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BOOM! The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Contents September 2026 Volume 17 Issue 3

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Page 24

Facebook.com/River Region Prime, 50+ Lifestyle

Thought Relationships Taste Inspiration

Humor Advice Health Community

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard

6 Publisher's Note 20 Event: 2026 Senior Resource Expo

Features 10 Exercises Over 60s Should Be Able to Do

20 Event: Hank's 103rd Bday 16 Should You Take Social Security at 62?

24 Profile: Lane Easterling

31 September Recipe: Breakfast Burritos

Departments 8 Jeff Barganier: Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment

14 Greg Budell: Doomscrolling Recovery

32 Grumpy but Grateful

34 Word Search: A Chance to Win $50

20 Event: Empty Bowls 20 Event: Caregiver of the Month 20 Event: Montgomery Symphony presents Yo-Yo Ma 22 Event: Trombone Shorty at MPAC 22 Word Search Contest

34 Moore Wealth Management

BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine is published monthly by River Region Publications, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. The phone number is 334.328.5189. Copyright 2026 by River Region Publications. No part of this publication can be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in BOOM! The River Regions 50+ Lifestage Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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September 2026

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Publisher’s Letter

Keep Moving Forward The mission of BOOM! is to serve the folks of the River Region age 50 plus with information and ideas to inspire new experiences, better quality of life and new beginnings.

Founder Jim Watson (1950-2024)

Publisher

Jason Watson

334.328.5189 cell/text jason@riverregionboom.com

Editor

DeAnne Watson

334.462.0225 cell/text

Contributing Writers Jeff Barganier Greg Budell

Archie Grumbleton Senior Law Solutions Susan Moore

Cover Photography Tara Batson Holley

Advertising

Jason Watson, 334.328.5189 jason@riverregionboom.com

September always feels like a reset. Football is back. The calendar turns. The heat may still say summer in Alabama, but something about September makes us think about fall, routines, and what we want the rest of the year to look like. At 54, I appreciate those resets more than I used to. Life has taught me that we don’t always control what comes next, but we do have some say in how we meet it. We can stay curious. Stay engaged. Stay strong. Keep serving. Keep looking forward. That’s why this month’s cover profile with Lane Easterling fits so well. At 64, Lane isn’t talking about slowing down. After 35 years as a financial advisor, experience has changed the way he defines success. Relationships matter more. Faith matters more. Time matters more. I especially liked what Lane said about retirement. After helping people prepare financially for it, he’s learned that money is only part of the equation. The happiest people also have purpose, relationships, interests, faith, and a reason to get up in the morning. Lane and his wife, Teresa, are traveling, enjoying six grandchildren, serving through mission work, and continuing to build a life together after 41 years of marriage. His message is simple: be grateful for what’s behind you, but keep asking what might still be ahead. That same idea runs through this issue. Greg Budell takes on doomscrolling with his usual humor, but underneath the laughs is a good reminder that what we continually feed our minds affects how we experience our days. Our feature Strong for Life reminds us that strength after 60 isn’t about impressing anyone in the gym. It’s about stairs, groceries, travel, grandchildren, and continuing to say, “I can do that myself.” And Jeff Barganier takes us to Huntsville’s Lowe Mill, where creativity, reinvention, and lifelong learning are everywhere. Maybe that’s the thread this month. Protect your attention. Protect your strength. Keep learning. Keep serving. Keep something ahead of you worth moving toward. At BOOM, we talk a lot about aging well. I’m increasingly convinced it isn’t about trying to stay young. It’s about staying fully engaged with the life you still have.

Here’s to a good September—and whatever comes next.

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More Alabamians Now Qualify for Prescription Drug Savings There’s good news for Alabamians living with limited income and resources. The Medicare Extra Help program—also known as LIS—expanded in 2025. If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may now qualify for full Extra Help benefits. This means you could pay lower or no premiums, reduced Part D drug copays and reduced or no Part D deductible for your prescriptions. Many people don’t realize they’re eligible—so it’s worth checking. For example, in 2025, individuals earning less than $23,475 per year (or couples earning less than $31,725 per year) may qualify as long as your assets are below the specified limits. You could save hundreds of dollars each year on the medications you rely on! To see if you qualify for Extra Help, call: The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.

Choose a Medicare plan with confidence. Medicare can be complex, and it’s normal to feel uncertain with so many parts and plans to consider. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama understands this and offers Medicare plans grounded in decades of experience and trust. For generations, Blue Cross has been a steady partner for individuals and families, providing coverage that gives you confidence and peace of mind as you navigate your healthcare choices. With a name you can depend on, you can feel secure making important decisions about your health.

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Understanding Medicare: One Part at a Time Medicare is divided into four parts, each covering specific services:

Part A and Part B are provided through the U.S. government and are referred to as Original Medicare. Part A Hospital Insurance: Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care Part B Medical Insurance: Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services Part C and Part D are offered through Medicare-approved private insurance carriers, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Part C Medicare Advantage: Includes all benefits and services covered under Original Medicare, and typically includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan Part D Prescription Drug Plan: Adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and some Medicare Cost Plans, Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans are not part of Medicare but help cover gaps in Original Medicare, including hospital and medical deductibles, copays and coinsurance. They do not include prescription drug coverage.

