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What’s in Your Lunch, Pete?

When I was in high school, my friend whom I called Pete, would bring some very interesting and enviable lunches to school. She also would, on occasion, enjoy something from the hot lunch menu at the school. I never took part in the hot lunches at my Catholic high school. I know many students did. The concept was something new to me because we didn’t have school-provided lunch choices in grade school.  All my grade school lunches were toted to school in either a beloved lunch box or a plain brown bag. But in high school, there was a daily menu. I cannot describe those lunches as my ...

The Letter Your Loved Ones Will Treasure

Dear Savvy Senior, I want to leave something meaningful for my children and grandchildren, beyond just money or property. I’ve heard about “legacy letters,” but I don’t really know what they are or how to start one. Can you help? --Legacy Seeker Dear Seeker, You’re asking a wonderful question. A legacy letter – sometimes called an ethical will – is a personal note to your loved ones where you can share your values, life lessons, cherished memories, hopes and guidance. Unlike a traditional will, which focuses on legal matters, a legacy letter comes straight from the ...

What Mom Would Do

I am licking my wounds today, not literally but close. I am, however, applying first aid ointment to a few of the scratches and punctures on my hands and arms. My wounds came after a sad battle with six of our eight rose bushes that did not survive the winter.  We spent a good portion of the rain-free Monday pulling and digging out the dead bushes. No amount of garden gloves could prevent a few painful interactions with the thorny plants. I am not sure if it was weather-related or a blight, but it became apparent as temperatures warmed that we would not have as many of our beloved ...

The Silent Warning: Understanding Prediabetes

Dear Savvy Senior, My 60-year-old brother was recently diagnosed with prediabetes, which surprised all of us because he’s fairly active and isn’t overweight. Now I’m wondering if I could be at risk too. Does prediabetes run in families, and what exactly does it mean? --Younger Sister Dear Younger, Yes, you could be at risk. Having a close family member with diabetes increases your chances of developing it yourself, though family history is just one factor. Age, weight, lifestyle, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain ethnic backgrounds also affect risk. Here’s a clearer ...

All The Ink Is Hard to Miss

I know it’s not polite to stare. However, I could not help but notice it. I was sitting in a restaurant in the Robinson Town Centre area when I noticed two men seated nearby who were having their meal.  It appeared to me that the elder of the two was enjoying a meal with his grown son. That’s just my observation. The reporter in me has a habit of being a bit nosey and watching the people around me. That’s when I noticed it. The younger man had a very distinct tattoo on the top of his left hand. It appeared to be a portrait of the face of the crucified Jesus Christ. It truly ...

How to Prepare to Be an Executor of an Estate

Dear Savvy Senior, My uncle recently asked me to be the executor of his will when he dies. I feel honored that he asked me, but I’ve never done this before and I’m not exactly sure what the job entails. What can you tell me about it? --Helpful Nephew Dear Helpful, Being named executor is indeed an honor. It shows your uncle trusts you. But it can also be a significant responsibility, especially if his estate or family situation is complicated. Here’s a look at what the role involves so you can decide if it’s something you’re comfortable taking on. Executor Duties As ...