Happy New Year. January 2018 The Carlton Times. Love Honor Provide

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1 January 2018 The Carlton Times Love Honor Provide Happy New Year 2726 Fifth Street, Davis, CA License#

The local doctor did everything possible to heal the eye, but without antibiotics, painful infection soon spread to both eyes rendering him blind.

2 At age 3, Louis Braille, born in France in 1809, was an inquisitive, perhaps precocious, kid who loved to work in his father's horse tack workshop. The History of Braille One day he was using an awl, a sharp pointed instrument for making holes, to punch through leather. The awl bounced off the hard leather and the point struck him in the eye. The local doctor did everything possible to heal the eye, but without antibiotics, painful infection soon spread to both eyes rendering him blind. Nonetheless, a diligent child, Braille was a good student and by age 10, he earned the chance to study at the first school for the blind in Paris. There he learned to read by touching raised letters, formed in the shape of ordinary letters. But the few books written in this way were huge and difficult to handle. In 1821, he heard of a system of raised dots developed for the military so that soldiers on the battlefield could read notes without light. Inspired by the system, at age 15, Braille completed a new system that halved the number of dots required for a letter and made the dot cells small enough to be read with one finger. Best yet, the system enabled Braille users to easily write. His system did encounter resistance, but by 1882 blind people throughout the world were using it. Finally, in 1912, it was adopted in North America and a formal English alphabet was formalized by Braille, whose health was always fragile, died at age 43. Besides being an inventor, he was an accomplished musician and professor of algebra, history and geometry. Health Corner Many people rely on a daily dose of caffeine to get their day started, but according to the Mayo Clinic, there are risks associated with drinking too much coffee too often. When used in moderation, caffeine is prized for its ability to help people stay alert. Once the intake surpasses about 400 milligrams, about four cups of brewed coffee, however, users might experience more harm than good. Side effects of excessive use can include headaches, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, and more depending on the person. Some people can be more sensitive to the effects as well, and these symptoms might present themselves with even light or moderate consumption. Likewise, a sudden increase in the amount consumed can cause harmful effects even in people that haven't noticed any problems in the past. Interactions with certain drugs, like ephedrine or echinacea, can increase the effects of caffeine and lead to more severe health risks like heart attack, seizure, or stroke. Despite the fact that caffeine is often used to help wake people up in the morning, it can also work against a tired individual by disrupting their sleep cycle. Excess consumption, or consuming caffeine late in the day, can delay sleep or limit its therapeutic value. Repeating this cycle for long enough can result in a cumulative sleep debt that starts to cause issues with daytime alertness and focus. Limiting consumption to the morning hours is one of the best ways to help avoid this problem. Experts say that even the worst side effects of caffeine aren't typically life-threatening, but according to USA Today, it is possible to have too much. It is estimated that a lethal dose of caffeine could be found in somewhere between 50 and 100 cups of coffee, depending on weight, so it is unlikely for a coffee drinker to be in any real danger. If a person is consuming the raw, powdered form of caffeine, however, then as little as a teaspoon could be fatal.

Sundays from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM We currently provide transportation to services at St.

OUR TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The shuttle begins transportation to doctor appointments at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the community by 5:00 p.m. Transportation to medical appointments may be scheduled in person at the front desk or by calling (530) 564-7002.

3 Mondays at 9:30 AM Please sign up for the shopping and church shuttles at the Carlton Kiosk at least 48 hours in advance. Our shuttle stops at Target, Nugget Market, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Safeway, Dollar Tree, Grocery Outlet, Trader Joe s, and the Davis Food Co-op. Sundays from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM We currently provide transportation to services at St. James Catholic Church, Davis United Methodist Church, Davis Lutheran Church, Davis Community Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis. OUR TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The shuttle begins transportation to doctor appointments at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the community by 5:00 p.m. Transportation to medical appointments may be scheduled in person at the front desk or by calling (530) We guarantee transportation to medical appointments in Davis on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Transportation must be requested at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance. Transportation is subject to availability for appointments scheduled less than 48 hours in advance. Appointments outside of Davis and/or appointments outside of the 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. window will be accomodated if possible, but are not guaranteed. These appointments have a service charge of $13.00 per half hour of driving or waiting time (one half hour minimum, and $6.50 per quarter hour thereafter, rounding up). OUR CONCIERGE SERVICE The concierge offers on demand transportation. The schedule is first come, first served. Appointments can be made up to one month in advance. The concierge service starts at 9:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm. There is a $13.00 per half hour service charge for transportation outside of these hours. Rides in Davis are free! Outside of Davis, we will charge the standard $13/half hour fee listed above. The Concierge Driver can act as an escort for residents who need it for the standard $32.50/ half hour fee. Call or visit the Front Desk to reserve a time slot. 7 Days a Week: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Al Livingston Al Livingston was born on June 12, 1929 in the beautiful and vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. His father and mother were from California but his grandmother lived in New Orleans.