When can you enroll in Medicare Coverage? INITIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (IEP)

MONTHS BEFORE

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (AEP)

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD (MAOEP)

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (SEP)

October 15

January 1

through

December 7

March 31

After certain events

From October 15 through December 7, you can review and make changes to your Medicare coverage, including changing or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or swapping from Medicare Advantage to a Medigap plan.

From January 1 through March 31, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time election to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. If you enroll in Original Medicare, you may also purchase a Medicare Supplement and/or a Prescription Drug Plan.

MONTHS AFTER

This is the seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday when you can first enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/ or Part B) and additional coverage.

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After certain events, such as a recent move outside of your plan’s service area or losing your employer or union coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

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Simplified Plan Options Recognizing that each individual has unique healthcare needs, Blue Cross provides a range of plan options to help you find the right fit.

Designed for Alabamians by Alabamians With 90 years of experience, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama offers trusted healthcare coverage. Our extensive network includes 90% of doctors and 100% of hospitals in Alabama,1 providing access to top-tier care statewide. We offer comprehensive plans that cover medical expenses, prescription drugs and include additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Our commitment to quality is reflected in high customer satisfaction and ratings, with Blue Advantage plans earning 5 stars for “Member Experience with Health Plan” and 4 stars overall in 2025.2 Our emphasis on customer service ensures you’re never alone in navigating your healthcare options. Choosing Blue Cross means peace of mind, with local resources and straightforward plans designed to make your Medicare journey simple and easy.

If you want freedom of choice and many extras included, consider Blue Advantage® (PPO). It’s a Medicare Part C plan that provides both medical and prescription drug benefits, and it’s an excellent option if you want one easy-to-use plan with comprehensive coverage. With Blue Advantage (PPO), you get: • Choice of plans, including a $0 monthly premium option • $0 Primary Care Physician (PCP) copay, depending on plan selection • Prescription drug copays as low as $0, depending on plan selection

If you want to lower your out-of-pocket costs while keeping Original Medicare, consider C PlusSM. It’s a Medicare Select plan that helps cover the costs Original Medicare doesn’t — like deductibles, copays and coinsurance — so you pay less when you get care. With C Plus, you get: • No referrals needed to see specialists • Use any doctor or hospital accepting Medicare, even out of state • No underwriting restrictions or penalties, unlike many other carriers

If you want simple and easy stand-alone prescription drug coverage, consider BlueRxSM (PDP). It’s a Medicare-approved Part D plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama that helps cover the cost of your medications. With BlueRx, you get: • Drug copays as low as $0, depending on plan selection • Coverage for Medicare-approved generic, brand-name and specialty drugs • A large selection of network pharmacies in Alabama and over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide

Blue Advantage® is a PPO and BlueRxSM is a PDP with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) depends on contract renewal. Blue Advantage (PPO) and BlueRx (PDP) are provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an issuer or insurance producer. C PlusSM is a Medicare Select Plan and is a private insurance plan regulated by the Alabama Department of Insurance. It is not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 1 Doctors refers to Medicare participating providers. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 2 Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5 star rating system. Source: BCBSALMedicare.com/WhyBCBSAL 3 For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-888-246-7023 (TTY 711). 4 We are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. From October 1 to March 31, the hours of operation are Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST. You may be required to leave a message for calls made after hours, weekends and holidays. Calls will be returned the next business day. 6

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How to Choose the Right Plan for You

Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans

Choosing the right Medicare plan is an important decision, and it’s essential to think about several factors to make sure it meets your needs. Here are some things to consider as you make your choice:

Medicare Advantage plans, like those offered by Blue Cross, combine the benefits of Original Medicare with additional coverage options. These plans often include prescription drug coverage, vision, hearing and dental care.

Network Coverage: Is your doctor in the plan’s network? If they are not in network, how much will it cost to see them?

Prescription Costs: What will your prescription costs be? Understanding the out-of-pocket expenses for your medications is essential in choosing the right plan.

Monthly Costs: What are your overall monthly expenses? Consider the premiums, copays and any other expenses that will be part of your budget.

Travel Coverage: Are you covered when you travel? For those who travel frequently, ensuring that your healthcare plan provides coverage outside your local area is important.

Extra Benefits: Are there extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing? The additional coverage can add significant value to your healthcare plan.

By choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, you can simplify your healthcare experience by having one comprehensive plan that covers a wide range of services. Medicare Advantage plans are designed to provide more coverage than Original Medicare alone. This holistic approach to healthcare provides access to a wide range of services that support both your medical needs and overall well-being.

Take the Next Step Understanding the different parts of Medicare and their benefits can help you choose the right plan for your needs. Blue Cross offers support and guidance to help you navigate this important decision. With a variety of plan options and dedicated customer service, you can find affordable coverage that suits you. For personalized advice, sign up for a meeting3 with a local advisor. Our advisors can assist you in exploring your choices and selecting a plan that fits your needs.

Let Blue work for you.

