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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 19, 2018)
Senior Moments with Emma Edwards Getting brave through a positive outlook Henry Ford was often quot- ed “If you think you can’t, you can’t. If you think you can, you can.” It’s been said that the state- ment originally was applied to research, as in Mr. Ford’s case. However, I think it could easily be applied to the aging process of us seniors. I’ve been privileged to work with or beside what we call the senior population most of my adult life. I’ve observed bravery, te- nacity and determination in so many seniors. I used to stand in awe of watching or helping a senior endure a crisis that could make the average person crumble. Now that I’ve joined that group called “seniors,” I want to be like that. As a columnist, my editor told me I could have an opin- ion, whereas a reporter sim- ply reports the facts (nothing January 19, 2018 T he C olumbia P ress 6 but the facts, please). Maybe my thoughts on this subject could be mixed with fact and opinion. Back in 2001, my husband and I had the thrill of cele- brating our 50th wedding an- niversary. We hired a local photog- rapher to take our picture dressed up in our finery. The day came when the photographer called us to see the proofs. As we went through the pic- tures, she assured us that she could smooth out the wrin- kles that were there. We both stopped her on the spot and explained that we had earned those wrinkles, so please don’t erase them. We both had a positive out- look on life and, therefore, on aging. I think (here comes an opinion) too many seniors have a negative outlook on aging. There is nothing more pathetic than a senior who’s a whiner when they could be a winner. How about saying some don’t have the privilege of aging? For those who have already lost a mate, I’m sure you would agree wholeheart- edly that life is a privilege. Mark Twain once said, “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” That reminds me of anoth- er quote: “It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrin- kle.” Have you considered there are unlimited advantages to becoming what is considered “old”? I think that the older we are, the more choices we have, such as when we estab- lish priorities. We can go to lunch with a positive person, or with a complainer. A whiner or a winner! The younger set seems to ask our opinions more often than ever before. (Not sure if that’s because they know we wouldn’t remember what it is they asked or if they actually think we’re wise). I saw a plaque that said, “The difference between whiners and winners is the attitude they have and the way they respond to their problems.” I think another help is to look at the big picture, try to see the good in a situation or person, and try to ignore the bad. We’re prone to react less to negative input as our brain ages, being pulled more to- ward the positive, according to science. If you’re getting close to it, happy aging! Permits: Issued in December Continued from Page 1 19, Lazzeri Electric Drive, Nov. 27, Bogh Electric • Feeder and 10 circuits for addition, Christian Church of Warrenton, 1376 S.E. Anchor Ave., Nov. 29, Inland Electric • Add temporary service, 2235 S.E. Salal Loop, Dec. 19, Inland Electric • Add temporary service, 2231 S.E. Salal Loop, Dec. 19, Inland Electric • Add temporary service, 1523 S.E. Honeysuckle Loop, Dec. 19, Wadsworth Electric • Generator, 33151 Columbia Beach Lane, Dec. 20, Renaud Electric • Add temporary power, address to be determined Dorymen Lane, North Coast Classic Homes • Roof-stop units, Panda Express, 1550 S.E. Discovery Lane, Nov. 29, Diamond Heating • Install LED light in showroom, Lum’s Auto Center, 1605 SE En- sign Lane, Dec. 8, Halo Electric • Install two circuits for mechan- ical units, Super Mart, 1180 Pacific Drive, Hammond, Dec. 13, Bogh Electric • Security system, Verizon Store, 1490 SE Discovery Lane, Dec. 13, ADT Security Services • Low voltage, T-Mobile Store, 1546 SE Discovery Lane, Dec. 27, Freedom Custom Comm. • Replace alarm panel, T-Mobile Store, 1546 SE Discovery Lane, Dec. 28, Pacific Alarm Systems • Install 18 circuits, Alder Court Apartments Building A, 235 SW Alder Ct., Dec. 4, Inland Electric • Install 18 circuits, Alder Court Apartments Building D, 234 SW Alder Ct., Dec. 4, Inland Electric • 2000 remodel, 33252 Silverspot Lane, Dec. 4, Inland Electric • Relocate service, 270 S.E. An- chor Ave., Dec. 5, Wadsworth • Add temporary service, 80362 Polo Ridge Road, Dec. 11, Ever- green Construction • Add temporary service, 2223 S.E. Salal Loop, Dec. 14, T.Miller • Add temporary service, address to be determined on Shady Pines Road, Dec. 15, Steve Ackley • Master bedroom addition, 89825 Surf Pines Landing, Dec. p lumBIng • Install backflow device for landscaping, Gearhart Rural Fire station, 33496 Westlake Lane, Dec. 13, Cesar’s Yard Mainte- nance & Bauer Landscape • Replace main sewer and water service, 90295 Shoreline Drive, Dec. 27, Winters Plumbing • Install backflow, 80654 Polo Ridge Road, Dec. 27, M & F Plumbing m eCHanICal • Replace gas furnace, 90436 Par Road, Dec. 5, White’s Heating • Replace heat pump, 92163 Ridge Road, Dec. 12, P&L John- son Mechanical • Install gas insert and gas pip- ing, 33886 Southshore Drive, Dec. 12, Diamond Heating • Install gas insert and gas pip- ing, 91337 Highway 101, Dec. 12, Diamond Heating • Install pellet stove, 33156 Sand Dollar Lane, Dec. 20, Columbia Housewarmers • Gas piping, 33151 Columbia Beach, Dec. 20, Renaud Electric Senior lunch menu Monday, Jan. 22: Salmon, baked potatoes, broccoli, black bean soup, bread pudding. Thursday, Jan. 25: Lasagna with Italian sausage, mixed vege- tables, romaine salad, ice cream. The Warrenton senior lunch program is at noon (doors open at 10:30 a.m.) Mondays and Thursdays at Warrenton Community Center, 170 SW Third St. Suggested donation is $5 for ages 55 and older; $7 for those younger. For more information, call 503-861-3502.
