As we age we become concerned with the quality of life, which is contingent upon our health. It seems we all know we must take care of ourselves physically, but we must also address our mental health and memory.

Sadly humans are not like a coin that is most valuable when it’s in either “mint” or “uncirculated” condition. Inactivity is the body’s enemy and the memory is no exception. We must exercise, eat right, get good rest, drink plenty of fluids, and challenge our minds.

Personally I know too much acidic or sugary foods will muddle my thinking (and create arthritic like conditions). To combat this tendency I take acidophilus, gravitate towards alkaline foods and take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every couple of days.

Experts think higher education may help keep the memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Taking a job, pursuing a hobby or learning a new skill can benefit your memory. Other ways include playing cards, writing or playing music, doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles. The important thing is to preserve your memory with activities designed to engage and stimulate the brain.

Forgetfulness occurs at any age, but when we get older we fear Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Of course, the worst thing we can do is worry so combat your anxiety with laughter.

My car keys weren’t in my pockets. Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My husband has scolded me many times for leaving my keys in the car’s ignition. He’s afraid that the car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized he was right. The car was nowhere in the parking lot. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen.

Then I made the most difficult call of all to my husband, “I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen.” There was a moment of silence. I thought the call had been disconnected, but then I heard his voice. “Are you kidding me?” he barked, “I dropped YOU off!”

Now it was my turn to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.” He retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your %*# car!”

Upcoming events:

Saturday is the annual Allyson Mescher Memorial Co-Ed Softball Tournament held on the Versailles K of C diamonds. The time was not given.

May 23, the YMCA will be the recipient of a fundraising event by Dave Knapp Lincoln Ford. The YMCA will receive $20 for each person who road tests a Dave Knapp vehicle on the YMCA lot from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

May 29, the Versailles Vets will organize a parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. from the Vets Club and assembling at Greenlawn Cemetery for a memorial service which includes guest speaker Dr. Vivian Blevins. Following the program the public is invited for a full meal at the Vets Club.

Birthday wishes to Annabel Subler (90), Roberta Mangen, Alexis Bercaw, Keith Horst, Cyndie Rhoades, Della Burch, Charles Brown, Taylor Hayes, Dan Weaver, Jolene Rinderle, Becci Miller, Mitchell Gehle, Judy Magoto, Janice Tebbe, Donna Huelskamp, Savannah Apple, Carrie Borchers, Alan Henry, Bonnie Phlipot, Jackie Watren, Mary Lou Runner, Michael Menke, Kendall Monnin, Colleen McKnight, Sharon Kunk, Allen Platfoot, Corianna Alexander, Carol Francis, Kris Krueger, Diane Gilmore, Danielle Cochran-Ring, Della Steinke, Sue Drees, Grant Jones, Karen Lawrence, David Holfinger II, Mike Holfinger, Shad Unger, Tammy Collins, Jenny Timmerman, Ryan Langston, and Lauren Unger as their birthdays approach.

Anniversary wishes to Danielle and AJ Magoto (2), Nickie and Ryan Meyer (12), Kim and Chad Groff (14), Kelly and Barry Paulus (20), Michelle and Steve Sherman (21), Cindy and Eric Miller, Amy and Rob Carmen (21), Brenda and Doug Schmitmeyer (23), Barbara and Steve Fort (26), Lois and David Bruns (28), Vickie and Pat Monnin (34), Marilyn and Tom Blakeley (38), Irene and Bob Murphy (?), Cindy and Conrad Hoelscher (33), Betty and John Wagaman (41), Barb and Don Cordonnier (43), Wanda and Leroy Billenstein (53), Carolyn and Gary Poling (57), Karen and Jim Lawrence (58).

Retirement wishes to Linda Moody!

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Susan Browder, Anne Schmitz, Kyndal Wynk, Roger Bey, Chris Fullenkamp, Alma May, Cy Gehret, Rhonda Poling, Donna and Terry Black, Ron Bruner, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Dave Buxton, Conrad Phlipot, Betty Kremer, Vickie Cottrell, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, Sheila Spahr, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz (hospital), Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Sherri Horner Todd (57), Katy Bergman (76), Alice Brewer (77), Max Middendorf (77), Levadia Barga (86), and also remembering the lives of Virginia McClurg, Fr. Bob Monnin, Alma Pequignot, David “Bubbles” Marshal, Paul Bensman, Don “Flowers” Grillot, Ed Lease, Mamie Warrick, Janice Raffle, Allyson Mescher, Reva Bridenbaugh, Winnie Bulcher, Al Meyer, Ruth Wagner, Donald Meyer, Jonathan Wysocki, Kenny Luthman, Fr. Leo Hoying, Rick Francis, Lynn Henry, and Madison Schultz and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Forgetfulness is a form of freedom.”~Khalil Gibran

“Often in life we forget the things we should remember and remember the things we should forget.” ~Unknown

“I find these days most of my conversations begin with “Did I tell you this already or what was I going to say?” ~Unknown