To get more information or talk to a local advisor, call 1-855-978-5239 (TTY 711) or visit BCBSALMedicare.com/BA3, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CST.4

To choose the right plan, assess your current and future healthcare needs. Consider your medical conditions and potential health changes that may require more coverage. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a plan that offers the best combination of coverage and cost. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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Travel Experiences with Jeff Barganier Photography provided by Jeff Barganier

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment According to the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment website: In 2001, Jim Hudson, founder of HudsonAlpha and Research Genetics, purchased Lowe Mill in Huntsville. Hudson’s dream was an arts center where photographers, sculptors, painters, and potters could live and work. Today, the former textile mill includes shops, music, a dance studio, a culinary school, and space for quirky exhibits. Hudson worked with Huntsville’s artists and creative communities to build a space where the public could interact with visual artists. Today, 200+ creators inhabit Lowe Mill. A couple of hundred people a month stroll through artist Mike Williams’ Lowe Mill studio. I ask him what makes his art different from others. “The way I do it,” he replies. “My daughter did what is called pour painting. You take different colored paint, pour it in a cup, then pour it on the canvas. When COVID hit, I had a screen-printing business. I was doing a thousand shirts a day.” But COVID took Mike’s production to zero. As he studied his daughter’s paintings, he thought they “didn’t look like anything.” He wondered if he could pour paint out of a cup or bottle 8

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and control it enough to make it look like something. A portrait of Elvis proves he could. I gaze at his large Elvis painting. Amazing! It consists of millions of strategic drops of paint that, from a distance, perfectly capture the image of Elvis Presley. Similar works hang nearby. Mike puts an additive in the paint to make it thicker, prevent it from running, and help it dry quicker. His experimentation evolved into what has become a unique technique that captures not only images of people, but waterfalls, animals, or whatever. Earlier, I watched him through his studio window, squeezing paint from a bag. But I didn’t understand what I was seeing. Now, standing in his studio, looking around, I see results—stunning works the likes of which I have never seen. Other visitors are equally taken by them. A couple from Colorado attending a concert in Huntsville dropped

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by his studio to buy a $3000 painting of Willie Nelson. Mike sometimes personalizes his art by putting a loved one in the painting, or an object, color, or animal that reminds the buyer of something or someone special. See more at: mikewilliamsfineart.com. Around the corner, we discover a whole family making a living together at Lowe Mill. Emily Robison, her husband Brad, and their three children are actively creating when we stroll into their studio. Brad designs and produces custom 3D-printed objects. Emily is a fine artist and quilter. Their son, Clive, shows us one of his creations, too. “Brad’s a (U.S.) Marine veteran. We were working out of our home for a long time,” Emily says.

She was a stay-at-home mom who now cherishes having her kids close by and involved in the family business. She loves the atmosphere at Lowe Mill—it’s like a family to her. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

As evidenced by several examples I’m looking at, she’s an accomplished portrait artist who does a brisk business in commissioned work. I’d characterize her portraits as impressionist. See: emilyrobisonfineart.com. On the 1st floor, we visit the ceramics studio of Evelyn and Calvin Hubbard. While Cindy and Evelyn talk, I get acquainted with Calvin, who got started with pottery at 19. Still going strong at 86, he learned at the spinning wheel of Carol Sims, and later at Texas Southern University under the famous artist John Biggers, also a sculptor. Calvin worked in Houston until recruited to Rochester, New York. “I spent 27 years in art—(grades) 7 through 12,” he says. After earning his master's, Calvin got into making sculpture on a potter’s wheel. “Some of the things you see in here are actually made on a potter’s wheel. Some are made by hand, some on a slab,” Calvin says. When I ask how they manage

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working in the heat of their studio, Calvin replies that he paid his way through college cutting yards in Dallas noontime sun. Also, he served with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was there during the 1968 “Tet Offensive” when the enemy blew up an ammunition dump at Long Binh. “I was close enough to see and hear the explosion,” Calvin says. A little heat doesn’t bother him, who, it turns out, is every bit as interesting as his pottery. Amazingly, the boots Calvin Hubbard wore in Vietnam were made at Lowe Mill! See more at: calvinhubbardceramics.com. Some of the “art” vendors are downright weird, even occultist, as in witches; or spaces wherein someone is sprawled out, as if dead, being tattooed. But Lowe Mill is still a gem of an architectural artifact that is—in and of itself—worth seeing. It’s different. Most of these historic factory buildings were demolished long ago. Few such structures remain, even fewer you may walk around in.

Lowe Mill restaurants look pretty enticing, especially a Texas-style barbecue joint. Be sure to stop by Xavier Akins' window for a slice of pizza and a cold drink for only five bucks. Xavier’s goal is to be an “executive chef” someday. Working at Lowe Mill helping his dad is his way of furthering that goal. “Lowe Mill by itself is, like, a really interesting place. There’s no other place like it around the U.S. It’s really unique,” he says. I couldn’t agree more. Cindy and I are glad we decided to check out this one-of-a-kind venue. For a super-interesting history of Lowe Mill, visit: https://lowemill.art/history/.

Jeff Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and speaker. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. His novels include Lawson’s Bluff (2021); The Slash Brokers (1998). He also manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC at The Waters in Pike Road, Alabama. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. You may print out his features at www.jeffbarganier. com and take them with you when you travel!

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We tend to think of strength training as something people do to look better, lift heavier weights or stay athletic. After 60, however, strength takes on a much more practical meaning. It is what helps us get out of a chair without pushing off the armrests, carry groceries into the house, climb stairs, pick something up from the floor and catch ourselves when we stumble.

