I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of you and your age and what you are all doing. It's sort of like a getting to know you thread. I'm 37 and I had a total knee replacement when I was 30 after a reconstruction from a bone tumor I had as a teenager fell apart. I was told I'd be restricted physically after the first surgery 20 years ago. Isn't it funny how when you're told you can't do something, it makes you want to do it all the more? After I finished college, I got a great job that is on my feet and traveled. I got married and had a baby. I never felt restricted at all until I was pregnant with my 2nd and my knee completely fell apart. Had an arthroscopy shortly after giving birth and was given the news that I needed a replacement and I'd probably have trouble walking the rest of my life. Well, that was just not an option and I sought out a doctor that could fix me, and he did. It was a tough year of rehab, but once it was done, I was ready to be active again, return to work, care for my babies. Once again, I had to prove that doc wrong, and after I completed my first triathlon, I sent the doctor who told me that a note and a pic of me crossing the finish line. I'm doing my 3rd tri next month. My only restriction is running, so I sort of jog/power walk the running part. And the only reason I restrict myself is not because I can't run, but I'd like to get more years out of my mechanical knee. I stay physically active because my family medical history is abysmal, my father died suddenly of a heart attack last summer, my mother is hypertensive, her mother had heart disease, and the list goes on and on. I don't plan on slowing down at all, I want to keep my heart healthy. Oh and thanks to Gibby, I am hooked on yoga now as well, she recommended a yoga video to me a while back, and now I can't get enough of it.

There are some good things about getting old though. You can say any obnoxious thing and just have someone say well, s/he's just old! The older you get, the less peer pressure there is, by attrition. However, gettin' old ain't all it's cracked up to be. Hardly worth it for that senior cup of coffee at McD's. But then again, you CAN hide your own Easter eggs. You may have had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes be half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make ya dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. have bouts with dementia and poor circulation, hardly feel hands or feet, can't remember if you're 85 or 92 lost all my friends, but hey... still have the driver's license! And of course be careful when you make the same noises as the coffee maker. Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones I do, and The eyesight to tell the difference. 'OLD' IS WHEN.. Your sweetie says, 'Let's go upstairs and make love,' and you answer, 'Pick one; I can't do both!' 'OLD' IS WHEN... Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot. 'OLD' IS WHEN... A sexy babe catches your fancy and your pacemaker opens the garage door, 'OLD' IS WHEN... Going braless pulls all the wrinkles out of your face. 'OLD' IS WHEN... You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along. 'OLD' IS WHEN... You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police 'OLD' IS WHEN. .. 'Getting a little action' means you don't need to take any fiber today. 'OLD' IS WHEN... 'Getting lucky' means you find your car in the parking lot. 'OLD' IS WHEN... An 'all nighter' means not getting up to use the bathroom. AND 'OLD' IS WHEN... You are not sure these are jokes

Thanks Pieter! I searched all over the AHS site and couldn't find anything more recent than 2011. You and Don the list Man saved the day! -Babka

My most fun days in NYC have been just walking around-- particularly Soho, Tribeca, Financial District and of course 5th Avenue. I think that transcends age-- though what catches your interest in those neighborhoods may vary by age, there's plenty to see and experience. Many families go to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate-- I've never been. A favorite starting point for me is Balthazar-- just love the decor and the energy and while the bakery isn't an option there are plenty of gluten-free options. Ellis Island is on my "must see at all costs" list. I've never been but my family came in through Ellis.. and after reading A Fall of Marigolds, I realized how much I do not know. I love the NYPL and the Met-- I agree with Annie that the experience and views from the rooftop are just breathtaking but I am not sure it's open to the public anymore. I did some work at the Met about 10 yr ago and at that time, it was employees (and contractors) only. I would think the average 11 yo would prefer MOMA. So many iconic and recognizable works of art. And I am a bit of a train romantic-- love train stations. Grand Central is just gorgeous. I've never done a cruise or ferry-- but I have added that to my "must do at all costs" list also. A broadway show is quintessential NY but don't discount off broadway. I have seen and enjoyed a wide range of shows-- from dramas to audience participation type performances. Whatever you do-- have fun and hope you have great weather!