Hanging On To Summer

           Even though the days are growing noticeably shorter and football season is upon on us, two hallmarks of fall, I'm still into summer mode. I'm not ready to shift yet maybe it's denial but the fall equinox isn't until September 22 at 9:54 pm. All around me it seems everyone is ready to drink their first pumpkin lattes (announced by Starbucks on August 28th) for crying out loud, and of course the Halloween candy and decorations are already out at Wegmans. The last straw was when my husband brought home a pumpkin pie this week! So in defiance I made this blueberry pie to counter the pumpkin craze, which he wasn't too upset about.

It's on my bucket list to go hear music outdoors this month which shouldn't be too hard, because there's still plenty to be found. Here are some good possibilities: Buttonwood Grove Winery has music through the end of the month overlooking Cayuga Lake, on their multi level deck. Warfield's restaurant in Clifton Springs is offering some in their outdoor garden on September 22, from 5:30-8:30. Then there's the Blue Heron Café Terrace at Heron Hill Winery with live music each September Sunday from 12:30-4:30, with panoramic views of Keuka Lake. Finally one of my favorites is Ventorsa overlooking their vineyards and Seneca Lake on the deck, Wednesdays through September from 6 until 9. There's still lots of summer left to be enjoyed if we just let ourselves relish the moment and not get caught up in the push to get onto the next thing.           

Santorini Surprise

      In May my daughter and I took our first trip to Greece.  I hadn't been out of the country since I was in my twenties, some 40 years ago and my daughter had never traveled out of the country. We were there because of a destination wedding. My inclination was to one day visit the Netherlands or Scotland, countries of my ancestors, people I had something in common with. So in a sense Greece chose us. And it was a country I never gave much thought to before.  We landed on the island of Santorini first where the wedding was to be held and spent 48 hours taking in as much as we could. It was like no other place I had laid eyes on before, so different from anything back home with its white washed buildings clinging to the cliffs, high above the Agean Sea. We fell in love with the people who were so gracious and friendly. But it was the food that really grabbed us, especially the white eggplant so sweet it melted in your mouth, only grown on the island because of its volcanic soil. There was this amazing honey too, especially when drizzled over creamy Greek yogurt, tasting nothing like the honey that comes from the plastic bear found in most American grocery stores. That's because the Greeks had been perfecting honey for 3,000 years and have unique flora and plants found in no other parts of the world.  
We discovered by accident a shopping paradise high above the noisy streets below in Fira, the capital of Santorini where souvenir shops mingled with high end establishments. We purchased all things Greek to bring back home, olive oil soaps, herbs for cooking, coral bracelets and magnets with island pictures to name a few.
Of course in the spirit of remembering our trip and the wonderful dishes we sampled, I recently made a vegetarian moussaka for my daughter visiting from California. My mother warned me it was labor intensive when I told her what I planned to make. She almost scared me when she said she only made it the one time. But I prevailed first with crushed tomato sauce on the bottom then layering the eggplant, potatoes and zucchini, topped with feta cheese. I also used my herb package I brought home from Greece for seasoning. This gets baked in the oven first for 35 minutes. While its baking I made the béchamel sauce a simple white sauce with milk, flour, eggs, nutmeg and butter. This goes over the cooked mixture then sprinkle with parmesan cheese and back in the oven for another 30 minutes or until browned. It's a lot like lasagna with all the assembly, but just as worth it. The laborious part was spent on all the chopping and frying the vegetables. The eggplant needs to be salted first and left to stand for 30 minutes to take out the bitterness. I learned my lesson the hard way and will oven bake the vegetables next time, especially the eggplant which completely absorbed the oil. It was way too messy. It definitely brought back the delicious taste of Greece to us!