In other words, the goal is not to become a bodybuilder. It is to remain capable. Age-related loss of muscle and strength can gradually make everyday activities more difficult, particularly if we become less active. The good news is that getting older does not mean we have to simply accept becoming weaker. Resistance training remains beneficial later in life, and current recommendations encourage older adults to include muscle-strengthening activity at least twice each week, along with aerobic and balance activities. So what should we actually be able to do? There is no magic fitness test

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that every 60-, 70- or 80-year-old must pass. Health conditions, injuries and mobility differ enormously. But these five basic movements represent abilities that translate directly into everyday independence. The goal is to be able to perform some appropriate version of each one safely.

1. Sit Down and Stand Back Up Perhaps no exercise is more directly connected to independence than the simple chair squat, also called a sit-tostand.

Sit toward the front of a sturdy chair with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Lean slightly forward, push through your feet and stand up without using your hands if you can. Then slowly lower yourself back into the chair with control. That sounds almost too simple to call exercise, but think about how often we use this movement. Getting off the couch, rising from the dinner table, getting out of the car and using the bathroom all require leg and hip strength. Start with a higher chair or use the armrests for assistance if necessary. As you become stronger, use less help. Eventually you may progress to holding a light dumbbell at your chest or performing regular squats without a chair. A good starting goal is 8 to 12 controlled repetitions. Dropping into the chair and using momentum to bounce back up misses much of the benefit.

2. Push Yourself Away

You do not have to get on the floor and knock out 25 push-ups. But maintaining the ability to push against resistance is important for your chest, shoulders, arms and upper body.

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An excellent starting point is a wall push-up. Place your hands against a wall, step your feet back, keep your body in a straight line and slowly bend your elbows until your chest moves toward the wall. Push yourself back to the starting position. When that becomes easy, move to a kitchen counter. The lower the surface, the more challenging the exercise becomes. Eventually, some people may progress to push-ups from a bench or the floor. Why does pushing strength matter? Think about pushing open a heavy door, moving a piece of furniture, getting yourself up from the floor or bracing your body when you lose your balance. Upperbody strength remains useful long after we stop caring how much we can bench press. Aim for a version that allows roughly 8 to 15 good repetitions while still requiring some effort.

3. Pull Something Toward You

Most of us spend plenty of time reaching forward—driving, typing, using our phones and working around the house. A pulling exercise strengthens many of the muscles of the upper back and arms that can become neglected. A resistance-band row is one of the simplest options. Secure a band appropriately, hold one end in each hand and begin with your arms extended. Keeping your chest tall, pull your elbows backward and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together. Then return slowly to the starting position. Rows can also be performed using a cable machine or dumbbells if you exercise at a gym. This movement strengthens the muscles involved when we pull open a heavy door, lift and carry objects and perform countless household activities. Strong back muscles also help support good posture. Do not worry about using a lot of resistance. Choose enough that the last 12 BOOM!

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few repetitions feel challenging while you can still maintain good form.

4. Step Up

If you want to continue traveling, going to ballgames, visiting friends, enjoying restaurants or simply moving comfortably around your own home, maintaining the ability to handle steps matters. Use the bottom stair in your home or a low, stable exercise step. Place one foot completely on the step, press through that foot and bring yourself up. Step back down carefully and repeat before switching legs. Keep a hand near a railing or sturdy support, particularly when beginning. The step-up works the thighs, hips and glutes while also requiring balance and coordination. It closely mimics climbing stairs, stepping onto a curb and navigating the uneven surfaces we encounter in everyday life. There is no prize for using a tall step. Start low. Even a few inches can provide plenty of challenge. As strength and confidence improve, gradually increase repetitions before worrying about increasing height or adding weight.

5. Carry Something Heavy

This may be the most practical exercise on the list. Pick up a dumbbell or another manageable weight in each hand, stand tall and walk. In the gym, this is usually called a farmer's carry. It trains your hands, forearms, shoulders, back, core, hips and legs simultaneously. More importantly, it resembles something most of us do constantly: carrying groceries, luggage, bags of potting soil, grandchildren, laundry baskets and everything else life asks us to move. Begin with a weight you can comfortably control and walk for 20 to 30 seconds. Keep your posture tall, take normal steps and avoid rushing. If two weights are too difficult, carrying one weight at your side is an option, provided you can maintain posture and balance.

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Grip strength tends to receive little attention until opening jars, carrying bags or holding onto objects becomes difficult. Carries are a simple way to train it while strengthening much of the rest of the body at the same time.

You Don't Have to Train Like You're 30

One of the biggest mistakes people make is believing exercise only counts if it is exhausting. It does not. You do not have to train six days a week, lift enormous weights or leave the gym drenched in sweat. The CDC recommends older adults perform musclestrengthening activities involving the major muscle groups at least two days each week. Consistency matters far more than trying to prove how hard you can work on any particular day. For someone just beginning, two short strength workouts each week could include these five exercises, generally performing one or two sets of each. As exercises become easier, resistance or repetitions can gradually increase. Some muscle fatigue is expected. Sharp pain, dizziness, chest pain or feeling unusually unwell is not something to push through. Anyone with significant heart, joint, balance or other medical issues—or who has been inactive for a long period— should talk with a healthcare professional or qualified exercise professional about the right starting point.