His father worked as an exporter of batteries and their components and his mother had worked as a stenographer before becoming a housewife while raising Al.

4 Al Livingston Al Livingston was born on June 12, 1929 in the beautiful and vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. His father and mother were from California but his grandmother lived in New Orleans. His mother wanted to be near her during the pregnancy and remained there for seven weeks after he was born, before Al and his folks moved back to Los Angeles. His father worked as an exporter of batteries and their components and his mother had worked as a stenographer before becoming a housewife while raising Al. Al spent his career as the Deputy Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, based out of Sacramento. He oversaw the operability and daily details that went into managing the 96 field offices in California, from the southern tip of the state at the border with Mexico, all the way to the northern border with Oregon. He says he loved traveling all over the state, solving problems, interfacing with communities, city councils, chambers of commerce, and providing education to schools about that department of the government. Al lived in Davis with his late wife, Rita, during his career in Sacramento. One of his most memorable life experiences involves a harrowing event that took place while he was visiting a DMV field office at the border with Oregon. Al spotted a man who had fallen into the upper waters of the Sacramento River and chased his course down the bank of the river until he could pull him safely from the current. Al was not a swimmer, and knew he must act quickly, managing to do so without falling into the swift waters himself. Describing himself as having broad interests, Al owned a 4x5 press camera and responded to emergencies, incidents and other newsworthy events as a hobby to photograph what was occurring. He would sell these negatives to the newspapers, earning himself a reputation as a reliable source for their stories! Al is a fan of the food here at the Carlton and, as Dining Room Manager Jake Curri says, he loves ice cream, ice cream, ice cream and the occasional cookie! Al is a big proponent of the city of Davis, calling it a fresh city. Asked how he describes himself, Al says friendly, self confident and that he holds himself in high regard. Of the Carlton, he states that it s a clean, happy place. It s bright, friendly, and accommodating!

5 Our self-guided Dakim Brain Fitness game is available for you to use whenever you want! Is there a staff member who has gone out of their way to provide high quality and memorable experiences for you and your family? Do you believe they exemplify the Carlton Commitments to Love, Honor, & Provide? Nominate them for The Dakim machine is located in the Second Floor Study. Best of the Best is awarded company-wide to outstanding staff in every department. Nomination forms can be picked up at the front desk. Davis Management Team Amber Gustafson Executive Director Alex Bevacqua Executive Assistant Lindsey Moret Director of Resident Services Vivian Olmedo Director of Memory Care Emily Blanton Personal Care Manager Julia Gentry Memory Care PC Manager Josh Turner Plant Operations Manager Ben Slade Medication Manager Andrew Moret Chef J Jake Curri Dining Room Manager Jesse Vasquez Memory Care Programs Director Jessalyn Eernisse Personal Expressions Manager Eric DeMuth Resident Liaison

: LOB = Lobby, FD= Front Desk, C = Café, CY = Courtyard, LR = Living Room DR = Dining Room, MC = Memory Care : Salon, STU = Study, TR = Theater Room, FC = Fitness Center : AR = Activity Room, GR =

6 : LOB = Lobby, FD= Front Desk, C = Café, CY = Courtyard, LR = Living Room DR = Dining Room, MC = Memory Care : Salon, STU = Study, TR = Theater Room, FC = Fitness Center : AR = Activity Room, GR = Game Room THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 12:30-2:00 PM ~ Ceramics Class (AR) Materials cost $15/class; beginners are welcome! 1:30 PM ~ Card Games with Pablo (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 6:30 PM ~ Thursday Theater: Belle (TR) MONDAY, JANUARY 1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 New Year s Day 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: CVS & Nugget (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Trivia (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Flower Arranging with Jake (DR) 4:00 PM ~ Singing Circle (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: Stronger (TR) 9:30-10:00 AM ~ Banking Hours with Alex (FD) 10:15 AM ~ Fabulous Fitness (AR) 2:00 PM ~ Funny Money Bingo (AR) 3:00 PM ~ Bridge (STU) 3:30 PM ~ Board Games (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Resident s Pick Movie: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (TR) TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 10:15 AM ~ Fitness with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Word Games: Around the World (LR) 1:45 PM ~ Dime Bingo (AR) 3:15 PM ~ New Year s Resolution Workshop (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Comedy Movie Night: Three Coins in the Fountain (TR) 10:15 AM ~ Morning Stroll (LOB) 11:00 AM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 1:00 PM ~ Stitching Circle (AR) 1:30 PM ~ Trivia (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour with Backyard Swing (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Documentary Night: Barbara: The Music, The Mem ries, the Magic (TR) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 10:15 AM ~ Chair Yoga (TR) 3:30 PM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 4:00 PM ~ What s Happening in the News? (TR) 6:30 PM ~ Classic Film Night: North to Alaska (TR) Written By Anthony Doerr We will meet to discuss the book on Wednesday, January 24 th. Pick up your copy at the front desk.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Sunday Matinee: Titanic, Part I

