The family monthly luncheon went off without too much if a struggle. The restaurant was very crowded. We were there last year on January 6, 2002. Quite empty, then. I think 9/11 kept most people home. People still did not want to celebrate with the wounds still fresh in their hearts and minds. This year, both locals and tourists were out in droves. The bill came to $210 including tip. Things are definitely going up in price. The waiters brought a piece of cake and candle for Jerry. We all sang Happy Birthday. He seemed pleased. I also gave him a couple of presents to open tomorrow (his real birthday).

B is interested in creating a home for the elderly. The elderly would not need medical care or be incapacitated in any serious way. Probably, be at that in-between stage (between living at home and needing long-term care). He wants to use the property where his house is situated. I think he said that he has 42,000 SF of land area. He in envisioning many little connected one- and two-bedroom bungalows with a central eating facility. Seems like a lot of work to me. He said that there are a lot of people our age who are unemployable in today's job market. Depressing thought.

I thought that he might gain a lot by talking to SS since she already operates a full blown care facility. She would probably be willing to visit his home and look around and give him some pointers. B feels this is an area that is currently overlooked. The elderly do not have a lot of options at this point.

I need to start back on my exercise program. I do not want to end up even partially incapacitated when I reach "elder" status.