"how sweet it is"

Fri, 15 Feb 2008

Dear Ritch (Christopher),


As you know, your piece,"time be my friend" touched me. You write beautifully and I loved the memories of high school it brought.

However, there is one point that I will take issue--but then it may be denial!
I'm planning on living another 30 years or so.

Don't think I don't have my problems because, I do. I have a severe case of arthritis. I take my medicine, walk 5 days a week, eat healthy and have fun!

I've reached a state of life where I hope I am "not sweating the small stuff". I still haven't figured out many things, but I have become more accepting of others and their life styles. I'm working on accepting my own peculiarities. With this said, I'd like to try another reunion theme with you and see what you can make of it. This theme reflects my present attitude. It's:

"How sweet it is!"

How about giving this theme a spin in your creativity, and write me some of your thoughts.

I'm enclosing some lyrics that Julie Andrews wrote that pokes fun at the aging process. I wonder if you might include something like this in our reunion program.


With much fondness,

Anne Johnson

To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan 's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of AARP.



One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favorite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'.

Here are the lyrics she used:(Sing It!) - If you sing it, its especially hysterical!!!

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts,and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,& nbsp;
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.