7 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Sunday Matinee: Titanic, Part I (TR) 2:45 PM ~ Scenic Drive (LOB) Please sign up at the front desk. 3:00 PM ~ Scrabble (LR) 4:15 PM ~ Hand Massages (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Sunday Matinee: Titanic, Part II (TR) 1:30 PM ~ Card Games with Pablo (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 3:30 PM ~ Coffee and Conversation (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 6:30 PM ~ Live! In the Living Room: Denny Colleret s Country Memories (LR) MONDAY, JANUARY 8 FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: Trader Joe s (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Trivia (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Flower Arranging with Jake (DR) 4:00 PM ~ Singing Circle (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: The Viceroy s House (TR) Happy Birthday Peggy K! 9:30-10:00 AM ~ Banking Hours with Alex (FD) 10:15 AM ~ Fabulous Fitness (AR) 10:30 AM ~ Outing: Davis Public Library (LOB) 11:00 AM ~ Shuffleboard (LR) 2:00 PM ~ Funny Money Bingo (AR) 3:00 PM ~ Bridge (STU) 3:30 PM ~ Crosswords with Christiana (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Resident s Pick Movie: Shirley Valentine (TR) TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 1:00 PM ~ Word Games: Word in a Word (LR) 1:45 PM ~ Dime Bingo (AR) 3:00 PM ~ Carlton Library Open House (STU) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Comedy Movie Night: The Producers (TR) 10:15 AM ~ Morning Stroll (LOB) 11:00 AM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 1:00 PM ~ Stitching Circle (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Jeopardy with Jessalyn (TR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour with Tom Boyd (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Documentary Night: Cuba and the Cameraman (TR) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 10:00 AM ~ St. James Communion (STU) 10:15 AM ~ Chair Yoga (TR) 3:30 PM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 4:00 PM ~ What s Happening in the News? (TR) 6:30 PM ~ Classic Film Night: The Royal Wedding (TR) Tuesday, January 9 th 3:00 PM In the 2 nd Floor Study

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

4:15 PM ~ Hand Massages (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: Dunkirk (TR) 12:30-2:00 PM ~ Ceramics Class (AR) Materials cost $15/class; beginners are welcome!

8 SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Reflection (TR) 2:45 PM ~ Scenic Drive (LOB) Please sign up at the front desk. 4:15 PM ~ Hand Massages (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: Dunkirk (TR) 12:30-2:00 PM ~ Ceramics Class (AR) Materials cost $15/class; beginners are welcome! 1:30 PM ~ Card Games with Pablo (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 3:30 PM ~ Coffee and Conversation (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 6:30 PM ~ Thursday Theater: Fences (TR) MONDAY, JANUARY 15 FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Happy Birthday John L! 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: Target (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Trivia (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Flower Arranging with Jake (DR) 4:00 PM ~ Singing Circle (LR) 6:30 PM ~ MLK Day Feature: Selma (TR) 9:30-10:00 AM ~ Banking Hours with Alex (FD) 10:15 AM ~ Fabulous Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Coloring for Adults (LR) 1:30 PM ~ Shopping at Right and Relevant (LOB) 2:00 PM ~ Funny Money Bingo (AR) 3:00 PM ~ Bridge (STU) 4:00 PM ~ Make Your Own Snow Globe (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Resident s Pick Movie: Oliver (TR) TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 11:00 AM ~ Funny Money Banking Exchange (C) 1:00 PM ~ Word Games: Word in a Word (LR) 1:45 PM ~ Funny Money Auction (AR) 3:15 PM ~ Name That Tune (LR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Comedy Movie Night: What If (TR) 11:00 AM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 1:00 PM ~ Stitching Circle (AR) 2:00 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Jeopardy with Jessalyn (TR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour with Beny Rivera (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Documentary Night: Undefeated (TR) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 10:15 AM ~ Chair Yoga (TR) 10:15 AM ~ Going Rogue with Roiee (LOB) The destination for this outing is a surprise! Please sign up at the front desk. 3:30 PM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 4:00 PM ~ What s Happening in the News? (TR) 6:30 PM ~ Classic Film Night: The Thomas Crown Affair (TR) C r mic Cla s at 12:30 p.m. in the Activity Room All materials are provided. There is a $15 fee per class.

