Played Table Tennis in the US Open, Women’s 60 to 65

 

Last month I traveled to Las Vegas,  Nevada, and competed in the US Open.  My coaches warned me that the ladies in my age group would be very experienced, and suggested that I not worry about winning or losing.  They were right.  I was nowhere near their level, but I enjoyed every minute of the games.  As a dancer, I followed the talent, and the same concept works in table tennis.

Lily Yip, in the rainbow shirt, is one of my favorite players.  She is still in gorgeous shape, and has a fierce dedication to the sport.  She complimented me on my yoga, and asked me how my matches went.  When I explained the gap in skill level and experience, she advised me to keep practicing.  She has a smile filled with light and is very warm.  I loved meeting her.  She and her coach have a very spiritual connection.  I sat and watched all their games and practices in the semi finals and finals.  It was thrilling.

The lady next to me also easily beat me.  I was able to score several points, though, to my relief.  She came and watched my match in the Under 1000 category.  It was helpful to have someone smiling when I scored and cheering for me.  We got along well.  She cleans houses for a living.  She learned to play in tournaments as a teenager.  

The Mandalay Bay was a gorgeous hotel.  I really enjoyed staying there.  It was convenient to go back to my room and eat, stretch, and soak in the tub.  This was my view at sunset from the window.  The hotel was easy to find from the 15 freeway,  and parking was convenient.  I would definitely stay there again.  I enjoyed Mexican food for dinner.  There was a VERY long line at Starbucks each morning, but that didn’t stop us coffee addicts.

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More Photos From Hawaii

 

The above video I took last week in Kauai.  We spent two nights there on NCL’s Pride of America.  The beach was absolutely breathtaking.  I took a taxi to Poipu Beach  from the port.  The driver agreed to transport m me the forty minutes each way.  

When he dropped me off, he changed his mind and told me to call the company for a ride back to the ship.  I got annoyed with him, and reminded him of our agreement.  He had initially said he would meet me there in an hour.  I told him I was angry at his dishonesty.

After swimming and sunbathing. I walked by the local shops and dialed the number he had given me on my cell phone.  It didn’t work.  I sighed, wondering how I was going to get all the way back to the ship.  I was out in the middle of nowhere.  I heard a few honks, and saw the driver of the taxi parked at my drop off point.  He had decided to honor our agreement after all.

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Home From Hawaii: A Fantastic Cruise on The Pride of America

 

Last week I took an unforgettable cruise to four of the Hawaiian Islands on NCL.  It went way beyond what I had imagined!  Hawaii was magical, feminine, and deeply healing.  Ship life was relaxing and filled with fun and friendship.  I was so impressed with NCL’s organization and attention to detail.  The crew was exceptional.

These four ladies were a riot!  I enjoyed chatting with them by the pool.  The knew how to celebrate and have a good time.  Their enthusiasm was contagious.

The beaches were pristine and heavenly.  I went kayaking at a local beach next door to our port in Kaui.  I was a little nervous, seeing the waves, and being out there on my own, but the beach goers encouraged me.  A man and his wife near the shore complimented me on my landing.  I needed help getting out into the water.  The guy who rented me the ocean kayak gave me a push, and I paddled with all my might and determination.

Each day I received a knock on my cabin door, and delicious goodies were delivered.  I devoured the chocolate truffles, desserts, chocolate covered strawberries, homemade gelatin candies, and wine.  My dear friend Richard got me VIP status.  I was very spoiled.

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Staying in Your Budget in Retirement

 Today I listened to a story on YouTube about a couple who financed an expensive RV during retirement.  It is eating a huge chunk out of their monthly budget.  I thought about my own strategy.  I drive an older car, and combine errands to save gas.  My hobbies are extremely inexpensive.  I ride my used beach cruiser with my dogs, read library books, play table tennis, and cook and bake.  Most of these activities are free.

I do splurge on travel, but get discounts through a close friend.  I also research and find what is most valuable to me.  As professional dancers, we traveled all over the world  together.  The company manager arranged our flights and the buses to the hotel.  With the Internet, you can really find the best deals and read up on boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfasts.  I have been very fortunate with the places I’ve stayed.  I can usually tell right away from the photos.

