We will have a Veterans Day lunch celebration for Bob Haga on Friday. Bob is Holt’s grandfather, I have written about him a few times because I consider him a true hero. Bob served in WWII on a mine sweeper during the Normandy invasion. Veteran’s day honors those who have served in the U. S. armed forces. I am sure you know that Memorial Day remembers those who gave their lives while in service to our country.  
Bob is 96 and his mind is as sharp as a tack, he tells me his body is not always so co- operative. As wise as I consider Bob, I have searched for the wisdom in his advice, “do not get old.” I ask him what is a viable alternative? He laughs, knowing that he exemplifies the best solution, “live each day fully and with kindness for those around you.”  Bob is ready to join Dottie, his spouse of 76 years, when his number is up, but for now he adds value to every interaction. 

I tell you about Bob as a way of relaying that I reached a new age this week. Seventy two seemed far away and very old when I was Hank’s age, time marches on, don’t waste a minute. 

I had a great musical conversation with the desk professionals at my recent Wellness physical.  One of the crew loves the Eagle’s and we talked about their classic song-Hotel California. I remarked that I had been to the hotel and indeed there really is such a place on the Baja. I offered to do a bit more research as I would be coming back in a few days. Turns out the classic, is not really about the hotel but the lyrics are both introspective and allegorical.  The song has been described as being “all about American decadence and burnout, too much money, corruption, drugs and arrogance; too little humility and heart.”  The lyrics make sense when you consider there may be drugs involved and the hotel is an allegory for addiction, likely cocaine, “Welcome to the Hotel California—such a lovely place………”relax,” said the night man…you can check out any time like—but you can never leave.” 

In my mind, the modern day version of the hotel, would be those lost souls who think the elections are fraudulent and cannot escape their addiction to those lies. It seems our country is making progress against the conspiracy con as the elections made me less blue than I had feared. 

Celebrate life this week end, guess we never know when we will be checking out.  Mike