January 29, 2025

The Laundry I sure would welcome some feedback on this topic. Do all men hate to change linens or is this just a Sexy Grandpa issue? For years now, 27 to be exact, every time I announce ‘Let’s strip the bed so I can wash the linens’, I get the same response. “You just washed them.” Well, linens do need require laundering and I do my best to have some reasonable schedule for when. To avoid this continuing saga, I asked Sexy Grandpa, “How often do you think we should do this? He finally agreed to twice/monthly on the 1st and 15th. Given that we decided this was a do-able compromise, I didn’t expect any resistance. Guess what? Today, when I announced, “It’s time to strip the bed” I got an argument. “Let’s wait until the weekend.” Knowing that would now throw off the schedule we had created, I simply wasn’t going to allow that to happen. I got up at my usual time. I took off the cases on both of my pillows, lifted the 2 contour corners on my side of the bed and drew back the linens half way to his side. I then went on my way to get ready for LA Fitness (my every day water aerobics program). Sexy Grandpa was still half asleep when I kissed him goodbye and headed on my way. I knew when he did wake up, the choice was his. Would he remake my side of the bed OR strip the remaining side and put all linens in the laundry room? If I were to wager, and again, knowing that everything he does for me works in his favor (remember, it’s all about benefits) I figured the total pile would be waiting for my return. And, guess what? I was right. Here’s the rest of the story, however. On top of the pile, my loving husband had left the following note: I do love you very much! The handwritten message, brief though it was, literally made me smile so much. Sure, he may have had an ulterior motive. Sure, he knew he had lost the battle over laundry. Or, and I believe this to be the reason – Sexy Grandpa DOES love me very much. And, the note was another way of sharing how he feels in spite of the task he hates to do. Well, of course, the first of next month will be yet another laundry day issue. Or, maybe – just maybe, I’ve won the battle forever and THAT would surely put a smile on my face. I do, however, have to add one more point to this story. And that is, we BOTH hate to make the bed once the linens are fresh and clean. At least we agree to do this part together! Stay tuned. We’re counting on you to keep us young at heart! Sassy Grandma

Pre-Approved From the minute we enter the world we look for approval. We expect it from our parents, grandparents, family and friends. As we become toddlers, we look for approval from our siblings and our playmates. As pre-teens, we want approval from our teachers, coaches, and everyone else. Throughout our difficult and challenging teen years we only want approval from our peers. During this stage we aren’t interested in what our parents or family think. Suddenly, it happens. We become young adults. All of a sudden everyone wants to approve us. We get flooded with mail pre-approving us for almost everything. We are pre-approved for every credit card imaginable. We get pre-approved for auto loans and home mortgages. We are even pre-approved for life insurance with no questions asked and no physical examination required! All this pre-approval got me thinking. Have you ever been pre-approved for good health, happiness, great relationships, financial security, or success? The fact is, in life there are many areas where pre-approval is not possible. You can’t be pre-approved for good health unless you make good choices. This means no smoking, choosing to monitor your eating habits, and a regular schedule of exercise. What about happiness? Do you know anyone who has been pre-approved for happiness? You can’t buy happiness at your local shopping mall. It can’t be prescribed by your primary care physician. Happiness will not show up on your doorstep neatly wrapped in a UPS package. Happiness is found within you and is created by you. Great relationships are built on respect and trust which each person earns. A successful marriage is built on mutual respect, honesty, commitment, intimacy, and shared goals and desires. No pre-approval possible. Financial security is a choice we make. Check out your economic well being. Are you living from paycheck to paycheck? Are you drowning in credit card debt? Plan for the future and begin to pay yourself first. Only you can pre-approve yourself for financial security. What about success? No one other than you can pre-approve yourself for success. Success takes work. It is a mixture of desire, energy, attitude, courage, risk, imagination and vision. It is a reflection of your belief system. An unstoppable belief in yourself is the only way you can pre-approve yourself for success. As we continue to journey through this New Year with new resolutions, new goals and renewed hope for the future, I’d like to pre-approve you for good health, prosperity and continuing happiness. Stay Tuned…Sexy Grandpa

