Living at Forest Trace, the luxury resort retirement community that I call home affords me the opportunity to observe on a daily basis the many couples who entered the sacred bonds of matrimony long ago. The community’s verdant landscape encourages strolling in the sunlight, sitting outdoors and enjoying the flowers, gardens, and shimmering lake. They still hold hands, smile at one another, and converse!  I decided to investigate this phenomenon called GOLDEN LOVE and interviewed three resident couples!

FIRST COUPLE—- Sylvia and George

Married on Sylvia’s birthday, October 19th, 1941, 71 years ago, they started their marriage with a mantra that they recited to one another:

Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary too,
If the bundle’s pink, not blue,
We’ll have another job to do !

By the following year, they were expecting the Stork. Their first child was a girl, and six years later, they had a boy! In between, George served in the Air Force.  I love the story of how they met. Sylvia’s sister’s boyfriend was a friend of George. Whenever George went to visit his friend, he’d see Sylvia, who was only 13 years old.  However, George had another girlfriend at the time, who insisted on wearing a felt hat to look smart and fashionable. So George, being the young gentleman that he was, went to buy his “girl” a felt hat and took Sylvia with him. The two went shopping and had such a wonderful afternoon. They were just like the Norman Rockwell painting, where the two sipped soda from the same straw. And they have been sharing ever since. Their GOLDEN WORDS:

A man wants a woman for four factors:
1. She cooks a good meal

2. She runs a nice, clean household
3. She’s a passionate partner
4.Most importantly, the 3 “SHEs” never meet
And, this tip from Sylvia,” Never go to bed angry.”

SECOND COUPLE—-Mary and Jerry

They were married August 30, 1942 and have been married for 70 years. Every August, Jerry would visit Mary’s brother. But then, he saw Mary and thought she had a nice pair of legs! They had a three and a half year courtship and two children, a boy and a girl. Jerry was in the service, and they traveled from 1943 to 1946. Mary was a secretary and always found work wherever Jerry was stationed. Their GOLDEN WORDS:

Have patience, discuss things with one another and listen to one another

THIRD COUPLE—-Bernice and Shelly

They tied the knot on January 21, 1951 and have been married for 62 years. Shelly and Bernice met at a bowling alley in Liberty, New York. She was only 14 years old and was with her aunt.  Her aunt was very young, very flirtatious, and very instrumental in introducing Shelly and Bernice.  Bernice’s home was high on a hill, and Shelly walked her home and asked her on a date- and they have been together ever since! Shelly served in the Quartermaster Corp. After he got out of the Army, they had a big engagement party, and a very large wedding. Bernice was a social worker and an elementary school teacher. They both developed many of the same interests- travel, opera, theater and all the arts. Together they had three sons. How fortunate they were to have family who stayed with their children so they could pursue their love of travel.

Their GOLDEN WORDS:

Try not to argue, have an open mind, be kind and understanding, forgive and forget!!

Obviously, all the sage words seem to work! We wish our couples many more happy anniversaries, and many more strolls in the sunlight.

Take a peek next week!

How this complete makeover was accomplished in a relatively brief time is nothing short of a miracle to me. Nothing was disturbed during regular dining hours. It was business as usual. When I passed the dining room in the early hours, I pondered the question, “How was this accomplished while we all slept?”

And then it came to me! The “construction fairies” came during the night, and sprinkled “fairy dust” on the designated areas. They affixed their magical wands to certain areas, and “POOF”, they were ready for the new day.

Now that the masterpiece is complete, I look around and joyfully take it all in. We dine with a beautifully patterned carpet caressing our feet. Our chairs allow us to luxuriate in comfort. The illumination of the modern candelabra adds a warm glow to the room.

While dining, I look around and admire the art work decorating the walls, and it transports me back to the Louvre, the Rodin Museum, and the Gardens of Versailles. We can feast our eyes on hydrangea, peonies, and emerald green topiaries. And the ambiance is so elegant! The chiffon curtains are sprinkled with miniature rhinestones, twinkling like little stars in all their glory.

As if all this were not enough, we now have the added experience of “tables for two” outside the dining area, reminiscent of a sidewalk cafe in Paris. All we need is the sound of the squeaky horns of the French taxicabs whizzing by. Perhaps the “traffic fairies” will come one night soon and sprinkle some more fairy dust, and transport us to a lively Paris sidewalk café. At Forest Trace, anything is possible!

