Folks, I have shifted into neutral and I'm letting the motor idle.

Not sure I could even get myself into high gear again!

Actually, I don’t even want to. I enjoy being idle. I still remember high gear, it was ok for then. I thought idle would be good, but had no idea it was going to be this good.

I worked until I was 70. Then it was necessary to have a bit of a medical procedure. So, had to be off work for a short while. I found that suited me just fine.

I called my boss and told her just what I have told you: That I have shifted down into low gear and can’t seem to get back into high gear. Her response was, “Good for you. I would do the same if I could.”

I had been working in the Activity Department in the Cadillac of Mussing Homes in Kansas. I was mostly the Bingo Girl.

Yeah, I also led them in exercises, presented a devotional when it was my turn and did painting classes and ceramics.

Always, my favorite was playing Bingo a couple times a week. We had delightful prizes donated by the families of the residents.

One day a lady resident showed up that rarely attended. She sat herself down directly in front of me face to face.

I would call out the numbers loud and clear over a microphone. No less. She would respond, loud and clear with, “What did you say?” I would repeat the number. Next round, “What did you say?” Again, I would repeat.

After a while she became aggravated. This time she said, “I might as well go back to my room. I can’t understand one word you are saying!”

A sweet, soft-spoken dear old soul sitting nearby put her hand in the air and waved real big and said, “Bye, bye!”

Sure was a challenge for me not to respond. I wanted to laugh real badly. She paraded off and a few giggles were heard around the room.

Bingo went on without a hitch. To this day, I am still getting a lot of mileage out of that incident.

Now, when we play Bingo here at the retirement village and I am not sure I heard the number, I whisper, “What did she say?”

I would never tell my table mates why I whisper. They most likely do wonder why I have this silly grin on my face. I will never tell!

Think about this: Old roads, old folks and old ways still have a lot to offer in this sped-up world we all live in

Ȧnd this: A pastor giving a children’s sermon on vestments asked “Why do you think I wear this collar?” One kid answered, “Because it kills ticks and fleas up to 30 days.”