Bits & Pieces 1/23/26

Stock Markets: I know soaring stock prices seem fun and exhilarating. However, having lived a long life watching the numbers go up and down, sometimes with alarming leaps and bounds, makes investment choices difficult. My present circumstances save me from this suffering, but people I know are bewildered, especially those in their elder years. I think I’ll enjoy my new income and post savings as needed for trips, medical happenings, and last expenses. That’s something good about aging!

Clothes & Sizing: Went shopping for clothes Saturday. Learned these things that appears to be age related:

·         Camel hair sport jackets are hard to get. I used to have one camel, one navy blue and one black sport jacket. They went with every slack known to man. Loved them. Wonder what happened to camel colored ones. Black and blue are still available.

·         Shirts are plentiful and easy to fit. Thank God! If I’m sitting, at least I look good from the waist up.

·         Slacks are very difficult to fit for older guys. What once was a waist of 32, is now 48 or 50. Inseams seem to be OK, but the waist? Yikes. My sizes are available on national websites, but then you have to have them altered by someone else. I haven’t done this yet. I am sticking with sweat pants for the time being.

·         My salesman was very young. I think he couldn’t relate to my issues. Nice enough but just doesn’t get the weight thing. I’m losing weight intentionally so just put off other purchases until the size problem is lesser.

Age & Travel:

Problems exist for travelers of advancing age. At 82+ family and friends suggest heartily that I do not travel alone, at least by car. I feel car travel is the best, first because I love driving, second because I can access everything I need on the ground level. That includes access to restaurants, motels, and gas stations. All I need to do is avoid falling. I’m pretty good at that. At any rate, I will have company on my travels. Great friend Pam has agreed. Daughter Liz and son-in-law Dan also have agreed.

This spring we are planning a trip to New Mexico (Sante Fe and Taos), plus Arizona. The kids want to learn more about the region for future travel plans and maybe some short term retirement living. Liz will likely accompany me for the trip leg from Chicago to New Mexico. We will all gather for day trips throughout the regions. Pam will take the train to Albuquerque/Santa Fe. Dan will fly to the region. After exploring Arizona the kids will fly home and Pam and will drive home with interesting stops along the way in Colorado.

This sounds like a good adventure for all. Looking forward to it.

January 16, 2026

 

 

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