Whew! My racetrack social season is over until next year. I'm still thinking I'd like to continue until I'm 80. That's only 2 years away. Then I say to myself, "Are you nuts?"
By then you'll have to have Barbara Lombardo, managing editor of The Saratogian, get you a wheelchair or maybe a Hoveround. She promised me when I was only in my sixties, as a joke, of course. I never thought I'd ever think about the need for one. And, I still don't, but there were some days I wish I had one close by.
My biggest problem is walking from the media parking lot to get into the track to cover an event. For me, anyway, it is too long a stretch.
I know many 80-year-olds who surpass me, but then I say to myself keep pushing. You'll get there. Isn't that true with anything we do?
So, God willing, I'll be back writing my Inside Saratoga column twice a week next race season. Until then it will be every Tuesday.
In the meantime, Barbara save up to buy me that wheelchair or Hoveround just in case.

Comedian George Burns once said: "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."
Another favorite of mine is: "Growing old is inevitable, growing UP is optional."
There isn't a day goes by that we don't have an ache or pain somewhere. There are two things you can do, live with it and carry on or sit in a chair waiting for the inevitable.
I'm not saying there aren't days when it is too difficult to get the body moving, but there are others with a little effort you can be out and about.
I know of some people, a few years younger than me, that do nothing but complain. After awhile it wears on your nerves. You want to shake them up and say "get over it," we all feel the same most days.
Don't get me wrong, I can be sympathetic, with just cause. I am really not a hard person. But when I constantly complain I hate myself. So if I do, how must others feel about me?
Put a smile on your face. Don't complain too much. And, surprisingly you'll feel better. Try it, you'll like it.

Anyone that knows me, knows I like wine. Not too excess, of course. Red is my favorite.
So when I received this email, I decided I had to share it with other wine lovers.
Here goes: Canadian vinters in the Niagara Valley area, which primarily produce Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines, have developed a new hybrid grape that acts as an anti-diuretic.
It is expected to reduce the number of trips older women have to make to the bathroom during the night.
The new wine will be marketed as Pino More.
Sorry folks I fell for it hook line and sinker until the last line. I had to share this belly laugh. After all, I heard it through the grapevine.

Often I receive an email or a note from a reader, who knows I write this blog. This one was a gem. Here's a good belly laugh to start your day.
I like taking long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 and we don't know where the hell he is.
The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
Every time I hear the dirty word "exercise," I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
I know I got a lot of exercise the last few years ... just getting over the hill.
We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
And, this is the best. Every time I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a "happy hour" and by the time I leave, I look just fine.
Come on let's all go out for a walk. The results are wonderful.

I'd like to give everyone an insight into all the pluses that older folks, especially women, have.
No. 1 on the list: While all the younger generation wear four- or five-inch heels to afternoon or evening parties, us seniors can feel comfortable in low, flat shoes and no one dares to say a word.
Then, of course, since our hair turns grey, so does our eyebrows. Did anyone ever think of that? Solution, an eyebrow pencil that takes forever to put on and get on straight.
Lipstick is another wonderful invention to make us ladies - hopefully - beautiful. But not without putting powder on the upper lip or lining it with a lipstick pencil so the lipstick doesn't creep up to our nose. Such fun.
There are plenty of ways to keep the complexion looking youthful: creams, creams and more moisturizers. Don't over wash your face or it with feel like shoe leather.
A little blush adds color, but never too much or you'll look like a clown. Nothing is worse - or less attractive - than a woman painted like a clown.
Eat right and you'll be healthy. That means: no desserts, no fatty dressings, avoid delectable entrees dripping in butter, and last, but certainly, not least is choose bland food. Ouch! Life is coming to an end.
Or, you can do whatever or eat whatever you want and die with a smile on your face.
Life just isn't fair. I want to start over.
Hooray to The Golden Years!

I have been writing society columns for at least 25 years and have covered hundreds, maybe thousands, of events.
The mass majority of them raise money for charitable organizations. Without the support from both summer people and our own local residents, the organizations would have a difficult time meeting some of their goals. Think about that when you might complain.
A few - and I said few - will mention they don't care about socialite Marylou Whitney giving a luncheon or party. Yet, they must read "Inside Saratoga" to find out she had one.
I must come to Whitney's defense although I know she would never want me to. If the complainers knew how much financial good she has done for our community since the 1960s they may think twice before criticizing.
She always employs local help whether for one of her parties or just to run her household.
We may not be able to do what she does financially, but we can sure as heck support her in her generosity to the community. Or donate our time to help out others in need.
I will continue to wave my flag for Marylou Whitney and any other person who donates to these worthy organizations.
And thank God we have such a terrific lady living in our city.