Reassuring Phone Calls Early in our relationship and continuing throughout our marriage, Sexy Grandpa and I created an understanding around reassuring messages. Over the years, “Be safe”, “Call if you are running late” or “Touch base” during the day when we’re each out and about have become a valued and appreciated part of our growing, intimate relationship. When I know I’m not going to make it home when I originally thought I would, I call to let my husband know. Why would I want him to worry unnecessarily?   And, predictably I hear him say, “Thanks for letting me know and be safe.” Or, “Just be safe – I’ll be here when you get home.” “I love you.” In our world, this small gesture is a big deal! It’s a reminder that we are loved. It’s a reminder that each other’s well-being is important to one another. It’s one of many opportunities we have to express how much value we place on loving communication and closeness. Many years ago, and during a crippling snow storm, Sexy Grandpa was 20 minutes from home and called to tell me where he was, not to worry and that he’d be home soon. An hour later, no husband and no phone call. An hour and a half later, again, no husband and no phone call. Two hours slowly passed. I was frozen in panic. He didn’t answer my call. I didn’t receive one. I was absolutely petrified that something horrible had happened. How could 20 minutes turn into 2 hours? When I finally heard the door open, I burst into appreciative tears. There was no, “Why didn’t you call me?” All I could think of is my overwhelming gratitude for his safety. Well, the explanation of what happened followed. First, phone battery died. Then just after we spoke, an overturned vehicle blocked the roadway he was on and no one could pass going in either direction. Sexy Grandpa knew I’d be absolutely frightened and there was nothing he could do at the time to easy my worry. The only thing he could control was to arrive home safely no matter how long that would take. Even before this incident, we have always recognized the importance of reassuring phone calls. After this happened, we recommitted to keeping one another informed during delays, to touch base and to express love first and foremost in our conversations. This understanding has stood the test of time – 27+ years and a strong foundation to our enduring love. I hope you, too, remember that reassurance is a key component to intimate relationships. May you never face the kind of uncertainty I did during that crippling snow storm. Stay tuned. We’re counting on you to keep us stay young at heart. Sassy Grandma

Values The late Jim Rohn, a business philosopher, once said, “The major value in your life is not what you get. It’s what you become.” Values give us a “moral” compass. The Western value system is founded upon certain clear principles, which include fairness, honesty, truth, integrity, freedom, respect for others, equality and justice. Our political values include freedom of speech, equal justice before the law and democratic rights. Qualities like compassion, humility, tolerance and forgiveness also resonate within our value system. You are most authentic and most alive when you reflect on and talk about what you value—that which has real meaning for you. You might say these are the core values that form the essence of your character. As such, they provide the rest of us with clues as to who you really are and what principles you stand for. What you value may sometimes include the ordinary and often unnoticed, such as a beautiful sunset, a barefoot walk on wet grass, lovers holding hands, the soft skin of a newborn baby, blooming flowers and trees, and stimulating conversation and, of course, making love to Grandma. Values also reflect the importance we impart to issues of principle. At the deepest level, they are issues over which you may give up your life rather than compromise. On the surface, however, they represent issues that you are most likely to get into arguments over, or even lose your job over. When we live in harmony with our values, we tend to be happier and more content. Conversely, when we live our lives contrary to our basic values, we begin to experience dissatisfaction, depression and disillusionment. Each individual has his or her own value system. What is important to me may not be important to you. Either way, it is essential that we live our lives congruent with what we value. I value and cherish my family, my relationships and of course my special relationship and love for Grandma. What do you value? Stay in Touch…Sexy Grandpa

My Cell Phone Here’s the issue, plain and simple. I own a Samsung, Galaxy S-6. Is this the phone I wanted? No. Do I need this fancy phone with dozens of apps? No. Do I talk to it? No. Do I want to? No. OK, you’re thinking – then why the heck (he–) did you buy it? Answer: Sexy Grandpa! Yes, Sexy Grandpa! HE decided that I was living in the dark ages with my flip phone. I was fine with it. Well, when it died, and it did, we went to Verizon together to consider the options. And, a flip phone was not one of them! The sales clerk informed me that I would love the new technology and that I’d never look back. In fact, she reassured me that once I got used to all the bells and whistles, I’d wonder why I waited so long. Well, as of now, nothing she ‘predicted’ has happened! I find I use this fancy equipment mostly for a few reasons – email, phone calls, contact list, the time, occasional website visits and fitbit stats! I forget to post dates in the calendar. I’ve yet to check weather or traffic on my phone. And, all the apps with all the games and convenient ‘data’ available with a tap on the screen simply is of no interest. All the icons on the ‘home page’ actually overwhelm me. I guess my resistance also is a reflection of what I see Sexy Grandpa doing. If he’s not checking sports scores, texting his son (none of the kids call anymore), opening emails when he hears a ding noise or taking to Siri, we actually might be doing something together. I find the modern phone an intrusion. Sexy Grandpa’s connections seems so often to replace our real time TOGETHER with what’s going on with his iPhone. Who cares? Why is this immediacy to secure information important? Why can’t checking in on a phone wait? And, of course, my husband is in the majority. Cell phone activity seems to consume owners everywhere – gym, restaurants, walking on the street, movie theaters and really any time someone is out and about. Am I being resistant? Am I choosing to not get sucked into the very thing I find annoying when I view others always on their phones? Do I not have a ‘need to know’ by always plugging in when the need arises? Have I ever missed a birthday, appointment or any scheduled event? (Not that I’m aware of!) Believe me, the phone is convenient and I wear it when I’m away from home. Am I attached? No. Am I content with limited use? Yes. Do I miss my flip phone? No. That doesn’t mean I’m thrilled with this purchase. It simply means that my Samsung is a phone. It is not my life or my life line. As long as I can connect when I need to, I’m fine. Maybe I am in the minority. At my age, I suspect many of my generation find current technology overwhelming as well. If not, oh, well. I smile when Papa Phil, aka, Sexy Grandpa, facetimes our grandkids. I’m glad when he finds an alternative route to a horrible traffic tie up. I’m happiest, however, when his phone is nowhere in sight and it’s just the two of us! So, that’s the story! Stay tuned.   We’re counting on you to keep us young at heart! Sassy Grandma