Healing with Food

Over the years I've noticed more achy joints and am always on the search for anything that can either help or worsen this condition. I've never been formally diagnosed with arthritis although I was sure I had some in my hip but the recent x ray didn't show anything. Most of us are familiar with the more well known kinds; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Especially my husband who developed osteoarthritis in his 40s and especially feels pain and stiffness in his hands and feet. He especially swears by handfuls of sour dried cherries he consumes daily and can definitely feel it when he isn't able to get his hands on them.
 I was shocked to learn there are many more types, over 100 different kinds are know to affect so many, up to 50 million adults, according to the Arthritis Foundation. That's a lot of us looking for relief beyond pain medication that have their own side effects. It's all about managing it as there is no cure.
 Foods can make a difference in reducing inflammation which damages joints. Good oils such as extra virgin olive oil, salmon, cherries, most berries, beans, green tea, broccoli and nuts; walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are great sources of antioxidants. One of my favorite vegetables the tomato, of the nightshade family along with eggplants and potatoes has gotten a bad rap from someone who claimed it contributes to inflammation, swelling and pain. Apparently it got started because the leaves of the tomato plants are poisonous. The Arthritis Foundation hasn't found any substantial evidence through research to support this. They encourage more consumption of fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients and vitamins, including the nightshade veggies. It reminds me of the butter vs margarine debate back in the 50s when suddenly butter was the enemy because it clogged your arteries, according to one doctor's recommendation. We've since turned that on its head.
I didn't worry when I enjoyed my caprese salad from the bounty of tomatoes found everywhere in summer. The orange ones are less acidic and had a very sweet taste which went well with the thick slices of mozzarella cheese from Wegmans. All you need is some seasoning, a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic, topped off with sweet leaves of basil. It's a nice accompaniment to any dish or by itself with some toasted sour dough bread. Don't forget to top it off with a glass or two of dry Finger Lakes Riesling when you salute to summer!

               

Those Charming Country Farm Stands and a Great Peach Bellini.

                                                                                                                                
                       One of the best parts of summer is the abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and the discovery along country roads those unadvertised farm stands. Housed in cute sheds with names like Snuffys, on flat bed trucks or just a simple table, they fill a need. Because sometimes the last place you want to go is the supermarket, after a long day.
 The wagon comes to mind on the road we live off of where you will find all kinds of produce, home grown honey and arranged flower bouquets, that come in handy, especially when you need a bunch in a hurry for those special occasions. Such as last year when we picked up a half a dozen to decorate tables for my mother in law's 96th birthday party.
This week the peaches finally came out. My husband came  home his arms brimming with tomatoes and the long awaited peaches. "Here, I know you'll think of something to do with all these." he said as they scattered onto the counter top, the floral fragrance of the peaches filling the air. My eyes scanned the produce and I immediately thought of using the large heirloom tomatoes for a caprese salad that would be perfect for a mid week get together at my friend's home on the lake. They would also be great for those California BLT's that make a simple summer super. As far as the peaches go, my husband was hinting about some peach cobbler that would go with the vanilla ice cream. But what I really had my heart set on was a fruity, refreshing peach bellini. I went about making my simple sugar with equal parts white sugar and water that equaled a cup,boiled it for a few minutes and then set it in the fridge to cool. By the way did you know Wegman's sells simple sugar now? Honestly I can't imagine anyone buying it, it's so easy and cheap to make yourself. But then they think of everything, knowing someone out there will buy it. Then I pealed 5 ripe peaches and blended them in the blender and set it to cool in the fridge. Time to run out and buy some bottles of Finger Lakes Swedish Hill Sparkling Riesling for the alcohol. This house serves nothing but Finger Lakes wines, although some recipes call for Prosecco. Then it was time to blend together the simple sugar and peach puree, which was a thing of beauty. Get your mason jars, tumblers or wine glasses out to pour the peach concoction into followed by the sparkling wine, then top off with some crushed ice. A thing of beauty as well as well as being dam delicious!
                                                     

      

Summer in the Finger Lakes

                      

 

There aren't many places left on Canandaigua Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake views. There's Kershaw park a great spot for picnics and swimming but if you want to eat out by the lake and have an experience, there's nothing like Canandaigua Inn On The Lake. You can go down to the Sand Bar where the atmosphere is super casual and watch the boaters come in, with drink or two and order some bar type food. On Wednesdays and Fridays you'll catch some local talent and get to enjoy live music. Sometimes you'll find people just sitting on the grass, taking it all in. Then there's the patio up above that offers up delicious main entrees where I've celebrated many events over the years. I really love that the Inn offers Finger Lakes wines to choose from, a focus of mine who as a lover of the amazing wines we have here, am disappointed many local establishments don't show case them. After dinner you can stroll by the lake where you'll find plenty of comfortable redwood Adirondack chairs, strategically placed along side the lake in front of the Inn, to take in the sunset during the long, dog days of summer. The Inn has also added a popular Finger Lakes wine and beer tasting event under the tent on Wednesdays during July and August. I'm already freaking about the Inn's closure next year to begin their huge project to update the facility through 2020.This has always been my go to place to bring friends from out of town or just to kick back with my husband. There really is no place like it. The Inn On The Lake represents the best of summer in Canandaigua. So better get down to the Inn on the Lake and make the most of it. After all summer is fleeting in Western New York. 