I love my new dining room. This may not be the actual Four Seasons Hotel, but we are dining in splendor during all four seasons.

I must also offer kudos to the “flower fairies” which come very early every Friday, to sprinkle scintillating bouquets and floral designs on our dining room tables, and throughout the building.

Viva la Fairy Dust and Viva La Forest Trace!

Take a peek next week!

My heart was aflutter, and it melted like butter, when Hal Linden appeared on the stage. He is still as handsome as ever, with that silver grey crowning glory accented with those black eyebrows, mustache, and goatee! He was in a very reminiscent mood, as he proclaimed, “I’m really an old fashioned guy!”
This was a perfect introduction to his nostalgic opening songs, “Just a Song at Twilight” and “I’m Old Fashioned.”

Hal’s theme was memories and he led us down Memory Lane with stories about his auditions and his attempts to break into Broadway. His many auditions were a dismal failure, but he never faltered, never gave up! Finally, the magic day came when he got the call that he was to appear in Bells are Ringing, opposite the immortal Judy Holliday. From then on his star began to ascend!

He sang “Long Before I Knew You” and “Just in Time” which transported me back in time to when I was in the audience actually seeing that show. He also sang a rousing rendition of “Trouble in River City” from The Music Man. He then revealed he had never aspired to be Alfred Drake, John Raitt or Robert Preston. He wanted to emulate Benny Goodman. Then WOW! He played his clarinet in a lively rendition of “Swing, Swing, Swing…!” Hal was phenomenal!

We have to remember he was a musician in the Big Band era, and played for a variety of bands including Bobby Sherwood and Ray McKinley. Hal talked about the innocence of the early years and closed on a very upbeat note, singing a rousing version of the “The Best of Times” with the audience.

How lucky we are here at Forest Trace, to have a three-time Emmy winner and a recipient of Broadway’s highest honor, the Tony award, illuminate our theater for our 23rd anniversary celebration! The after-party was equally over-the-top, with musical entertainment and liqueur coffees in the lobby or comedy club with Alan Prophet and cocktails and in the card room.

Oh what a night! Take a peek next week.

What I observe on a daily basis reminds me of Jack Benny’s theme song, “Love in Bloom.”

I don’t know if it’s the fragrance of the pink hibiscus, or the beautiful flowering trees on our green velvet lawns that is emitting this intoxicating essence, called “Love.”

Let me begin my romantic stories with the first couple, S and J, who have been a duo for almost four years since they met here. They are a fun couple, very well suited for one another who participate in almost all activities and programs. Their humorous demeanor is infectious and reminds me of George Burns and Gracie Allen. S is the straight man, and J is the comedienne!

Next, we have B and S, a devoted couple whose romance has stood the test of time. I met B at a bingo game, shortly after I moved here. Soon the conversation turned to relationships at Forest Trace and I boldly asked her if she had “a fella?” I will never forget her answer! She proudly said ” Yes, and what a guy!”

Honestly, I don’t have to go to a movie to watch a love scene! I am privy to many little romantic scenes I witness here and there.  A little hug, a peck on the cheek, a kiss on ruby red lips, and hands intertwined, are the ” Modus Operandi” of the day.

Another couple, R and S, represent to me elegance, stateliness, and friendliness. They are always smiling, extending their warmth and sage advice to those who ask for it.

A fairly new romance has blossomed on the scene. And in a short time it has bloomed into full flower. I first observed M and S on the dance floor. I thought to myself “Aha! This looks like it’s going somewhere!” And I was right.

I have to use the word “cute” and “adorable” to describe the next couple, R and L, who seem so suited for each other. They are just about the same physical height and a perfect match! He is so friendly, always wears a smile, and has astonishing life stories to tell. She is reticent, but warm, and a “colorful” personality. She worked for many years in a high position at NBC and personally knew Johnny Carson.

Then there are the “Fred and Ginger” of Forest Trace, L and T. L is a great dresser, and I call him “Beau Brummell.”  T knows how to put an outfit together also. Many times by pure coincidence, their ensembles match! Their long romance preceded Forest Trace and they followed one another here to be together.  How very romantic!