Train for the Life You Want to Keep Living

There is nothing wrong with wanting stronger arms or liking what you see in the mirror. But after 60, there may be an even better reason to pick up a weight. Strength gives us options. It allows us to say yes to the trip that requires plenty of walking. It makes it easier to get down on the floor with a grandchild and, just as importantly, get back up. It helps us carry our own suitcase, work in the yard, climb the stairs and continue doing things for ourselves. The number on the dumbbell is not the real measure of success. The real goal is being able to keep saying, “I can do that myself.” And that may be one of the best reasons to get stronger at any age. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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By Greg Budell

The Mayor of BOOMTOWN

Doomscrolling Recovery for Boomers Last month I detailed the angst of Nicotine deprivation while undergoing surgery. A whole 28 hours and 25 minutes without a smoke. Healing has taken every bit of the 4-6 weeks the doctor predicted and has greatly limited my activity. Thus, I have spent too much time doing the unhealthiest thing a BOOMer can do… Doomscrolling Facebook. “Doomscrolling” is defined as “the act of spending excessive amounts of time scanning digital content that elicits negative emotion”. This, in concert with constant post-op pain, is not a recipe for a cheerful existence. I’ll keep this apolitical, but suffice it to say there are many groups/factions out there who want to get rid of BOOMers. Normally I’d laugh this off, but history taught me that when certain ideologies came into power, they in fact, single out specific people deemed a “hindrance to the master plan”. They didn’t play games with it either. I have nightmares of some bearded 30-year-old trust fund millionaire handing me a ticket to a boxcar to who-knows-where. What did I do that was so awful to earn this open hatred besides being born between 1945-64? That’s the part that hurts. You may not embrace my beliefs, but I’ve been a pretty good guy for most of my life. I never stole a freight train. I don’t even ask for the senior discount at the grocery store. I need to be “eliminated”? 14 BOOM!

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Be patient. Many BOOMers are finally enjoying life. Let us have a few years of fun.

the impression that some algorithm somewhere thinks I haven’t had a good time since my daughter was born.

We’ll all be gone eventually.

She turned 36 this year.

Speaking of “fun”, when scrolling between these “Get Rid of the Boomers” posts, I am assaulted by ads for sexual performance products that border on- as Archie Bunker put it- “soft pore cornagraphy”.

Summertime is baseball time. I’m a Yankee fan now, having dumped the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins along the baseline of life. Scrolling the scores has been exasperating this season. The Yankees have one of the best-paid teams in the sport, yet for all that money, most of their players couldn’t hit a bull in the butt with a base fiddle. Yes, they’ve won more than they’ve lost this summerbarely- but night after night the Yanks have stretched my stitches with their pathetic offense. They’ve scored a run here and there but have hardly been the Bronx Bombers of old.

Some are actually entertaining. “Swallow this!” “Put this under your tongue!” These pitches are generally driven by a semiwinsome, somewhat needy-looking lady draped in crepe paper lingerie looking for a guy who can last 24 hours. While there are medications that help in this regard, these online claims are (in the words of a reputable local physician), “science fiction crapola”. Still, while doomscrolling, they can make you wonder, “what’s wrong with me?” 24 hours? Aren’t you supposed to call 911 after 4 hours? It’s not that I mind an occasional ad for anything that helps a BOOMer feel better or lusty or whatever. The sheer volume of these however, gives me

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Doomscrolling my Facebook feed has another drawback. I’m blessed with many friends and followers, and it seems like every time I venture into the feed, someone has experienced the searing pain of a pet passing. I think it’s totally appropriate to post these losses. We all want to know when someone is hurting to let them know we care. Having been through it so many times, The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

I know what the poster is feeling and always try to offer a word of support. This was a tough summer for so many! I haven’t seen one picture of a beloved dog or cat that hasn’t made me tear up. Sometimes a lot. Very often, though, the #RIP posts are followed up by comic relief- a video of a semiwinsome, somewhat needy middleaged woman dressed in crepe paper lingerie trying to “come-hither” me into buying this pill or that projectile and telling me I am “missing out”. The hilariousness of it all softens the sadness. One other thing doomscrolling has taught me- anything in the way of news or politics that sounds too good to be true usually is. Fact-check everything you choose to share, regardless of political persuasion. What a summer. Non-stop prohibitive heat when you have five inches of subcutaneous stitches holding your thighs and hips together limits what you can do inside or out. But there was one event I was not going to miss- Leanne Morgan at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center! Ten days after the surgery, I put on my dress sweatpants, healing cream on the stitches, and shuffled to MPAC for one of her four sold-out shows. She was the highlight of the summer. Her selfdeprecating humor is relentlessly paininducing when you’re trying not to laugh your sutures loose. I highly recommend you check out her sitcom (“Leanne”) on the relentlessly “let’s raise our prices again” NETFLIX. She even signed me a poster! I could scroll that all day long.

Greg Budell has lived in Montgomery for 20 years. A 50+ year veteran of radio, TV and writing, Greg hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas and Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday - Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with Pamela Dubuque and a variety of sidekicks. His favorite topic is life! Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com. The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

For years, the conventional retirement advice has sounded pretty simple:

Your Health or Family History Makes Longevity Less Certain

Wait as long as possible to take Social Security.