Careers for Boomers the Second Time Around

In preparation for my impending retirement this year following a 30 year Social Work career, I've been searching for ideas on ways to "reinvent" myself and find something useful to do while in retirement in addition to generating some income.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels stuck after working in the same comfortable career for decades. My generation will most likely be the last to have worked in one career path with the same employer until they've reached retirement age. While this situation provides job security and for some of the lucky ones a lifetime pension, it doesn't prepare us for what Gail Sheehy, author of "New Passages" has termed the "Second Adulthood" the years from age 45 to 100+. She makes the point that for the first time in history many in the advanced countries are living longer lives well into their 80s and beyond. This means by retirement age we could still have 25 to 30 years left to fill. Sheehy poses the question in her book, "What to do with this leftover life?"
 To help with this New Age  dilemma;  USA Today offers retirement topics at retirement.usatoday.com.   2 boomer babes at http://2boomerbabes.com have a live radio show covering an array of topics such as travel, empty nesting, caring for aging parents, health and more. There is also Retired-Brains.com a site to help retirees find jobs and start businesses as almost 23.6 % of new businesses were started by those ages 55 to 64, according the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity.
Thankfully there are numerous sources on the Web to help Boomers navigate in these unchartered times!

Chefs and doctors in New Orleans are collaborating on a study of how certain foods can be used to prevent and manage diseases. The Golding Center For Culinary Medicine at Tulane University has the nation's first teaching kitchen where students, doctors and chefs can learn about the role foods can play in our health by integrating nutrition with biochemistry. It helps that the Director Dr. Harlan, is both a trained chef and physician who owned several restaurants before Med. school. Dr. Harlan believes in the benefits of medication and good diet on their own merits, but believes in the synergistic power of combing both. The Golding Center bases it's program on the principles of the Mediterranean diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish with limited meat and dairy. Several studies by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology,the Harvard School of Public Health and the Cambridge Health Alliance link the Mediterranean diet to lower risk of obesity,diabetes,certain types of cancer and heart disease. Other chefs around the country have personally seen the effects of what a diet can do to reverse health issues. New York chef Seamus Mullen is the author of "Hero Food" a cookbook he authored that has reversed his rheumatoid arthritis which often debilitated him, resulting in numerous hospitalizations.
 He believes the elimination of gluten and eating a diet of grass fed meats, eggs and leafy greens was the major factor in curing his arthritis. He was convinced in the direct correlation between food and the body's ability to deal with inflammation.  Another Doctor, Chef collaboration between Dr. Mark Hyman, the author of  "The Blood Sugar Solution", and Chef David Bouley teamed up at the 2013 New York City Wine and Food Solution to cook a healthy meal. They believe in the healing powers of foods such as mushrooms to battle tumors and sardines to protect against strokes. These chefs and physicians have complied a list of power foods and their healing properties that include;
anchovies-help reduce inflammation, avocados for lowering breast and colon cancer, berries for cardiovascular health, carrots to boost the immune system, coconut for antimicrobial properties, dark, leafy greens that are rich in minerals and vitamins important for a healthy immune system, dried beans and legumes for sources of protein, fiber and minerals, organic eggs a good source of iron, garlic to help reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer, grass fed beef that has more vitamin B that corn fed beef, organic chicken and wild salmon that have higher amounts of omega 3s, nuts such as almonds, walnuts and cashews to help reduce cholesterol, seeds that include pumpkin,chia and sunflowers to boost the immune system,  olive oil to help lower cardiovascular disease, vegetables that include squash, green beans to lower blood sugar, broccoli, boy choy,brussel sprouts,carrots,onions which all help reduce certain types of cancer and stone fruits such as peaches,plums,nectarines, cherries, apricots that have vitamin C and K, potassium and beta carotene.
Join the "Farm before Pharm" way of life for a delicious prescription to better health and take control of your health!

