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Yes, I can totally related to the people around having a ‘different’ kind of sober dub then I’m having and having to either leave, call a friend or laugh because they are insistent that maybe I would relax if I just had a bit of ecstasy. I normally don’t hang with folks that do drugs however this incident presented itself on a hang out with a friend and I didn’t realize she would be tripping. Like you I did enough acid in my HS days to have leftover trips in my psyche. I feel really young except for my knees and since the last time I saw you and Gina on tour, I’ve lost 35 pounds and I’m still rotund mainly because I decided that if I was gonna live to be 100 I better start taking care of the rheumatoid arthritis. This past 3 months has been just a 360 degree turnaround in of motivation. I do enjoy your writing. I always have so much to read and sometimes I forget to go in substack , so I turned on notifications so I could read your blogs and Susie Bright’s and a few others.glad you and Gina survived Bakersfield! It’s Trumpville and hopefully the crowd that smacked were respectful. Take care about and I need to check out some of the fun stuff you’re selling to help with your move. Good luck 🍀👍🏽

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Hi Kathy!

Thanks for another fun look at life. You're always so honest and positive. Your weekly email is best thing in my inbox each week!

Take care and love your glasses!

Amy

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I bought the autographed guitar strap!

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More of a pelican than an egret - this comparison made my day! I'm constantly frustrated with my weight, and mad at myself that I can't do better with losing the mid-section. So I guess I'll be a pelican!

I also don't feel like an old person (I just turned 58). I always wonder if younger people see me as being old; but I feel like I'm in my 30's...and sometimes act like I'm in my 20's. Luckily, I live in one of the Over-55 communities where all of the old people are reliving their youths.

Once again, I have enjoyed reading your story. Looking forward to the next one. :-)

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Nov 30, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

I also managed to avoid the Covid until I (most likely) caught it at my doctor’s office waiting for my physical, lol. I was prescribed Paxlovid and felt much better within 24 hours. Re aging, it’s all a matter of perspective. The 90 year old will think they were young at 65. At least that’s what I tell myself to stop from feeling like an old coot.

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Thank you Kathy for this amazing post! You really cracked open a large nut😅

I’m loving the conversation you started and hope you continue to not censor your topics. More articles about aging... or as I like to think, “blossoming or maturing” will be greatly loved.

Turning 60 soon, and it’s interesting to be in what feels like the middle ground of the life cycle. I’ve heard many quotes- such as you are only as old as you think in your head.

I had an amazing inspirational 90 years young man show that to me in action. He was so youthful in his thoughts and zest for joyful moments. On his 90th birthday he came to my Pilates class- his first time to ever try it!

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Nov 30, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

Hope you're feeling better already, Kathy! Thanks for this.

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Hope you feeling better! I'm 71 and one of the "oldness" perks is that it does take longer to recover from everything! If you want something to watch - I just finished American Symphony by Jon Batiste on Netflix. Your posts always bring a smile - thank you. 🕊💙📚🎶

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Nov 30, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

Hey Kathy. I always enjoy reading your posts. Sorry to hear that you’re unwell 🤧.

Hope you make a speedy recovery.

All the best, as always,

Lynn

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Hello Kathy! I hope you are well on the way to recovery from Covid as you read this.

I really enjoyed seeing you in Bakersfield! I found the con a pleasant experience, especially reconnecting with some people whom I have not seen since 2019! I just arrived back myself from an extended holiday trip, having visited family and friends. Somewhere in my smartphone are stored pictures taken at the con. When I catch up with business, I will send them.

I would not worry about aging issues. Yes, our generation has put a more optimistic spin for our present age. It seems like proper attitude, healthy habits, and common sense can provide appropriate guidelines for us. Have you read "The Boomer Century: 1946-2046" by Richard Croker? He covers the same concerns you did in this post.

Flirting? If you feel rusty, what does that make me? I can't speak for you, but I think a need one of those "Dummies" guides to catch up...if one exists! :-)

Thanks for your latest post. Have a happy holiday season!

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Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

Hi Kathy! Here’s to a speedy recovery from the ‘Vid. I have always thought your best physical attribute is your smile. It’s electric and lights up the world. I myself have recently given up drinking. It was more for health reasons because I have developed type 2 diabetes. I’ve had to make a few lifestyle changes as a result. I hope that you’ll be uploading some more Blue Bonnets videos to YouTube. I also hope you’ll find a way to keep this band going after you move to the U.K.

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Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

I am so sorry you finally succumbed to Covid. I hope it passes quickly. Just loved this post. The comparison of the dermatologist treating us like a swarma was spot on! I have had a fair amount of carving done on my skin due to an ill spent youth in the sun. Now, much older and wiser I get checked every six months and always wonder how much liquid nitrogen is going to be used! I’m glad you had a great trip to Cabo. I enjoyed following your pictures on Instagram. Congratulations on all your years of sobriety and all of your tricks to stay sober. Wish you the best during this holiday season! Keep rocking!

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Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

Yes, yes, yes!!! We are different than our elders back in the day. I don't know if it is because of the hairstyles and clothes or if it's because there are medications and surgeries available now that weren't readily available to them years ago. Of course, occasionally the kids will remind me that I'm not as young as I used to be. 🙄 😁

I'm glad you were able to get away for a few days with your friends. Your shroom- splaining story cracked me up. 😆

I'm sorry you are sick. Hopefully, you will feel better soon! You're gonna have a busy next few weeks!

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Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

I love you. That's all. :)

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Nov 29, 2023·edited Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

Thank you Kathy! We’re about the same age, so I certainly identify with “that middle-aged thing.” I don’t feel old at all, as a matter of fact … maybe I should? … But it’s all a little confusing…

During the Pandemique (my new drag-queen name), I replaced driving with walking when I realized that everything was less than two miles away. I can walk to my favorite bakery in the same amount of time that it takes to watch an episode of “Gilligan’s Island” (which I don’t, but still…). I became a better guitar player (no arthritis as of yet), and had more time with cats. I’m at the age when I’m starting to get a little offended when I hear that Joe Biden’s “too old.” I became mostly vegetarian, and feel healthier than I ever have. And yes, I finally got Covid … which meant two days napping on the couch with the cats.

Afterwards, I thought “I’ve felt worse when we’ve had bad allergy seasons … or the occasional bout of food poisoning.” I certainly hope that you feel better soon, and look forward to more of your writing :)

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Nov 29, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine

I relate to the dermatologist thing and had a similar conversation with mine last week. I told my mom about the visit and as always with my mom's wisdom and bluntness she said "it's only going to get worse..." LOL

I avoided the Covid up until this past June, when I believe I got it somewhere between Paris and Amsterdam I had no idea I had it until I got back to the States and tested. My daughters and my dad also tested positive for the first time from our family trip. Luckily it was a mild case. Hopefully you will be feeling better soon.

I went to SF Fan Fest on Sunday, and it was so nice to see and visit with your Go-Go sister Gina. She cracks me up! :)

KV, thanks again for sharing. I always look forward to reading your dispatches.

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