One of the strongest arguments for delaying Social Security is longevity. If you live well into your 80s or 90s, receiving a larger monthly benefit for many years becomes increasingly valuable. But not everyone enters their 60s with the same health outlook. If you have significant health problems or a strong family history of shorter life expectancy, waiting five or eight years for a larger check may not necessarily produce the best result for you. Social Security specifically notes that while delaying may make sense for someone in good health, poor health can be a reason to consider claiming earlier. Imagine someone who retires at 62 because of health concerns and could receive $1,750 a month immediately or approximately $2,500 at 67. Waiting produces the larger monthly income, but it also means giving up roughly $105,000 of benefits during those first five years. It takes years of receiving the larger check to make up for the payments that were skipped. That does not mean everyone with a medical condition should claim at 62. Someone unable to work because of a qualifying disability should also investigate Social Security Disability Insurance rather than automatically filing for early retirement. SSA notes that disability benefits can provide the equivalent of a full, unreduced retirement benefit for someone who qualifies.

There is good reason for that advice. You can begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits at 62, but claiming early permanently reduces your monthly payment. For someone turning 62 in 2026, full retirement age is 67, and beginning at 62 means receiving about 30% less each month than if that person waited until 67. Wait beyond full retirement age and the benefit continues to grow, generally by 8% for each full year of delay until age 70. That certainly makes waiting sound like the obvious answer. But retirement decisions are rarely that simple. Social Security is not a contest to see who can produce the largest monthly check. The real question is how Social Security fits into the rest of your life—your health, finances, marriage, work and expectations for retirement. The Social Security Administration itself says the decision about when to claim is personal and should take into account factors such as current cash needs, health and family longevity. For some people, taking Social Security at 62 may actually be reasonable. Here are three situations when claiming early deserves serious consideration.

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The larger point is that Social Security decisions should not be made from a chart alone. Your health matters. So does the longevity of your parents and siblings and what you realistically expect your retirement years to look like.

Taking Social Security Keeps You From Draining Savings or Taking on Debt Suppose you retire at 62 with some savings but not enough pension or other income to comfortably cover your monthly expenses. You could delay Social Security until 67 or 70, but doing so would require taking thousands of additional dollars from your retirement accounts every year. Waiting might still be the better long-term decision—but it isn't automatically better. Retirement assets serve a purpose too. If claiming Social Security allows you to avoid high-interest debt, preserve an emergency reserve or reduce the amount you must withdraw from investments during a difficult market, taking the smaller benefit earlier may deserve consideration. This is where retirement planning becomes more than simply comparing Social Security checks. A larger benefit at 70 does not help much if getting there requires creating financial stress throughout your 60s. There is also something to be said for using retirement income during the years when you are most able to enjoy it. Some retirees want to travel, visit grandchildren or pursue hobbies during their early 60s while they are healthy and active. Money has utility, and that utility can change with age. That does not mean “take the money and spend it while you can.” Social Security is designed to provide income throughout retirement, and longevity risk is real. But if claiming at 62 allows an otherwise sound retirement plan to work without exhausting other resources, it may be a legitimate strategy. One important warning applies if you are still working. Before full retirement age, Social Security's earnings test can temporarily reduce benefits for people earning above certain limits. In 2026, someone under full retirement age for the entire year can earn up to $24,480 before the earnings test applies; above that amount, SSA generally withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 of earnings over the limit. Once you reach full retirement age, that earnings limit disappears. So retiring at 62 and claiming Social Security is very different from earning a substantial salary at 62 while also claiming benefits.

You're the Lower-Earning Spouse and Your Household Has a Bigger Strategy For married couples, the Social Security decision should rarely be made one person at a time. Consider a couple in which one spouse has earned significantly more during his or her career. The higher earner's Social Security benefit may eventually become one of the household's most valuable guaranteed income sources. It can also matter to the surviving spouse later. 18 BOOM!

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One possible strategy is for the lower-earning spouse to begin benefits earlier while the higher earner delays. SSA has specifically noted that when both spouses cannot delay, claiming the lower earner's benefit first while allowing the higher earner's benefit to grow can be worth considering. Why prioritize the higher earner's benefit? Delaying a retirement benefit beyond full retirement age can increase it by 8% per year until age 70, and delayed retirement credits earned by a worker can also be reflected in benefits later paid to an eligible surviving spouse. That can make maximizing the higher earner's check especially valuable when one spouse is expected to outlive the other by many years. The rules surrounding retirement, spousal and survivor benefits can become complicated, however. Under today's “deemed filing” rules, many people who are eligible for both their own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit cannot simply choose one while allowing the other to grow. Survivor benefits have different rules and can sometimes be coordinated separately from your own retirement benefit. That is why couples may benefit from looking at Social Security as a household lifetime-income decision, rather than asking only, “When should I take mine?”

Don't Make the Decision Based on One Number There is one major problem with all the advice telling people they should always wait until 70: We do not all have the same retirement. One person may be 62, healthy, enjoying work and sitting on a substantial retirement portfolio. Delaying Social Security could make tremendous sense. Another may be 62, finished working, managing significant health concerns and needing the income now. A married couple may decide to claim one benefit while delaying another. All three could be making sensible decisions. Before filing, log into your personal my Social Security account and compare the actual benefit estimates for starting at 62, full retirement age and 70. SSA provides personalized estimates showing how your claiming age changes your payment. Then look beyond the monthly number. Consider your health, savings, other retirement income, whether you will continue working and—if married—what happens financially when only one spouse remains. And remember one other important age: 65. Medicare eligibility and Social Security retirement age are separate issues. Even someone delaying Social Security until 67 or 70 generally needs to address Medicare enrollment around age 65 unless an exception, such as qualifying employer coverage, applies. The goal isn't to get the biggest Social Security check possible. It's to make the decision that gives you and your family the strongest retirement possible. • The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

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2026 Senior Resource Expo September 9 I 9 AM - 11 AM I Crump Senior Center

This event is a great chance for seniors to meet local organizations offering help with benefits, health and wellness, community programs, and other useful services. You’ll be able to talk with vendors, pick up helpful information, and learn more about what’s available to support your everyday life. The expo is free and open to all seniors. If you’d like more information or are interested in being a vendor, contact Todd Dowell at 334‑625‑4739 or the Crump Senior Center at 334‑625‑4547.