Check out retirementjobs.com if you are looking for a job that helps people 50 and over find work with companies that value experience from mature workers. I'm sure many of us have heard stories or experienced ageism first hand in the work world. One such example always comes to mind when a friend  who was having the hardest time finding work, despite an impressive resume, finally landed a job after he dyed his white hair brown.   When you get to a certain age you start to feel invisible especially in a society that over values youth and looks. So it is refreshing to find a business that is focused on matching the skills of older workers with companies that welcome their abilities, white hair, wrinkles and all.
Many of the jobs are part time positions for those who are interested in picking up some extra income. With boomers working longer, they are an important work force that offer much experience and a good work ethic, recognized by the certified age friendly employers.
This site also has a section that lists jobs with nonprofits for those who want a second career with a focus on making a social impact. You can access weekly webinars and useful topics for a small monthly fee.
Since 2005  one million members have taken advantage of the free job search,  career test and useful information geared to helping older workers remain in the work force.

My daughter's recent graduation from Ithaca College brought back distant memories of my own 35 years ago, causing me to reflect on both the similarities and differences in our experiences. Our paths were similar in that both of us transferred to private colleges after attending SUNY institutions for a year, where we found the experience to be less to our satisfaction, craving a more stimulating and challenging learning environment. After High School I went off with a group friends to a Community College near Albany and ended up the only one out of the 4 to go on to get a degree. The rest headed back to our home town after only a year, lonesome for their boy friends. It turned out to be a pivotal moment for me as I realized I needed to surround  myself with like minded people who shared the same goals and dreams.  I serendipitously found this and much more at my Alma matter 13 hours away from home. My daughter also headed to school several hours from Albany and although she enjoyed the proximity to NYC, she got tired of the laid back attitude she felt many took regarding their educational experience.
 We both formed close friendships and thrived in the small classes with personal attention from professors in our respective majors. We worked on campus and joined various clubs making the most of our college experience and discovering much about ourselves in the process. But that's where the similarities end and the differences begin. My career choices in 1974 were limited to that of teacher, secretary and social worker, according to the Guidance Counselor and my parents. Fortunately, in 2014 our daughter's choices for career opportunities are unlimited, thanks in part to the women from the Baby Boomer generation who went before them and helped break through the glass ceiling we were confined to. Today's college graduates are sadly leaving with record debt on an average of  $33,000, nearly tripling the amount grads paid back over 30 years ago when I graduated. The younger people of this generation will have to be more creative about making a living, with corporate shrinkage and fewer jobs. I believe they will be able to accomplish with the Internet and all the many facets of communication at their disposal, which they are so adept at utilizing to accomplish their means. My daughter told me about a case in point where a graduate from IC is a Youtube sensation with over a million hits of her unique comedy routine.
 Despite the dismal facts, I'm still convinced that the path my daughter took has made her a more confident, prepared person that will lead her to a fulfilling career and that she is living in a time of unsurpassed opportunity.

Now that the long winter is finally behind us we can turn our energy toward spring and planting. My husband is indisputably the master gardener in the family with his wild flower gardens carefully planted to attract birds and butterflies. But I love my pots of fragrant herbs that are easy to grow and care for with so many uses from cooking to medicinal. This time of year many of the local garden centers offer free seminars with tips on how to grow herbs and their purposes. Some good web sites to reference are www.guidetoherb.com and www.the-herb-guide.com. Here you will find recipes for every dish imaginable from sauces to herb butters. Drinks can also be enhanced with herbs for both flavor and color. Medicinal uses are an important aspect of many herbs that have been known for many centuries.
Ten cooking herbs that grow well in the Northeast are basil, chives coriander, dill, rosemary, mint, parsley, sage, tarragon and thyme. You can mix many together in a large container, except mint which will take over and needs to be grown separately.  Raised beds are an attractive and functional way to manage your herb garden. If space is an issue your herbs can grow in just about anything from mason jars to baskets on your patio or deck. Most are easier to grow than houseplants and just require a sunny, warm place. When the season ends, you can preserve your herbs by drying them in bunches, or freezing chopped herbs in an ice cube tray filling the well 2/3rds full with your favorite herb and a shot of olive oil. It's a rewarding and economical way to cook healthy and have fun experimenting. Happy planting!

