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Thanksgiving,
that most quintessential of American holidays, when our
forefathers gave thanks for their very survival, we are
likely to contemplate our own good fortune. We are reminded
to be thankful for friends and family, for the bountiful
dinners most of us are able to share, and to be living in
a country where we enjoy the precious privilege to disagree.
But there are many small, and perhaps not so small although
often overlooked things, we take for granted, that upon
reflection, we are also very thankful for.
As a senior, most of the following items were not conveniences
I enjoyed while growing up, and yet I have become so accustomed
to their help that I forget to fully appreciate what they
add to my life.
Microwave ovens: I never had one until we bought our present
condominium. At that time, after reading the complex instructions
that were mostly “don’ts,” I was afraid
to even use it. My daughter-in-law came one weekend and
with the self-assurance of someone both young and in-the-know,
said, “Forget all the instructions, Mom. Just push
this and this and then the start button.” How did
I ever exist without the micro to warm up coffee and soup,
defrost the bagels, quick-cook a baked potato and a dozen
other essential uses?
Cellphones: As much as I am annoyed by their misuse (on
the street, in doctor’s office waiting rooms and on
trains or while driving), I can’t blame the device
for owners’ improprieties. Cellphones have saved the
day when I have missed an appointment, been delayed, had
an emergency or car troubles. Used with restraint and consideration,
they are a wonderful invention. I enjoy mine because nobody
has my number (which my daughter thinks is idiotic). I use
it only when I need to make an outgoing call.
Wash and wear: Although I have been known to iron anything
not nailed down and love all cotton, freshly ironed sheets,
the fabric blends in blouses, pants, etc. are great time
and labor-savers and a boon to travelers. Remember when
we ironed hubby’s shirts and our own silk blouse,
every day before going to work? Now it’s pop in the
dryer, shake it out, hang it up and it’s ready to
wear.
Frozen foods: Not so long ago, you either spent endless
hours preserving and canning or went without anything even
resembling “fresh” during the winter months.
Now, frozen fruits and vegetables are available any time
of the year, as well as tasty entrees or complete dinners.
My freezer is my best friend.
The Internet and my GPS: This column gets written on and
delivered to my editor via the Internet. Research on anything
and everything is a click away, and I can find and order
most anything from theater tickets to swimsuits. I even
located some additional prints I had originally spotted
while in Thailand, ordered and had them mailed to me all
courtesy of my computer and the Internet. They are today’s
magic carpet.
As for the global positioning device which speaks in a
male baritone named Dennis, it is my trusted companion to
get me to any address and home again. No longer do I feel
confused, lost and alone when I take the inevitable wrong
turn. Dennis is there to “reconfigure” and put
me on the straight and narrow once again. Even my husband
has led me astray at times, but Dennis is incorruptible.
In addition to the many devices that make my life easier
and more pleasant, I’m thankful for our latest cat
addition, Ginger, a 4-year-old red head that captured my
heart when I happened to be “just looking” at
the Branford animal shelter.
Although, as two females, Ginger and Chibi-chan, our Siamese,
were not thrilled with each other at first, they have more
or less divided the downstairs into “territories”
and have come to a mutual understanding. Ginger’s
realm is a cat bed on my desk where she oversees my phone
calls (with an occasional misstep on the answering machine
button). She purrs and demands I take frequent breaks from
work to talk and to rub her, which we both thoroughly enjoy.
Lastly, I never want to overlook the pleasures of long-lasting
friendships and meaningful work. This weekly column helps
to fulfill both those needs. Thank you, dear reader, for
continuing to share my thoughts and life experiences. May
you have a warm and loving Thanksgiving holiday.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
