Happy Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014

At the ancient age of sixty- nine,

I must confess to this,

I still harbor a secret longing,

For a romantic Valentine kiss.

Not that I haven't had my share,

Of roses, champagne and such,

But once you reach your "waning" years,

You miss that special touch.

I feel a sense of envy,

For those with sweethearts close at hand,

They're the ones, with twinkling smiles,

And special evenings planned.

I'll spend the evening by myself,

Sipping wine while the fire burns,

Immersed in Valentine memories,

Of the man for whom my heart still yearns.

Carmen Henesy

"V" Is For Vacation - Alphabe Thursday, June 17, 2010

"V" Is For Vacation - Alphabe Thursday, June 17, 2010

“V” is for vacation,

And I wish that I could say,

I was printing out a boarding pass,

And heading on my way!

I’ve done a lot of travel,

To places far and near,

But I feel a bit woebegone,

I’m staying home this year!

Last year, I went to Rome,

And cruised to Monaco,

And feasted on great seafood,

Everywhere I'd go!

The Coliseum, Rome, Italy

The harbor of Monte Carlo, Monaco

Grilled squid, Split, Croatia

I’ve been to far Japan,

A land of sights serene,

Such history and culture,

In settings most pristine.

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan

Hawaii, with its islands,

Has often welcomed me,

I’d love to feel its tradewinds,
While I rest beside the sea.

India is always in my heart,

Since my visit long ago,

A country of countless contrasts,

That left me all aglow.

I’m blessed with many memories,

To sustain me when I’m home,

Since retirement and my budget,

No longer let me roam!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2010 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

Join in the fun at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday

Valentine's Day For the Geritol Set

Romance certainly does not have to end with one's advancing years. Hope springs eternal. I don't have a sweetheart, as such, in my life nor have I joined a geriatric dating service. If someone comes my way, it will be chance or fate and that is fine. I can do without chocolates and roses on February 14th. I manage nice wine and occasional champagne with good friends and even do dinner out.

I realize, on Valentine's Day, that, at my age, I don't really need much. I only have so many fingers and I have enough rings for all of them and quite a few extra. My collection of romantic CDs of wonderful music will last the rest of my life. I'm surrounded by treasures I've collected that give me a surge of joy when I look at them. I have eaten chocolate, truffles and marzipan in some of the most incredible places in the world ( as my ample waistline proves ) and I've strolled under a full moon in Paris, Sydney, Bangkok and Barcelona, for starters. I know how to say "I love you" in several languages and have had it said to me in on Valentine's Day in far off  lands.  I think that, for me, as for many older people, cherished memories are what make Valentine's so special. If we have lost our partners or don't have some one with us presently, we may not really feel lonely because we are blessed with memories, loved ones and friends who are there every day, not just a February date on the calendar. I might not don a beautiful red dress  on February 14^th, open a bottle of Perrier Jouet and dance under the stars, but I am perfectly content. It is nice to be remembered with a call, a card or email but I may not be home. I might just be with one of my friends, celebrating in my own way - and, by the way, I wish YOU love.

I realize this song is about breaking up but it is beautiful and it will make you appreciate what you have, perhaps, so that you will cherish it all that much more this Valentine's day!

Ah, To Be Young Again

This evening, my youngest son's girlfriend, Katie Robbins, arrived from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she is a senior, along with her girlfriend, Amy, who graduated last year.  It is always such fun having a houseful of kids around, even if only for a short while.  My oldest son, Shawn, hadn't yet left for his Air Force weekend and Jeremy, my youngest, and his long time friend since elementary school days, Jorell Marsh,  was also here.  I made fancy cocktails for myself and the girls - a martini kind of thing with vodka, Passoa passionfruit liquer and Ricardo mango rum, with lemon juice and maraschino cherries and orange slices in elegant stemmed glasses while the "boys" drank beer.  The "children" were nice enough not to make the old lady feel like excess baggage.  They were all planning to go out dancing in San Francisco when Jeremy's other good friends, Nicole and Kevin, got off work at 10PM.  Nicole always graciously agrees to be the designated driver which certainly makes me feel less stressed!

Katie ( in red ) & Amy

Amy was trying to get the gang out the door - "I want to dance!"

I remember the days when I could go out at 11PM and party all night!  Well, actually, it hasn't been that long ago that I used to be on call practically 24 hours straight and often be at the hospital for that long, doing cases, without ever leaving!

Katie, Amy and Nicole ( the designated driver ), with her beautiful engagement ring!

Here's Katie and my youngest, son, Jeremy Vukasinovic ( 25 ) - he's complaining like crazy about the photo shoot anyway - "No, Mom, you are not going to take pictures for your blog...and, no, Katie, I'm not holding your hand like some stupid prom picture!"  Now here this lovely girl drove 250 miles in a terrible rain storm to see him!!! 

Ah, finally, he stopped complaining and gave me a smile...but, you see, there's no hand holding!

He used to have the most beautiful, curly shoulder length hair which he had to cut for his new job in corporate America.  I kind of miss those tresses which went to Locks for Love.

I think he's laughing here!

Kevin, Jeremy and Jorell

Kevin and Nicole - the engaged couple!  Jorell is peeping over the top

Jorell  and Nicole horsing around!

After a final round of very good reposado tequila shots, which they shared with me, all were off for a fun evening in the big city, leaving me with memories of long ago nights in New Orleans.  I can't believe that was nearly fifty years ago!!