"The Task" is an eight part series in the New York Times written by Olivia Stone about the emotional and overwhelming task of going through her parent's home of 30 years after her father's death. She poignantly captures the emotions she experiences during the monumental task it takes to sort through a houseful of belongings and memories.  She wrestles with how to decide what to throw away and what to keep, and the fear of throwing away the wrong things that could erase a loved one in the process. Despite the angst it created she comes to understand her parents through the experience and the glimpses that emerge hold surprises and personal revelations. Reading her mother's diaries and letters felt intrusive at first but she discovers her mother was more like her than she realized. How much they both loved traveling and the sense of freedom it gave them. A minimalist at heart she came to understand the significance of all their personal belongings that provoked long forgotten memories, the worn couch where one of her friends slept during a blizzard, her dad snoozing on it after cooking Christmas dinner all day. Her mother who died when she was in her 20s came alive to her when she came upon  one of her scarfs that still held the scent of her favorite perfume after all those years. Her father's fascinating work as a journalist traveling the world in search of stories was all there in carefully organized cabinets.   
At some point we will all face "the task" that comes after loved one's die and leave behind their possessions to disperse, but Olivia Stone helps us to see that despite the grief and pain it causes, it can be a life altering journey to be embraced where the memories of our past and long gone loved ones come alive and comfort us.

 You can take an existing craft , make it more appealing  and end up very successful like baby boomer Jenny Doan, the owner of Star Quilt Co. She perfected a method to teach quilters how to create one in as little as one day by using pre-cut fabric patches she includes in her kits. Her key to this success were her online tutorials that appealed to wannabe quilters who liked her simpler approach that yielded quick results. It also helped that her kids were tech savvy and helped her make tutorials on YouTube that have drawn as many as a million viewers from all over the world.
So who knows maybe you have a talent or skill that can be made appealing and profitable to the world like Jenny!

Story Corps has been collecting over 50,000 life stories from Americans since 2003 who come from all walks of life. In addition to their main recording sites in Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco, there are mobile recording units that travel to various cities where you can sign up to record your unique story from a family member, mentor or friend. The project provides people from all backgrounds the opportunity to preserve their stories which are then archived in the Library of Congress for anyone to access. You can listen to these inspiring stories at www.storycorps.netwww.storycorps.net.
 For those of us who are interested in recording our own stories go under the heading Go To Record Your Story, where you'll find great sample questions under various subjects to chose from to get you started. They offer useful instructions for equipment to use and suggestions for creating a conducive setting for the best possible interview. You don't have to spend a lot of money on equipment either and can use what ever technology is available, even your cell phone can be used to record if that's all you have or pen and paper.
Remember that everyone in our lives has an interesting story that needs telling. Recording them ensures they are passed along for future generations and not lost. Now is the time to capture these unique stories that are all around us and do them justice.

Between the Chicks is a line of clothing for women designed by 2 ex models who are now in their 50's.  The patterns are colorful and the designs are simple with coverage in all the right places for middle age figures. The polyester blend material is not clingy which is especially important for less than perfect figures. Best of all there are no hooks or zippers to bother with and the fabric is wrinkle free. I liked that the price was all inclusive and included the tax and shipping. The tops and dresses would especially make great traveling items with no ironing needed.  In my never ending quest for flattering yet stylish clothes that are age appropriate, these fit the bill!

Take charge of your health in the new year by seeking out a Certified Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian. They understand the important role of  nutrients in foods and vitamins and how they interact to affect diseases and conditions, both positively and negatively. High amounts of calcium supplements for example can lead to prostate cancer or that diverticulitis can be controlled by a diet high in fiber. They will devise a personalized health and diet plan based on your unique health needs.
In addition check out www.paulaowens.com Paula Owens, M.S. on the web. She is one of the nation's leading experts on nutrition, holistic health, fitness and fat loss. She consults with clients locally in her Phoenix office and throughout the world by phone or Skype. Check out the informative article in her blog archives on how to naturally lower blood pressure and cholesterol, something many of us struggle with, in addition to other useful topics.
Boomers take control the natural way by eating the right foods, taking the right supplements and exercising however,wherever you can.

With a new year fast approaching it's time to think about what we want to accomplish and make lists of lofty goals that we may or may not achieve. I caught the tail end of an interview this weekend with a woman who was diagnosed with cancer that resonated with me. She talked about how her cancer scare made her realize that she needed to experience more and move outside her comfort zone. So she made it her mission to try something new and find different ways to change her usual routines by making small changes. She gave an example where instead of taking the train home one day, she decided to walk and marveled at all the wonderful places she got to see as a result. Her point was to begin and shift one's perspective in small ways.  I have the tendency to think that significant growth can only be accomplished with big lofty goals, only to be disappointed when they don't materialize. So this year I'm going to do things differently and make smaller changes more often and not wait for the big events in life to find personal satisfaction. I'll try a new shade of lipstick, not have Tuesday taco night every week, take a different route home, read mysteries instead of histories, drink a cocktail not Riesling and play in the snow instead of sitting by the fire. Move out of the comfort zone and challenge myself in small ways. Stagnation can result when we hang onto the same rituals and habits we have successfully created for ourselves in order to control our world and create a predictable, safe life.  Maybe Bill Murray's character in the movie "What About Bob?" had the right idea, with his "baby steps" approach toward overcoming fear and achieving a better you.

