generation gaps, etc.

The only generation gap in this picture is age. Great grandson Jackson and Grandpa King seem to be communicating well here! But there are generation gaps that exist which can be the means of misunderstanding and other unintended results.

One of our granddaughters told me once there is a generation gap in humor. As I remember, that came about as I played an old Red Skelton video which I always enjoyed, but which our granddaughter didn't find to be funny at all. Other "oldie" shows I still enjoy, such as Andy Griffith and All In the Family, aren't particularly enjoyed by the younger set.

Then there's the generation gap in language. There are some words (I'll not mention them here) which used to have what I would call derogatory meanings that now seem to have a different meaning altogether. Then there are slang words, like "cool" "hot" etc. used to describe people, that very often change over time in how they're used. Some words that I always considered swear words are now used quite openly and commonly, such as the sports show called "Best d___ Sports Show Period," and the phrase "O my God," which is used with frequency on many shows. Sometimes I don't know if these terms are just generation gaps or if there is a shift in what some people deem to be right and proper. Oh yes, then there's the speed thing - talking fast I mean. I get so frustrated when someone is talking and presumable saying something I want to hear, but I can't understand because its said so fast I just can't get it. Is this just a fad that's now in vogue or is it something that will stay with us? I hope its the former.

Talking about speed reminds me also of driving. I used to be able to keep up with the best of them, even while living in New York City, but somehow the desire to do that is no longer with me. I guess you would have to call me one of the old, white head drivers one sees on the roads these days, but I find myself having slowed down a great deal when out in my car. Confession - I used to have as sort of a policy that I drove about five miles over the speed limit when on the highway. I found however that this always ended up with me going more than that because once I got out into the passing lane I found it necessary to speed up to keep from getting run over, or having someone drive on my rear bumper. So now when I'm out on the interstates I drive five miles under the speed limit and let the speeders go around me. I drive much more stress free and still get there in plenty of time.

So there! I've shown my age again haven't I. Well, know what, I don't care anymore. I know that I'm not as young as I used to be and am learning to accept the limitations, and frustrations that brings sometimes. Yes, sometimes there are gaps in understanding between us oldies and the younger ones in society, but I'm at least trying to find ways to cope with that without griping too much.

Pilgrim on the way