I have a few practice partners I meet with regularly to play table tennis.  We do exercises for accuracy  and work on drills.  It’s fun, social, and excellent exercise.  It’s much less expensive to attend the local senior programs than to join a club.  I still would like to have my own ping pong table at home.  My family had one on our back patio, growing up.  We would all play for hours.

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An Exciting Time Competing in the 2025 San Diego Senior Games

 

Gary Nishikida, Stephenie Lawton, Faye Gilbert and Arun Kumar 

Mixed Doubles Gold Medalists 

The San Diego Senior Games, 2025.

Last Sunday I drove one hundred and forty miles from Wrightwood, California to the Balboa Park Activities Center in San Diego.  I got up at 4:00 a.m., and made coffee and breakfast.  I packed a light lunch of fresh peaches, raw cashews, and bagged up  a couple of homemade scones.  

It was still dark outside when I warmed up the car at 5:30 a.m.  Wearing my table tennis dress and a shawl I had once knit for my mother, I headed down I-15,  my hand written directions laying on the seat next to me.  It was a straight shot to San Diego with very little traffic, which is highly unusual for this commute.  My friend Anita, who is a local,  gave me perfect directions.

I was of the first players to arrive.  There was plenty of parking, right near the building.  I found shelter from the sprinkling rain and I started my Russian conditioning warm up just outside of the building.  People began drifting into line to register.  I was asked to compete in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, due to low enrollment.  I agreed.  

It was an exciting and challenging day.  I am not used to playing so many matches in a row.  It was exhausting, and I felt my blood sugar drop around noon.  I was very glad I had packed some healthy snacks and brought water.  The levels were varied.  I played people who are new to the sport and was also paired with the top male player in the club.   That was very exciting!   Our opponent is  one of the best in the world!  I focused on staying calm, watching the ball, and thinking of it all as choreography.    Practicing at our local community centers, senior center, and training with the pros at Allen and Sons helped me greatly.  Anastasia, Fovad, Bella, Rudy and Zichery prepared me for the tournament.  

To my surprise and delight, I was awarded Gold in Women’s Singles, 60-65, Gold in Mixed Doubles, 60-65, and Silver in Women’s Doubles.  Phew!  It was definitely worth all of the private lessons, group classes, and hours of practice and off the court training.  It is four days later, and I am still recovering.  

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Pick and Choose Wisely

 

When I was nineteen, dancing in my first production show, I was invited out after the second show by a male dancer who I greatly admired. He was gorgeous, funny, in incredible shape, and we got along well.  I was hopeful that this was the beginning of an exciting romance.

After eating a late dinner at a restaurant that he chose, he wanted to sit in the casino and gamble. I said I would watch.   We had just cashed our paychecks. I had mine mentally organized with the bills I needed to pay: rent, utilities, groceries, gas for the car, and my precious ballet classes.

As I sat next to him on a tall leather stool, I watched him gamble away his entire paycheck.  It made me feel sick to my stomach.  My energy deflated, I wondered how he was going to pay all of his bills.  The several hundred dollars he had earned had been eaten up eaten up by the machines over a few hours.  I was bored and exhausted.

So much for my hopes of a romantic evening and future with him.  It was quite a lesson.  As we walked out, he pointed of a picture of himself on the wall of the casino.  “See that,” he bragged.  “That’s me when I won $10,000.00.  It will happen again.”  He was flanked by two showgirls.  My heart sank.  I doubted it.

In spite of all he had going for him, he was self destructive.  These holes  grow larger as people age.    In retrospect, I am glad now that I learned of his addictions early on…I knew that lifestyle wouldn’t work for me.  

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Shifting Your Expenses in Retirement

 As the years pass in retirement, you may find that your priorities change.  You could become more interested in travel, or decide to take up a new hobby.  If you keep track of what you’re spending, you can cut back in a separate area of your budget to make up the difference.

For example, while in Anacapri, I chose to stay in an inexpensive bed and breakfast, with a simple room.  I was able to take the local bus to my favorite restaurant each afternoon, right on the water.  I could walk around and visit the  local shops, markets and cafes.  It was easy to entertain myself by knitting on the patio, reading a book, or writing in my journal.  The views and people were exquisite.

