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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

On the wings of a dove...

Curry County, Southern Oregon, home to more senior citizens than any other county in this state, and threatening to receive more in the next ten years. At this event at Azalea Park in Brookings last Sunday a couple of hundred souls partook in this free activity sponsored by local merchants and local community groups.

Most of us knew what to do, bring a lunch or snack, a blanket or coats, sunscreen and hats in case the sun suddenly showed up and sit back and enjoy the performance.Notice in the picture that there is a couple up and dancing. Dancing, as in on their feet and moving is a great exercise at any age.

Dancing was encouraged quite often from the stage as the music, a Louisiana rhythm of blues and bayou zydeco, blue grass variations we heard quite a bit when we lived in the South, was quite easy to move to.  The performers' vocal spokesperson  was from Modesto, California,  he said. Modesto is in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, with nothing in common with Bayou country. But he got us in the mood for some old time bayou jumble nevertheless.

We, Hubby and I, lasted an hour wrapped in jackets.  Rather, were able to sit, eat a take out meal from the Colonel down the hill, and talked about everything except the weather. You see, Brookings is 60 miles south of us, and is known for its balmy 80's most summer days. On this day, the temps had trouble reaching 60.

Getting our stuff from the parking lot to the lawn, an up and down to the place where the band played, constituted a good part of our exercise for the day; lugging stuff tires us more than anything; and going up and down seems to put an additional strain on our backs and our heart. Dancing, therefore, was left  for those who were spared rheumatism and pace-makers.

The audience, as you can tell from the picture, was way past their prime, and most of them had probably spent their hours commuting from one sitting position to another. Most folks we meet in Southern Oregon have moved here from Southern California, from places like Sacramento, Modesto, Los Angeles, all commuting meccas.

We are on foreign soil here; though, because there are so many of us re-stationed here from California, we feel at home, nevertheless. And running back to California is easy too, just a short ride down 101 past the Agricultural Station, and we're back in California where we'll pay an additional 8% sales tax on most purchases;  and housing will cost us double right at the border. So, living across the border is a no brainer.




13 comments:

Brian Miller said...

sorry the weather did not cooperate with you...sounds like it could have been a fun outing....love me some live music and a little dancing...we went to a musicfest on the 4th ourselves....

Meryl Baer said...

Smart move!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

You've found the perfect retirement haven, Rosaria! Away from California's taxes and traffic and inflated home prices and in a temperate climate.

Jacket weather would feel fine to me just about now! (We're in monsoon season here in Arizona -- 108 today with high humidity!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I learn a lot from your posts.

yaya said...

Your weather has matched ours today..high of 65..but no music to get up and dance to! Jack and I have talked about moving to Oregon where #2 son lives...not sure we ever will but who knows..stranger things have happened! Looks like you had a nice time and it sounds like a great activity!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Hahahaha! A no brainer indeed. Sounds like a lovely way to spend the day, however rather chilly. I"m headed that way in a few weeks. Hope it warms up.

Rob-bear said...

Sounds like you had a good time, all in all. And Not living in California is a plus. Moreover, Port Orford has it's own charm, but that's for another day!

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Lisa said...

and through beautiful country too

Tom said...

As an at-first-reluctant, but now-enthusiastic dancer, I couldn't agree more with your encouragement of dancing as good exercise for us older people. Keeps you warm on those chilly nights, too!

Rubye Jack said...

As I sit here in my air conditioned apartment looking out at the sun and heat filled day, I often envy those of you on the coast. Sensitivity to the heat seems to be my cross to bear as an elder. :)
The concert looks lovely.

Maggie May said...

Whether you *get up and go* or watch from the comfort of your seats..... I'm sure that things like that do anyone the world of good. Just being out there and being part of it is wonderful.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

troutbirder said...

Ah the joys of seniorhood . We find ourselves doing more and more of this kinds of activity. And tour bus vacation trips...:)

LindyLouMac said...

The population of Senior Citizens is fast overtaking all other age groups all over the world. Take Care. :)