9 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:45 PM ~ Scenic Drive (LOB) Please sign up at the front desk. 3:00 PM ~ Housewarming Party (LR) 4:15 PM ~ Hand Massages (LR) 6:30 PM ~ TV Time: I Love Lucy (TR) 11:00 AM ~ Coloring for Adults (LR) 1:00 PM ~ Singing Circle in Memory Care (LOB) 2:30 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 3:00 PM ~ Department Head Announcements (AR) 4:00 PM ~ Afternoon Stroll (LOB) 6:30 PM ~ Thursday Theater: Arrival (TR) MONDAY, JANUARY 22 FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: Safeway (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Trivia (LR) 2:00 PM ~ Carlton Cooks: Carrot Cake (AR) 2:30 PM ~ Flower Arranging with Jake (DR) 4:00 PM ~ Singing Circle (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: Home Again (TR) 9:30-10:00 AM ~ Banking Hours with Alex (FD) 10:15 AM ~ Fabulous Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Shuffleboard (LR) 2:00 PM ~ Funny Money Bingo (AR) 3:00 PM ~ Bridge (STU) 3:15 PM ~ Programming Brainstorm Session (AR) 4:00 PM ~ Crosswords with Christiana (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Resident s Pick Movie: Top Hat (TR) TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 10:15 AM ~ Fitness with Pablo (AR) 1:00 PM ~ Word Games: Word in a Word (LR) 1:45 PM ~ Dime Bingo (AR) 2:00 PM ~ Carlton Speaker Series: UC Davis Nutrition Department, Nutrition for Seniors (TR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Comedy Movie Night: Bottle Shock (TR) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 9:00 AM ~ Outing: Thunder Valley Casino (LOB) 10:00 AM ~ St. James Communion (STU) 10:15 AM ~ Chair Yoga (TR) 3:15 PM ~ January Book Club Discussion: All the Light We Cannot See (TR) 4:00 PM ~ What s Happening in the News? (TR) 6:30 PM ~ Classic Film Night: Guys and Dolls (TR) 11:00 AM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 1:00 PM ~ Stitching Circle (AR) 1:30 PM ~ Outing: UCD Women s Basketball Game, UCD Aggies vs. UCSB Gauchos (LOB) Please sign up at the Front Desk. 2:00 PM ~ Bean Bag Baseball (LR) 2:30 PM ~ Jeopardy with Jessalyn (TR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Documentary Night: Panama Canal: Prized Possession Parts I & II (TR) UCD vs. UCSB Women s Basketball Please sign up at the Front Desk. Tickets are $9.00 per person.

In the Living Room: J Street Studios Youth Jazz Performance (LR) MONDAY, JANUARY 29 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: Dollar Tree and Grocery Outlet (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~

10 SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ~ Church Shuttle (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Strength Training with Pablo 1:00 PM ~ Quarter Bingo (AR) 2:45 PM ~ Scenic Drive (LOB) Please sign up at the front desk. 3:00 PM ~ Scrabble (LR) 4:15 PM ~ Hand Massages with Emily (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Live! In the Living Room: J Street Studios Youth Jazz Performance (LR) MONDAY, JANUARY 29 9:30 AM ~ Shopping Shuttle: Dollar Tree and Grocery Outlet (LOB) 10:15 AM ~ Balance Bar Fitness (AR) 11:00 AM ~ Trivia (LR) 1:00 PM ~ Live 2B Healthy Exercise (LR) 2:00 PM ~ Blood Pressure & Weight Clinic (FC) Please wait outside the Fitness Center. 2:30 PM ~ Flower Arranging with Jake (DR) 4:00 PM ~ Singing Circle (LR) 6:30 PM ~ New Release Movie: Battle of the Sexes (TR) TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 Happy Birthday Alice L! 1:00 PM ~ Word Games: Word in a Word (LR) 2:00 PM ~ January Birthday Party (LR) 3:00 PM ~ Dime Bingo (AR) 4:00 PM ~ Happy Hour (LR) 6:30 PM ~ Comedy Movie Night: Grease (TR) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 Happy Birthday Roland H! 10:15 AM ~ Chair Yoga (TR) 10:30 AM ~ Outing: Davis Public Library (LOB) 1:00 PM ~ Live 2B Healthy Exercise (LR) 3:15 PM ~ Pablo Presents: Beethoven s Early Life (TR) 4:00 PM ~ Dakim Brain Fitness (STU) 6:30 PM ~ Classic Film Night: Singin in the Rain (TR) : LOB = Lobby, FD = Front Desk C = Café, CY = Courtyard, LR = Living Room DR = Dining Room, MC = Memory Care : Salon, STU = Study, TR = Theater Room, FC = Fitness Center : AR = Activity Room, GR = Game Room In the mood for Physical Fitness? *Throughout the calendar, physical fitness programming is highlighted in bright blue font. Chair Yoga Live 2 B Healthy Exercise Balance Bar Fitness Strength Training with Pablo Zumba with Katelynn Walking Group Fabulous Fitness Live Entertainment? Backyard Swing Tom Boyd on the 12 String Guitar Denny Colleret s Country Memories Beny Rivera J Street Studios UCD Women s Basketball Game J Mental Fitness? Dakim Brain Fitness Trivia Jeopardy with Jessalyn Word Games Scrabble Crosswords with Christiana What s Happening in the News?