The Sock Drawer Trust me.   You do want to read this blog regarding Sexy Grandpa and his addiction to fancy socks! It really is an addiction. I don’t think we ever go into a men’s store or the men’s department without him wanting to ‘check out’ the socks! A few years ago, a blinding snow storm that hit the Northeast delayed my flight home 5 days. I was lucky because even though my conference was in Connecticut, the distance to NY City was within a reasonable commute and I got to spend 4 unexpected nights with my daughter and 3 grandsons! New Yorkers don’t stop for anything so the four of them did what they always do – work and school. Not only did I not have enough warm clothing, I had no intention of going out in the blistery weather. My daughter insisted, “How can you be in THE City and not go out to a museum or something?” My answer was the same. “I’m happy to have the apartment to myself – to relax and read. Will get dinner going.” So, you’re thinking, what the hell does this have to do with socks? Stay with me! On previous visits, Sexy Grandpa and I loved browsing at a discount department store not far from my family’s apartment. Recalling the great sock selection they carried and a brand my husband loves, the day before I was scheduled to catch a flight, the snow had stopped, kids and daughter headed out as usual. I decided it would be a perfect time to venture out AND go by the department store. I grabbed my daughter’s extra pair of boots, a warm coat and scarf and went on my way. I took the escalator to the 4th floor men’s department. Remembering exactly where the socks were located, I headed to that department. When I tell you, I found it easily and literally at least one hundred pairs of socks lined this huge wall. The colors looked beautiful and the designs amazing. I stood there overwhelmed at the array before me.   Just above the display was a great sign: All socks half off! Oh, my gosh! All $6 socks now on sale for $3. I couldn’t believe my good fortune – $3! After some time, I picked out 6 pair. Now you may not think that’s a lot, however, Sexy Grandpa has an entire dresser drawer devoted just to his socks. I figured, this was a nice surprise, one that would make him smile and chose not to get carried away. In my 4 days in NY City, the only thing I bought were some groceries and 6 pairs of socks. My husband was thrilled with my purchase and felt loved. (Oh, and I forgot to mention, I was caught in New York on a Valentine’s Day weekend.) We were both so happy I was safely home. When he went to put the socks away, guess what? Two of my selections were duplicates! Go figure. Last count, Sexy Grandpa now has 34 pairs tucked inside one another like a ball and 9 that haven’t been worn! I really don’t begrudge his sock addiction considering what mine is! (Which is considerably more expensive than his!) Stay tuned because I’m not going to tell you here. Promise will share another time. This blog is all about THE sock drawer. Hey, if it takes this to put a smile on Sexy Grandpa’s face, it’s worth it. Stay tuned. We’re counting on you to keep us young at heart! Sassy Grandma