Celebrate Hank's 103rd Birthday September 12 I 3 PM I Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts

Join us for a fun celebration of HANK's 103rd birthday at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts! It's going to be a great time with friends and good ol' country music. Don’t miss out on the party –I'm sure Hank would have done it this way. Performances by Moe Bandy, Alex Miller and many more. See you there! Call or TEXT 334-262-3600 for VIP tickets. https://www.eventbrite.com

Empty Bowls Program “Make a Bowl” with Madalyn Richardson September 13 I 1 pm - 4 pm I Pike Road Arts Center Join the Pike Road Arts Council and artist Madalyn Richardson at the Pike Road Arts Center for a hands on pottery experience that combines creativity with a meaningful cause. Participants will learn hand-building techniques to create their own handmade ceramic bowl, then add unique designs and textures to make their piece one of a kind. Visit https://pikeroad.us/ to register.

Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Paula Jones Paula is someone who truly understands that caregiving is more than just a job—it’s about making a difference in the lives of the people you serve. She brings compassion, patience, and dedication to her work and takes pride in making sure her clients feel cared for, comfortable, and supported. Paula’s commitment to her clients and willingness to go the extra mile are just a few of the qualities that make her stand out. Her caring heart and dependable nature are appreciated by both her clients and the team. Congratulations, Paula, and thank you for the kindness, dedication, and heart you bring to your clients every day! For more information visit www.homecareassistancemontgomery.com.

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4 Reasons to Have Your Child Tested for Lead at Ages 1 And 2: 1. Lead is often found in commonly used items. 2. Young children frequently put toys and non-food items in their mouths. 3. Lead can cause permanent disabilities in young children. 4. Lead poisoning can be prevented with early detection.

For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified, and lead poisoning can be alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp or call 1-833-667-1495. prevented through simple at-home strategies. This ad is 100% funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Montgomery Symphony Orchestra with Yo-Yo Ma September 20 I 3 to 4:30 PM I Davis Theatre

Yo-Yo Ma’s career is testament to his faith in culture’s ability to generate trust and understanding—from his iconic performances and recordings to original undertakings such as the Bach Project and Our Common Nature, a cultural journey to celebrate the ways that nature can reunite us in pursuit of a shared future. $100-$300 https://www.montgomerysymphony.org/yo-yo-ma/

MPAC Live Presents Trombone Shorty September 13 I 7 PM I Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

Born Troy Andrews, Trombone Shorty got his start (and nickname) earlier than most: at four, he made his first appearance at Jazz Fest performing with Bo Diddley; at six, he was leading his own brass band; and by his teenage years, he was hired by Lenny Kravitz to join the band he assembled for his Electric Church World Tour. Shorty’s proven he’s more than just a horn player, though. https://mpaconline.org/trombone-shorty/

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BOOM! COVER PROFILE

Lane Easterling At 64, Lane Easterling isn’t looking at this season of life as a time to slow down. If anything, he sees more opportunity than ever—to invest in the people he loves, use the wisdom gained over a 35-year career, serve others, explore the world with his wife, Teresa, and enjoy the family they’ve built together. A longtime Edward Jones financial advisor in Prattville, Lane has spent decades helping others prepare for their futures, but age has taught him that a fulfilling life is about far more than financial security or professional success. It’s about relationships, faith, purpose, and being intentional with the time you’ve been given.

BOOM: You’re 64, have been married to Teresa for 41 years, have three grown daughters and six grandchildren, and you’ve said this stage of life is presenting you with so many opportunities. What feels especially fulfilling about life right now? LE: I think what’s most fulfilling is having the opportunity to enjoy the people and relationships God has placed in my life. At 64, I have a greater appreciation for my wife, our daughters, our grandchildren, friends, and the people I’ve been fortunate to serve throughout my career. I’m also realizing that this season isn’t about slowing down as much as it is about being intentional with the time and opportunities God continues to give me. BOOM: You and Teresa have been married for more than four decades. What do you enjoy most about your relationship in this season, and how has your marriage changed as the two of you have grown older together? 24 BOOM!

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LE: After 41 years, Teresa and I have a lot of shared history. We’ve raised a family, experienced successes and disappointments, traveled together, and walked through many different seasons of life. I think our relationship today has a deeper sense of gratitude and companionship. Our faith has been an important foundation, and I’m thankful that we still genuinely enjoy being together. There’s something special about looking back at where God has brought you while still looking forward to what He has ahead.

other parts of the world. Stockholm was a wonderful experience, but honestly, some of my favorite memories aren’t necessarily about a particular destination— they’re about experiencing those places together. Travel reminds me what a large and diverse world God created and how much there still is to see and learn.

BOOM: Travel is one of your great passions as a couple, and you recently returned from Stockholm, Sweden. What do you love about experiencing new places together, and is there a trip that has been especially memorable?

