Only wish Bill Knapps Restaurant was still on the highways! Their chocolate cakes were the best!
For the ability to reverse live television programs so that I have my own personal instant replay function.
Just wish I could have the same ability on my car radio and maybe such a control for real life incidents – I think all of us at one time or
another would want a “re-do” button on some of life’s activities.
For my TomTom GPS and OnStar System both of which have rerouted me when we were lost and navigated us to a
nearby Cracker Barrel or Panera.
For our three children, two son-in-laws and daughter-in-law and eleven grandchildren who bring us joy and
excitement every day. Knowing that when we are in a home and they come to visit us every day to change our diapers brings us contentment. I
suspect it will bring them consternation and aggravation but we changed their diapers when they were young, so what goes around comes around!
For my wife Mary of 47 years who has supported me and encouraged me and loved me through every moment and
every adventure to make sure I never went astray. She is my personal GPS!
So as you gather with family and friends this Holiday Season, take a couple moments and be thankful for all your
blessings. And if you are a guest at someone’s home, chew with your mouth closed, don’t talk with food in your mouth, don’t cheer too long
when your football team scores, and do not nap on the bed that contains all the coats.
Other than that - Happy Thanksgiving!
L Bill Kalmar is retired in Lake Orion, Michigan,
and is the former Director of the Michigan Quality Council. He is a
frequent contributor to SeniorJournal.com. His opinions are his own.
James Dean museum
- are there really any people attracted to a film star who had only
about three movies? Then again, Justin Bieber, a teenager, has already
written his autobiography.
Editor’s Note: Ever wonder why people often refer to
senior citizens as “cranky old men.” Read this column by our occasional
contributor, who is a retired senior.
Editor’s Note: Ever wonder why people often refer to
senior citizens as “cranky old men.” Read this column by our occasional
contributor, who is a retired senior.
Aug. 1, 2005 - Many senior citizens approach their
golden years and retirement with trepidation. Not me. I retired two years
ago after forty years in the business world and am now looking forward to my
next forty years in a lifestyle filled with excitement, fulfillment and a
schedule of my own making. Each day is a new adventure and I’m ecstatic to
be going along for the ride! Read
more...
Nov. 18, 2011 - Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Unlike other holidays, there is no pretentiousness. One just arrives
at the host home dressed in an everyday wardrobe and not encumbered with loads of presents. Now that is not to say that as a guest you can’t
bring a tasty food dish or a bottle of wine for the host, or perhaps don your favorite gaudy holiday sweater, but it is a day to enjoy great
company, wonderful food and exciting football. What could be better than that? 
For the ability to celebrate holidays and birthdays and special events with family and friends. Having been
out of town for high school and some college, I can tell you first hand that being absent from Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations leaves
a sad melancholy feeling in your heart. As such, whatever we as Americans can do for our men and women in the service during this season would
certainly be appreciated by our brave troops. In 1954 crooner Perry Como sang, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays”, and here in
2011, it is still true!
The flag has become the symbol for a people who are
kind, generous and hard-working
A sign of
the times that makes a columnist rethink his attitude on retirement
