Learning How to Be Old

 April 8, 2024

   I'm getting some experience at being old. Here's what I have learned so far.

"I can't live where I want to, I can't go where I want to go, I can't do what I want to, I can't even say what I want to. I decided I was a very stupid fool not to at least paint what I wanted to."

—Georgia O'Keeffe

An old, weathered page of a book.

See how superior it is to a new page.

"It's great being old. I can be eccentric, self-indulgent—even offensive."

—Lynne Reid Banks, author of "The Indian In the Cupboard," who died last week at age 94

San Fran History Lesson

   Several years ago I walked down to Old Town San Francisco to find Maynard Dixon's art studio. As I was walking back to meet Kathy at Sam Wu's in Chinatown I stopped and asked someone to take my photo in front of this old saloon.

BBB outside the Comstock Saloon

   Here is the significance: "This building was originally the Prescott House—a Hotel opened by my great grand uncles (last name Becker) in 1867. My great grandfather (Baltizar Becker) worked there as a cook when he first came to America."

—Robert Ray