The lost art of letter writing that is giving way to emails and in some cases emails that are giving way to social media, is a source of concern to writer Simon Garfield. He writes a thought provoking article in the Wall Street Journal outlining his concerns that historians will no longer be able to piece together events as they have in the past by reading personal correspondence that have for hundreds of years been the primary source of historical information. Over the years I have personally saved all my letters from close friends and family that have helped me remember  long forgotten events and brought me back emotionally to important times in my life. Mr. Garfield laments the fact that family letters buried away in attics will be a thing of the past, as written communication gives way to a different form. Currently archivists at some of the world's largest institutions including the Smithsonian Institution, the British Library and the Brodleian Library at Oxford to name a few are grappling with how to handle the present forms of digital material. We have gleaned so much for example from love letters between historical figures such as Henry the VIII and Anne Boleyn and John and Abigail Adams about not only their feelings for each other but how they perceived events in their times. Mr. Garfield ponders that "The future of human communication is still a cloud of uncertainty".

To celebrate a milestone birthday in a fun and interesting way, the Flavor Of Rochester.Com Blogs, featured a woman who visited 60 wineries during a cross country trip to celebrate her 60th. She collected a bottle of wine from each winery and great memories along the way. You could take her clever idea and apply it to any passion or interest you have to come up with a meaningful way to celebrate a big birthday.  History buffs could celebrate by visiting the president's homes and presidential libraries scattered around the country. Nature lovers could have a memorable time visiting our beautiful National Parks starting from the shores of Maine to sunny California.
 I could conceive of celebrating by combining the wineries, history tours of the president's homes and libraries with stops at the National Parks along the way, for a great way to celebrate the impending 60th birthday, only a few years away.
 At any rate it's fun to think about a theme for your next "milestone birthday" and do some day dreaming about traveling and experiencing some places and things you have on your "bucket list" of things to do.

"Still Foolin' 'Em" by Billy Crystal, is his hilarious take on growing old from one of the funniest comedians of our generation. As he turns 65 and joins the 77 million baby boomers who are also hitting this milestone, he wonders how he got to this point and when he started looking like his uncle Al. "Where I've Been, Where I'm Going and Where the Hell Are My Keys". He captures with humor the physical changes and indignities of aging endured by boomers in American society. More trips to the Dermatologist than to see his grandchildren, older men who have given up and wander the malls after their wives, dental cleanings where jackhammers are now needed to chisel the tartar resembling a coral reef and embarrassing your spouse by nodding off at Broadway performances. It is also part memoir of his fascinating career and great stories of the people he met on his way up. You'll feel better after reading Billy's new book knowing he is also going through the challenging aging process with humor we can relate to.

Nostalgic baby boomers are gravitating in numbers to see tribute shows to the 60s and 70s rock stars we loved growing up. Recently I attended the Back To The Garden musical tribute celebrating Joni Mitchell, Carol King and Laura Nyro, at a packed show in the Ithaca Hangar Theatre. It was great to be in the company of so many boomers singing and swaying to the songs that shaped our youth.
 On Broadway there is the Night With Janis Joplin show packing the house where you can hear those favorite Joplin songs, Down on Me, Going To Montery and Bobby McGee sung by the talented and believable Mary Bridget Davis.  You can also see Motown on Broadway which tells the story of Berry Gordon, the founder of Motown and hear over 50 hits of various artists such as Stevie Wonder, Glady's Knight and The Pips, Diana Ross and the Jackson 5 to name a few. Then there is the Fab Four Beatles tribute show started in 1997 and still going strong around the country.
So be prepared to do some day tripping back to the 60s and 70s with the flood of memories that come back when music was such a force in our lives. It makes you feel young again hearing the songs that meant so much and remembering the events attached to them.
Long Live Rock and Roll!