Another sweet romance is J and J. I call her the glamorous Miss G because she is “Gorgeous, Glamorous, Gregarious and Good.” She is always so helpful to everyone, ready to lend a hand to anyone in any situation and very upbeat. Mr. J is very pleasant and always ready with a smile for all.

W and E hit it off right away! He is always ready with a joke and a smile. She is very elegant and very friendly as well, and they make a beautiful pair!

A couple who have also stood the test of time are A and R. They are very compatible and attend all functions together. A recites beautiful poetry and I wouldn’t be surprised if she recited Elizabeth Barrett  Browning’s  poetry to him!

A fairly new romance is blossoming between R and A. They seem like a perfect blend, both very soft- spoken. I saw them holding hands and exchanging fluttery kisses. This is a good sign. Their personalities seem to blend very well.

M and S are a perfect match in stature and personality!  They are so alike you could almost mistake them for brother and sister, but their ongoing romance is anything but fraternal.

It took a while for the flame of love to ignite for S and I, but the fire that lit their passion and fanned the flame was dancing. S is gracefulness personified, and you can tell they know each other’s dance moves so well. They are the Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon of Forest Trace.

L is a warm, friendly gentleman known to many at Forest Trace. He will soon be a permanent resident just to be near his lady love, E.  E makes a definite statement when she walks into a room. She is endearing to all!

If I have learned one great lesson from my observations of flourishing romances, it’s this: THERE MAY BE SNOW ON THE ROOF, BUT THERE’S FIRE IN THE FURNACE!

Take a peek next week!

To be smothered in kisses by gorgeous Tom Selleck
And not made love to by some ancient relic
To have fun in life, and yet not be angelic.
That’s what I want for New Year’s!

I want to ride by the coast in a long limousine
In a car that is shiny, white and pristine
And tell time by a gold and diamond Longine.
That’s what I want for New Year’s!

I’d like to cruise to Hawaii and wear orchid leis,
And languish on deck on warm sunny days,
And drink my high tea served on bone china trays.
That’s what I want for New Year’s.

I’d like some peace and good will and men side by side,
No hunger, no famine and no apartheid
No more senseless wars, too many have died.
That’s what I want for New Year’s!
I’d like to wish all who live and work at Forest Trace,
A healthy year, and a smile upon your face
Let us all work together to make the world a better place,
As we ring in the new year with joy, happiness and grace.
That’s what I want for New Year’s!
Take a peek next week!

I became very pensive thinking what a wonderful childhood the four Lyons brothers must have enjoyed, hobnobbing with the elite of royalty. Sunday visitors included world famous artists, writers, actors, actresses, politicians, and sports figures.

My own memories took me back to our Brooklyn apartment. Every Thursday evening, like clockwork, our doorbell would ring. It was always our neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Roth, with their little white dog. Her name was Beauty but the Roths called her “Beautka”. A visit to our apartment was part of their Thursday night ritual.

Another bell ringer was the “Singing Laundry Man!” That was dear Mr. Rothman. On Saturday morning, he would ring the bell, singing loudly in Russian as he climbed upstairs with the heavy package of clean, folded laundry perched on his shoulder. He had a wonderful operatic voice, and would serenade us for an hour with many songs in Russian and Yiddish. I vividly remember on one particular Thanksgiving, my parents invited him and his family for dinner!  It was like having Placido Domingo at our dinner table.

Another neighbor was Mrs. Bisigni. She would share her Italian recipes with all of us. Mrs. Bisigni loved to sing, and actually taught me all the songs I sing to this day in Italian, such as “Oh Marie!” Right across the hall from my parents apartment lived the wonderful Sally B .She had two daughters who are still my friends to this day. Sally B .was a very social person, and invited her sisters and sisters-in-law twice a week for a very lively card game in her cozy kitchen. But the real fun was the pre-party preparations when I could accompany Sally to Ebinger’s Bakery on Church Avenue-anyone remember it? We would trek home with a “tower of boxes”, neatly tied together. The star of that show was the famous chocolate “Blackout Cake!”

Sharing these stories with my new friends at Forest Trace is so nostalgic and yet heartwarming…which is why, every night at Forest Trace, a group of us gather in the beautiful atrium and reminisce. We all represent different walks of life, and have woven a wonderful tapestry of life experiences together. Newcomers are welcome!

Take a peek next week!