This year, since I am spending money on private table tennis lessons, I will most likely cut out a trip to Europe next Spring.  The extra gas and drive time to get the best training have to be accounted for,  and I’ve already made adjustments made to the budget.

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Staying Fit in Retirement

 

Fitness can continue through your entire life, if you make adjustments.  Although I can no longer take ballet or gymnastics classes, hiking, table tennis, yoga, kayaking and mat exercises are still  very doable.

Going barefoot and touching a tree ignites the grounding current.  This is very powerful and electric.  Children do this naturally, going barefoot in the summer.  I loved the magnetic healing forces I felt from the grass in Vienna, while visiting the outdoor pool with my dancer friends.  We spent three lovely months there, on tour with the Broadway hit, “42nd Street.”

Swimming in Anacapri had the same effect.  Being out in nature and absorbing the sunshine, the healing effects of the saltwater, and the gorgeous views kept me feeling young and happy.  

Members from the Senior Games report that participating in a sport makes them feel like a kid again.  The body loves a challenge.  It doesn’t want to be beat up, but when you are lean and fit, you feel more yourself…capable and confident.

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Avoiding Scams as a Senior

 

More seniors than ever are reporting being tricked and robbed by predators, relatives, and “friends.”  As my father became elderly, I was upset to find out how many people close to him had taken advantage of his kindness, prosperity, and trust.  He became naive, and trusted people who my mother would have vetted when she was alive.  If I pointed out to him that someone was stealing from him, he could become like a little boy and cry, “No!”

Because seniors often have money set aside in a retirement account, certain people may try to gain access to it.  When I was a customer at our local credit union, a few people who worked in card services tried to swindle me out of money through a website overcharging for hotel rooms. Fortunately, I provided screenshots of the advertised rate and the hotels one site’s jacked up rate as proof.  The credit union had to refund my money.

The woman on the phone tried to intimidate me by yelling and through intimidation.  “This is a scam” I replied, hanging up the phone.  I reported it to a government agency, and they  investigated.  My money was returned.  After another episode that happened on a cruise, I closed all my accounts.  An elderly woman standing in line in front of me was also closing hers.   Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away from manipulators.

Have you experienced any scams as a senior?  How did you handle it?

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Using Your Talents

 

One of the most grounding and satisfying things we can do in life is to use our talents.  We are not meant to sit on them!  Frank Sinatra said in an interview that he vocalized two hours a day, whether he was performing or not.  It showed.  That gave him the confidence to always be able to perform.

Our specific abilities lie latent within us and need to be developed.  If they are not, they stay dormant, like a piece of unsculpted clay.  Through training, practice, and study, we will improve and reach our potential. 

Even as we age, certain talents can still be developed.  Although I can no longer take ballet classes, I find rehearsing my music, playing table tennis, and knitting clothes to be very rewarding.  My father played bridge every day, until he was eight-eight, and he loved it.  He taught the beginners, mostly women,  and confided in me that they never improved, which annoyed him.  I thought it was funny.  I think they were there for social reason, and possibly in hopes of meeting a rich man.

What are your gifts?  How do you express them?

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A Simple Solo Week in Enchanting Anacapri, Italy

 

I recently returned from an inspiring and incredible journey to Anacapri.  I spent a week at a charming bed and breakfast, in a simple room that was only 750 Euros for the week.  That included a hearty breakfast!  What a deal.  Each morning I had a frothy cappuccino, salami and cheese sandwich, kiwis and oranges from their garden, and a delicious glass of juice.  I think it was papaya…something orange, sweet, and delicious!

I flew business class into Naples, Napoli.  From there, I hopped on the Ali bus, (for five Euros,) to the port, and purchased a ferry ticket to Capri, a stunningly beautiful island.  I had arranged with Claudio, the owner of the bed and breakfast, to pick me up at the port.  He and his little dog arrived and transported me up the steep and narrow street to his lovely home.  staying  in a neighborhood was so special…It felt like living like a local.  I absolutely loved it.  

We were a twenty-five minute scenic walk from the beach.  I decided to avoid crowds, touristy sites, and rushing, and instead knit on the patio and went to the beach every day.  It was so relaxing and peaceful.

The nature was so powerful.  My body was filled with spiritual light and energy from the healing water I felt a strong and grounding effect on my aura from the huge rocks and embankment.