12 Most of our lives fall into a routine day after day that many call being in a rut. This is typically not conducive to living moments that take our breath away so, today the question is, How do measure life at the beginning of this new year? How many times last year did something take your breath away? Or were you so busy counting your breaths that you didn t see, hear, or feel those special moments? Breathless or simply breathing? Once when I was flying over Baja California on my way to Puerto Vallarta I found myself in a state of deep contemplation. The flight is over a very rugged range of mountains that reveal so much about life in general when you study them. Much of it is arid, brown, jagged peaks which only a mountain goat might attempt to climb. Between the peaks, a few of the lower valleys sweeping downward, appear to be as silky as a white sand beach as it swoops down into the sea. There the ocean can receive it with turbulent seas or soothing surfs. There you ll see an assortment of geographical changes as you fly across the Sea of Cortez towards the mainland of Mexico and more mountains appear below, this time the Sierra Madres which also surround the Banderas Bay before they move southward. These mountains are a mixture of lush green jungle and dry, arid lands repeating the pattern and reinforcing for all to see and acknowledge, that this is indeed, the way of life. Yes, it is the way of our lives, as well. For a while we may have a calm surf and walk serenely on velvety white beaches and revel in the fact that life is good. Then suddenly, turbulent tides roll in and we say that life is not so good. Changes come abruptly without warning often. Life is full of changes not only for the mountains but for us. Sometimes the changes come in such abundance when we are growing older that they are difficult to handle. Those are the rugged peaks that even our sure-footed hoofed friends cannot easily climb. It is not easy to handle the rough terrains in our lives such as losses or seeing loved ones become ill. Or becoming ill ourselves so that we can no longer live alone or do all the things we used to do and enjoy (and perhaps took too much for granted). Or having to move from the home we ve loved and stored all our memories in, another difficult peak. Most of the time we think we are the only ones who feel the way we do when, in reality, most people going through those changes are struggling silently also. That s why it is important to be honest about your feelings, accept them as soon as you can, talk to others about them, and then move on to the place where you can again measure life by the moments that take away your breath. Next your must try your very best to live every day in an attitude of gratitude, even if it is just one tiny thing to begin with. As you practice the art of gratitude each day it will become easier and your list of reasons to be grateful will grow. Some find fulfillment in keeping a gratitude journal in which they record at least five reasons to be grateful each night before retiring to bed. This can be especially helpful when you are having a difficult day as you can reflect on all of the many reasons you have to be grateful, some you may have even forgot about over time. I ll conclude with a short story about Tom s Aunt Anne whose life was full of breathless moments. She used to say that she was so old that she never bought green bananas anymore however, she was always the first to leap into any opportunity to experience a new adventure with great enthusiasm and with an abundance of gratitude. One might argue that age has nothing to do with true contentment, but that attitude does. This year, I dare you to part ways with some of your old attitudes and adopt the more challenging ones so that you can start this year on the highest peak of gratitude.

Happy New Year. January 2018 The Carlton Times. Love Honor Provide

Happy New Year. January 2018 The Carlton Times. Love Honor Provide January 2018 The Carlton Times Love Honor Provide Happy New Year 175 Cleaveland Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925.935.1001 License# 075600194 www.carltonseniorliving.com At age 3, Louis Braille, born in