I got this from the cartoon page in The Alpena News. It hits me like a senior mantra. “You can’t skip a chapter in life and look ahead. You have to finish the pages one day at a time.”

After dealing with no heat, no water, missing flights, catching COVID, I sometimes would like to flip the pages of life to a sunnier part of the story.

Earlier this month, I was trying to get down and put all the Christmas decorations away one day at a time. Uncle Arthur (arthritis) is a pain in the knee, but Aunt Stubborn refuses to give in. There is a whole lot of Aunt Stubborn in much of the senior community.

After running away to sun for two weeks, I found I missed home, even the cold and snow. Snow is pretty from inside the window or in front of the fireplace. Watching chickadees at my front window feeder, they do not seem bothered by snow or me staring at them.

This is a new year, and the last one was filled with anger and hate. I wish my country would find a path to forgiveness, love and peace. I have spent all my life having pride in being an American. Last year I heard about things that made me embarrassed. I guess I have never found a person or thing to hate except hate itself. I hope I never do.

Join me in support of neighbors and all the things we love. The sky, the water, the birds, the animals. As I said in the ’60s — Peace and love, brothers and sisters.

I see all the programs the Association of Lifelong Learners presents in the winter, and I’m glad I’m a member.

To learn more about the Association of Lifelong Learners, go to associationoflifelonglearners.org, call 989-358-7207, or email all@alpenacc.edu.