Drugs and Aging.

There is a strong movement underway to legalize marijuana.  As I reflect on a number of problems in our country I am rethinking my opposition.  And including many drugs currently listed as controlled or illegal.

I propose a new national policy.  When a person turns 65, all drugs may be provided by physicians and considered legal.  This will have a number of positive consequences:

1.  Peace.  A person's last years will be made pleasant.  In old age it would be nice not to be as acutely aware of  all the pains, loss of energy, and parts that are now broken or non-functional.

2.  Social Life.  Children will be much more likely to visit.  Both because the old people will be more pleasant to be around and it will increase their own access to chemical bliss.  Grandchildren will think Grandma and Grandpa are fun.

3.  Medical Systems.  Medicare will be saved.  Old people will not realize they need surgery or treatment.

4.  Financial Freedom.  Supplemental income from selling "excess" drugs would relieve society of the need to provide further Social Security increases.

5.  Crime Reduction. Fewer drug dealers will be needed - get whatever you want from an old person.  Drug addicts would not have to commit crimes to get money for drugs.  Prices will be lower - just go see an old person.  And old people will get still more visitors.

6.  Sharing Experience.  Old people have wisdom and would be able to gauge how much of what to give - who needs it and who does not and is just complaining and needs to get a job.

This doesn't solve everything, but lets get the dialogue going.

38th Anniversary Musings

I walked up the stairs and confronted the Family Wall of Fame at the top - pictures mostly of our children at various stages of maturity.  But there are also a few pictures including the founders of Lois and Don Enterprises.  With an anniversary coming up soon how could I help but think back and smile:

• At the family members who said it wouldn't last 6 months.
• At the memories of the smiles Lois and I have shared over the years.
• At the gifts given, both exciting and "what made you think I wanted that" (after the birthday gift of a waffle iron.)
• At each of the children - how much they were wanted, the dreams I had for them, the excitement I felt in following them in their scholastic as well as extracurricular endeavors, their happy times and their disappointed times.  
• At the friends who have come into and gone out of our lives as we moved from one geographical location to another.

I know I could go on.  But supper is calling.  So, as with the times that provided all these happy thoughts, I leave them behind too quickly so as to engage in the present.  But Lois, through it all you have been my support, my inspiration, my joy, my lifeline.  You bring a smile when everything around seems to be falling apart.  You are the first thought when I am experiencing success.  (OK, you are also the only one from whom I take serious guff.)  You established and managed the finest family and household I could have imagined.  Your success is evident.  

 You were mine from the moment I saw you walking down the dorm steps with long flowing blonde hair.  I will do whatever I need to to keep in your good graces.  Your happiness is all I long for.  Let's re-up this contract for another 38 years.


____Yes, I will                   _____ I'll think about it


_________________________________

(sign here)

(I don't even care that the NSA may read this!)

First Unofficial Joint Meeting of the North Dakota and Iowa Chapters of the Alumni of Hawaiian Mission Academy

The First Unofficial Joint Meeting of the North Dakota and Iowa Chapters of the Alumni of Hawaiian Mission Academy took place last evening, March 28, 2014, in a booth at Perkins of Bismark, North Dakota.  In attendance were representatives of the Classes of 1971 (Larry Pascual) and 1970 (Don Brown.)  Greek salad, tomato soup, and grilled cheese sandwich was provided, as desired.

Discussed were:

1. World Affairs
2. The effects of the economy
3. How much older the other one looked than we remembered
4. Who has what kids and where they are and what they are doing
5. Where the members present have been, what they have done, and what they are doing
6. Memories (probably fairly accurate) of going with the dorm to Scotty's, the Scuba Belle, teachers, who we have some contact with, etc.
7. A challenge to a Class basketball game was made then withdrawn because we were tired and were afraid of getting hurt.  Discussed where we were already hurting.
8. Why we can't move back to Hawaii (not so much the restraining orders, more $$ related.) 
9. Next meeting:  Hope we don't wait another 43 years to have one.

  The meeting was adjourned in the parking lot.

Meeting Facilitator:  Larry Pascual (it was his State and he knew the good restaurants.)
Recording Secretary:  Don Brown (we had to give him something to do.)