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Retirement 101

Give up your extra gloves

December 8, 2013

Ray and I joined the ranks of thousands and became members of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. While we enjoyed the five films we saw, we discovered that the film buff level guarantees very little chance of seeing the more popular ones.

We went to the tent Wednesday and got No. 7 only to find out 150 other numbers had been assigned and they were on round two. Friends like Irene, Ed and Beth said we need to join at the level where we choose our movies ahead of time. Beth loved the film “Muscle Shoals,” a documentary about some of the greatest music of all time ever recorded by artists Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, to name a few. She thought “Still Mine” was the best feature.

An elderly couple decides to build a smaller home on their property where they can live out their days together. This sounds like my life. I applaud all of the organizers and volunteers who gave us this rich, diverse selection of films! True film connoisseurs bring snacks and water bottles, plan their schedules months in advance and witness a dizzying dozen or more movies, yoohooing to their neighbors and friends in lines. “Did you see the Japanese farce?” “What did you think of ‘The Rocket’?” I must say I was grateful for happy hour and scallops at 1776 Steakhouse between movies.

Happy anniversary to Jim and Marilyn Agnew of Angola who ran away from home 65 years ago to get married in Philadelphia.

At 87 years old, Marilyn recalls that their parents didn’t approve of their marriage. Jim’s father said, “If you marry that Protestant you’ll burn in hell.” Marilyn’s mother said, “If you marry that Catholic, you’ll have a baby every year!”

When I watch him tenderly help her put on her winter coat, it makes me smile and think, “Parents don’t know as much as they think they do.” In truth, my mother converted to Catholicism when she married my father.

She had nine pregnancies, and every time, her mother would say, “That’s what you get for marrying a Catholic!” One Easter Sunday when I was 16, I told my parents I was giving up being a Catholic for Lent.

I thought it was a great joke until my father threatened to kill me. He made me go to confession, but the priest didn’t have much of a sense of humor either.

As we celebrate the holidays in various ways in our communities, let’s give thanks for our diversity and prosperity by practicing good will toward all. I cleaned out my closet this morning and discovered four pairs of black gloves. More than enough to keep two hands warm. Time for me to warm up someone else’s hands. I am embarrassed to say how many scarves I own.

I bought an orange one last week at the thrift store because I looked fashionably fall. Oy vey! I still have that guilt gene. Enjoy the plethora of weekend festivities, everyone, and surprise someone by letting them go ahead of you in line.

Write to me at lgraff@capegazette.com.

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