Editor’s Note
By Marie Elium
I’ve got Christmas feet.
That’s what my husband calls it when he’s been Christmas shopping for too long… too long being exactly one minute longer than is absolutely necessary to be at the mall. His feet are restless to leave. It’s an affliction that can occur any time of the year, mostly targeting men, in my experience.
After 16 months of staying home (and feeling guilty when I didn’t), my feet and the rest of me are restless to leave. And because it’s summer, I feel the urge to resurrect the vacation road trip. It’s in my DNA. Our family vacation was a summer mainstay when I was young. My parents packed four kids into the station wagon and headed off to show us the world — and the world then meant anywhere accessible by interstate.
We drove to Phoenix to visit family, roamed steamy Washington, D.C., and made our way to beaches and battlefields. We saw monuments and museums and national parks — all impressively grand, now reduced to blurred memories.
Here’s what I do remember: the stomach-churning smell of Maine starfish drying in our car rear window, shark’s teeth dug from a Chesapeake Bay beach, and the careful way, each night, Dad repacked a pinata I bought at a Texas bordertown market.
My starfish-drying days are behind me, but I like to see the beach now and then. And I can’t remember the last time I bought a pinata, though going someplace exotic sounds fun.
To be completely honest, I’m ready to get back home after a few days of travel. I like my stuff. I have a favorite pillow. I silently judge people who need help with carry-on luggage. I think big-city restaurant menus are too small, both in selection and print size.
Travel is one way to live “Your Best Life,” the theme of this issue. Someone who’s spent time on the road is musician Neil Giraldo, though I doubt he’s a big shark tooth collector. Our pop culture columnist Mike Olszewski met Neil years ago when Mike worked for WMMS. He brings us up to date with the Cleveland-area native, his life with wife Pat Benatar, his thoughts about the Rock Hall, and his latest venture.
I’m not a big wine drinker, preferring vintages just this side of cherry cough syrup. But I know plenty of people who are, and some of them make it themselves. We have a story about folks who have the enthusiasm and ability to turn lowly grape juice into something far tastier and drier than the stuff I like.
Finally, I’m encouraging you to tell us about someone in Northeast Ohio who has made a difference in the lives of people aged 50+. Have they created a product? Solved a problem? Improved living conditions for older adults? Supported grandparents raising grandkids? Tell us. We want to recognize them through our Boomer Impact Awards, which we’ll announce in our November/December issue. Go to northeastohiothrive.com for details. Nominations open July 15.
I have a new suitcase (again, I like my stuff) and I’ve planned a few trips this summer, mostly extended weekends. I guess I’m making up for lost time. I see the Hallmark Channel again is showing Christmas movies throughout July. I’ll probably watch a few when I’m home. After all, I’ve already got Christmas feet.
Marie
