FIRST BATHING SUIT OF THE SEASON

How can I be this pale? Was this overhanging back flab there last year? I have always believed tan flab looks much better than pale, so I won't panic completely. I may be expecting too much from my Miracle swimsuit.

Not Quite 70

Actually I won't turn 70 until October, so in theory I'm still a young, vibrant 69-year old. It has been a year of ups and downs, of becoming more and more aware that I really am old. It's not always a bad thing, and I don't get depressed - just that the realization is a bit difficult to deal with. I find myself remembering childhood events - there it is! Short-term memory isn't what it used to be, but those elementary school reminiscences (my spelling used to be top notch too) are clear as a bell. Names escape me; I can't find my car in the Costco lot; I find myself in a room at home and can't remember why I'm there. I have heard these complaints from numerous friends, so I do believe I'm not entirely losing what few marbles I have left. But it is a little scary that there isn't too much that can be done.

I go to the gym 3 or 4 days a week, and am taking a very strenuous cardio pump class, where we use hand weights and a step. This is a wonderful help, both physically and mentally. Doctors tell us we need to work with weights at this age, as it aids in bone strengthening, as well as overall good health. My husband and I do the L.A. Times crossword together every Sunday, and between us, we manage to solve it every time. So I believe I do as much as I can to stay healthy, but the years do begin to catch up. I tire much earlier than I did even 4 or 5 years ago. I've had back surgery (very successful), but have limited range of motion in my right leg and hip, and am achy in the early morning hours. Nothing that would even require an Aleve, but irritating that it's there.

We live in the Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks area, and we enjoy dining out in our local restaurants. A few tips - Rustico is our absolute favorite. Food, setting, service - all are outstanding. Never had a bad meal. Farfalla is right up there as well. Love dining outside, with the clear enclosure and heat lamps. New in town: Napa Grill. Have only been there twice, but we enjoyed it very much. Eager new servers ready and willing to grant any request.

I note that as I age, I seem to become more tolerant, less judgmental and more willing to accept people than in my youth. Its my experience that old people seem to fall into one of two categories: they either become nasty, cantankerous and impatient OR mellow and relatively happy. I am hopeful I fall into the latter, at least most of the time.