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Memories of Norway

 

Looking back at photos and videos of world travel is so rewarding.  The beautiful landscape, clean air, and small, charming Norwegian homes were enchanting.  Norway has a deep spiritual energy that is captivating.

The hiking trailheads appeared  right as we stepped off the gangway into port!  It was so convenient.  I loved being in a culture where Mother Nature is center stage.  The residents there really prioritize the environment.  It was so inspiring.

Have you ever been there?  I can’t wait to return…

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Benefits of Being a Snowbird in Retirement

 

Having a warm place to escape the cold and snow can be ideal during retirement.  Although I love sitting by the fire up at my mountain cabin, it is also a luxurious feeling to return to the cottage and to bask in the afternoon sun.  Meals can be eaten al fresco out on the front porch, and it is far easier to stay warm and comfortable.  Sometimes it is as simple as putting on a sweater or shawl in the mornings and evenings.  Hauling firewood takes time, strength, and energy.

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It’s warm enough to do yoga at night before bed, which helps with circulation.  Many seniors notice numbness and tingling in their extremities as they age.  Inversion like handstands, headstands, and shoulder stands can help alleviate this issue.  I find in the mountains I don’t want to do evening yoga when it is cold and dark.  I am more likely to curl up in bed with an interesting book.

Flowers bloom year round in a sunny location.  They provide beauty,  cheer and color.  The difference in temperature gives a whole different vibe in the winter months.  Packages and deliveries  are easily made, and you don’t have to worry about icy roads or travel conditions.  You can also hire workers year round for your home maintenance. issues.  Sometimes you can negotiate a discount around Christmas, when business is slow for certain areas, like fencing and gates.

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Shopping In Norway and Iceland

 

I was delighted with the gorgeous hand knits available in the port stops in Norway and Iceland.  The designs seemed so familiar.  They have such classic beauty.  They are expensive, but as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for…”

I purchased some Icelandic Wear merino wool long underwear in pink.  It has a sweet snowflake design.  I have been wearing the top and bottoms as a base layer regularly.  I was a little shocked at the price tag when I arrived at the cash register, but they are a hearty basic that will get a lot of use.  

I stopped in this little bakery for a mug of tea, a cheese scone, and to check my email.  The atmosphere was very homey, with plush, comfortable chairs, a wood burning oven, and happy travelers.  You could feel the history and the charm.  It was just a short walk from the ship!

The art and sculpture made me chuckle.  This little guy holding his flag is such a character.  I definitely would like to take this cruise again.  The itinerary and the Norwegian Prima were spectacular.

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Warm Clothes For Winter

 

While in Norway, I purchased one of their beautiful traditional sweaters.  It is so warm, thick and cozy!

The matching gloves are exceptional quality.  I have been wearing them in the mountains, they are double knit.

The above slippers are from a quaint shop carrying lovely hand knits in Iceland.

These gorgeous hand knit sweaters are made with Icelandic wool.  They really cut the wind and insulate the body.  I have been wearing layers each day, and have put the flannel sheets back on the bed.  The throws that I knit and crocheted add a comforting warmth as we sleep.

How is the weather where you live?  Are you making soups and stews?  Hope you are staying warm, or cool for the Aussies.

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Making Friends on a Tour or Cruise

 

On my last cruise, I made a few friends from both the pre-cruise tour and by being on the ship.  This woman lives in Florida, but she is from Puerto Rico.  She invited me to dinner with her in the specialty restaurants on three different nights. She is an avid cruiser, and a Platinum member.  The dinners were delicious, and we had wonderful conversations.   She told me she wouldn’t have gone on her own, and her gift certificates were for two.  It pays to be loyal to a cruise line.  We were on the Norwegian Prima.  I love this ship! 

We also ran into each other while waiting to board the bus back to the ship after one of the London tours.  We sat near The Tower of London Gift Shop and discussed our impressions of the city and its history.  I picked up some salted caramel biscuits to give to my friends who had me to dinner at their flat.

I loved this cafe with the rooftop garden in Norway.  It was right next to a lake.  We had lunch nearby with our tour group.  

The fjords were awe inspiring.  I absolutely loved the energy and incredible nature in Norway.  I definitely plan  to return.  

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