Romantic Grandpa The two of us love watching the Hallmark Channel and when we do, we like to sit close together to enjoy one of their movies. Although the features are somewhat predictable, we still appreciate relief from all the violence and disruption in today’s world by watching a story with a happy ending. I refuse to go to any theater where a violent movie is being featured. There is enough terror in real life without having to pay to watch this on the silver screen. (How often do we pick a movie only to have the 3-4 previews turn out to be just the kind of movies we are trying to avoid? This occurs all the time.) Sexy Grandpa teases me because my #1 film choice is often a ‘chick flick’; the truth be told, he’s quite the romantic and sheds a tear or two when the ending brings the actors lovingly together. We have fun together forecasting how a Hallmark movie will conclude and we are usually right. The other day, I got to thinking about my husband’s romantic side and quickly realized how often it shows up or is expressed. Maybe the Hallmark movies are ‘rubbing off’ on him? Maybe, he’s just been romantic all along and I’m becoming more aware? Whatever the reason, I’m so grateful that Sexy Grandpa shows his softer side, is willing to be vulnerable and doesn’t let the macho man mystique override his gentle, loving nature. Here are some examples: Leaving notes for me happens quite often. The other day, I baked one of his favorite recipes – banana bread. This particular one was a thank you gift for a neighbor. Anticipating that he’d take a slice when I wasn’t watching, I put the following note nearby: “Don’t even think about it!” Well, the note got replaced with “I did!” Maybe to you this doesn’t fit into the romantic category. For me, I smiled and knew that my initial note caused my husband to smile as well. Additionally, while I’m not really paying attention, Sexy Grandpa told me he loves to watch me undress and that alone ‘turns him on’. While, most women don’t consider themselves sexy changing clothes, I’m grateful to have a man who thinks that way! (I’ve even added spice every now and then when I sense he’s looking my way. Hey, why wouldn’t I knowing now how that makes him feel?) Another example is something that gets verbalized daily. Sexy Grandpa will tell me – maybe when we’re watching TV or just getting cuddled in bed – “Have I told you today how much I love you?” Imagine hearing this every day? Can you imagine how romantic I feel hearing this wonderful and loving message? I make it a habit to exchange his question with mine: “If tomorrow never comes, do you know how much I love you?” Being romantic with one another even after all these years continues to be an integral part of our intimate relationship. Whether it’s writing a note, gazing loving when the other is unsuspecting or not letting a day go by without expressing love, having Sexy Grandpa as my romantic partner is a treasured gift. I feel his heart and he feels mine. In our world, romance is alive and well. And, may it continue forever! Stay tuned. We are counting on you to keep us young at heart. Sassy Grandma

The Best Present Ever! Do you or your partner have a loose change jar on the dresser? Sexy Grandpa did at one time.  One day I noticed that he had 3 piles of coins set up in the following way – One nickel, one penny and one dime. Finding it curious, I asked him what were the piles all about. His reply follows: “As you know, every morning I get my coffee at Barnes & Nobel. The total with tax is $1.66. When I give the server $2 and $.16 she gives me back 2 quarters. I set up the piles to grab one on my way out.” My response, “Are you for real?” My husband’s response, “I’m efficient.” So, of course you’re wondering, what does this have to do with the title of this blog? I happen to be at The Container Store one afternoon and as you may know, they have containers for EVERYTHING. I was roaming one of the aisles when I came across a lucite 4 compartment container. I thought – this would be a perfect gift for Sexy Grandpa so he could efficiently separate his change without having to dig into a jar of mixed coins. I have to say, the idea of gifting him this got me really excited. (I know, excited over this? YES!) Not wanting to interfere with the jar he had already started, I went to the bank and got a roll of each coin – 1 for quarters, 1 for dimes, etc. I emptied the coins in the compartments, beautifully wrapped the container and gave the gift to my husband for his upcoming birthday. I honestly had trouble waiting 3 weeks, knowing that he would laugh, love and appreciate what I had done. And, I was not disappointed. I handed him the gift. I told him he would really, really love what I had carefully selected. I wish you could’ve seen his face when the package got opened. For a moment, he didn’t quite get what I had done. Then, the light bulb went off! “Did you buy this to replace my coin piles?” Then Sexy Grandpa burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you did this! When did you come up with the idea? What a great present!” The new set up is perfect for my efficient guy. Each day he grabs a nickel, a penny and dime before going on his way. And, empties the quarters when he returns. While it may seem like a simple and maybe ridiculous procedure, I smile every time I see the holder sitting on his dresser. Every now and then, surplus coins get rolled up and exchanged for bills. The compartments always have enough change necessary to meet his coffee purchases. While to you, our faithful follower, this may not seem like The Best Present Ever, it really is! It lasts and lasts, makes us both smile for different reasons and represents another example of how we are always thinking of one another, doing something special for one another and keeping fun in our relationship! Just ask Sexy Grandpa and he will tell you the same thing! Stay tuned. We are counting on you to keep us young at heart. Sassy Grandma Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay up to date with the latest happenings with Sexy Grandpa & Sassy Grandma. CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR VIDEOS!