The times are a-changing quickly in Bonner County

I had quite a shock a few days ago. I was watching a re-play of the dedication of the World War II Memorial and enjoying myself to the fullest.

I especially liked hearing my bunch called "The Greatest Generation." Even though I often wonder if I have contributed anything of value to the world I like being identified as being one of them.

I was having a great time until someone mentioned how many millions of men and women fought in World War II. I shot up in my seat; I really didn't shoot up — I kind of unfolded, when I heard that there is just about a million of us vets left and that we are dying at the rate of more than a thousand a day. Now folks, it doesn't take a whiz in math to figure out the outcome to that one.

After I recovered from the shock, I started to think how I have changed over the span of 81 years. I can truthfully say I don't feel any different physically than I did at 20, unless I have to move.

Most of my changes have been how I see my world. Let me give you a couple of examples: When I was younger, and dumber, I would hear about a senator or congressman taking a trip to a war zone. I felt as if Big Daddy was out looking things over and all would be well with the world.

Today, I realize that they go, they look, they belch platitudes, they spend our money, and it means nothing at all. Some of those old boys and girls from congress have been to Iraq so many times they qualify for dual citizenship. They are always popping up on the TV saying, "I just made my tenth, pick a number, trip to Iraq." I just had a thought — maybe that is the reason things are getting worse, not better. With that many politicians running around over there things must get much worse.

It seems to me it would be better, and cheaper, if they would draw straws and send just one person and let that person come back and fill everyone in on what they saw. Naw, that's too simple and there would be only one expert (My definition of an expert: A spurt away from home or a drip under pressure).

There is another way I have changed. I used to love seeing generals and people from other walks of life get all dressed out in their uniforms. Those ribbons and medals, and robes, and sashes, and hats, and etc, etc, etc. really got my undivided attention. I guess it meant, to me, that they were really smart, or good, or brave, or holy, or etc, etc, etc.

Today it reminds me of a fact, "Scratch any adult deep enough and you will find a child every time." Most of us have played "play-like," and I guess these people never quit playing and are still yelling, "Look at me." I have to admit they are fun to watch because they take themselves so seriously.

Yep, the time has changed and I am glad I am not part of all the fun and games I see on a daily basis. The decisions I have to make are simple and to the point. I must decide if I am alive when I wake up in the morning and nothing hurts. I must decide if a nose ring would compliment my trifocals. I have to decide if my support hose looks good with my new walking shorts, and if I pierced my tongue would it go well with my dentures. I must decide, when I drop one my numerous pills on the floor, whether to pick it up then or wait until I drop another one and thereby save one bend-over.

Let me leave you with this one thought. There are four signs of old age. First, you lose your memory, second, you lose your sense of humor, and the other two — I can't remember and that's no laughing matter.