LE: When I began 35 years ago, I was attracted to the opportunity to build a business while helping people make important decisions about their future. Over time, though, I learned that this profession is really about relationships and trust. You have the privilege of walking alongside people through some of the most important moments of their lives—retirement, raising families, losing loved ones, and leaving a legacy. I still enjoy the financial side of the business,

LE: Travel gives Teresa and me the opportunity to step outside our normal routines and experience something new together. I enjoy the history, the people, the food, and seeing how people live in

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BOOM: You’ve spent 35 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Take us back to the beginning—what drew you to this career, and what has kept you passionate about it all these years?

The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

but the opportunity to serve people and hopefully make a meaningful difference in their lives is what keeps me passionate about it. BOOM: You’ve said this stage of your career may actually give you more opportunities to impact people’s lives because of what you’ve been able to build over 35 years. What can Lane at 64 offer people that Lane at 30 simply couldn’t? LE: At 30, I probably thought having the right answer was the most important thing. At 64, I understand that listening, asking good questions, and understanding what really matters to someone are often more important. Experience also teaches you that markets change, circumstances change, and life rarely goes exactly according to plan. I think I’m more patient today, more understanding, and hopefully a little wiser. My faith has also taught me that success isn’t simply about what you accomplish—it’s about how you use what God has entrusted to you to serve others. BOOM: After spending your career helping people prepare financially for retirement, what have your clients taught you about what makes for a fulfilling retirement beyond simply having enough money? The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

LE: My clients have taught me that financial security is important, but money alone doesn’t create a meaningful retirement. The people who seem happiest have purpose, strong relationships, faith, interests, and reasons to get up in the morning. I’ve watched people retire from something without thinking enough about what they’re retiring to. Having enough financially gives you choices, but having purpose is what gives those choices meaning. BOOM: Your oldest daughter, Rachel, has now been running her own Edward Jones practice in Homewood for 12 years, and your son-inlaw Ben joined your practice two years ago. What does it mean to see the next generation embrace a profession that has been such a significant part of your own life? LE: It means a great deal to me, and I’m very proud of both of them. But I’m probably most thankful that they have

embraced the responsibility of serving people well. This profession has blessed our family in many ways, and seeing the next generation build relationships and help families make important decisions is very rewarding. I hope I’ve shown them that you can build a successful career while maintaining your faith, your integrity, and a genuine concern for the people you serve.

BOOM: You told me that you feel most fulfilled when you focus on relationships— with family, friends, and even peers in your industry. Has your understanding of the importance of relationships changed as you’ve gotten older?

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LE: Absolutely. The older I get, the more convinced I am that relationships are one of life’s greatest blessings. Early in life, it’s easy to focus on achievement and what you’re trying to build. Those things have value, but over time you realize that the people you share life with matter far more. My faith teaches me to love God and love others, and I think I’ve come to understand that more deeply with age. Investing time in family, friends, clients, and colleagues has brought me far more fulfillment than any professional accomplishment. BOOM: Being a grandfather is another big part of your life now, with six grandchildren spread between Prattville, Birmingham, and Madison. What do you enjoy most about being a grandfather, and what do you hope your grandchildren learn from you?

childhood again from a different perspective—and maybe with a little more patience than you had as a parent! More than anything, I hope they know how deeply they are loved. I hope they see in my life the importance of faith,

BOOM: Mission work is also important to you. You recently traveled with YUGO Ministries to help build a home in Mexico and have also served in Antigua, Guatemala. What draws you to shortterm international mission work, and how have those experiences affected you personally? LE: Mission work has a way of changing your perspective. You may go thinking you’re there to help someone else, but often you come home realizing how much you’ve received yourself. Whether building a home in Mexico or serving in Guatemala, I’ve been reminded that joy isn’t determined by material possessions. I’ve met people with far less materially who demonstrate tremendous faith, gratitude, and generosity. Jesus calls us to serve others, and mission work gives me a tangible opportunity to live that out. It reminds me to be grateful for what God has given me and to ask how I can use those blessings to help someone else.

LE: Being a grandfather is one of the great joys of my life. I love watching each grandchild develop his or her own personality, and I enjoy simply spending time with them. You get to experience 26 BOOM!

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family, hard work, integrity, generosity, and treating people well. If they grow up knowing that God loves them and that their lives have purpose, I’ll be very thankful.

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BOOM: Faith clearly influences the way you talk about your life and the opportunities you’ve been given. How has your faith shaped the way you approach success, service, family, and this season of life? LE: My faith really shapes how I define success. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

that success isn’t primarily about what we accumulate or accomplish. It’s about being faithful with what God has entrusted to us—our family, our relationships, our abilities, our resources, and our time. I certainly haven’t gotten everything right, but I try to live with gratitude and remember that I’ve been blessed so that I can be a blessing to others. At this stage of life, I find myself asking less, “What else can I accomplish?” and more, “How can God use me to make a difference in someone else’s life?”

BOOM: Golf is another passion of yours. Between golf, travel, family, mission work, and a career you still enjoy, how intentional are you about making room for fun and things that give you something to look forward to? LE: I’ve become much more intentional about it. I still enjoy my career, but I’ve learned that life needs some balance. Whether it’s playing golf, traveling with Teresa, spending time with our children

and grandchildren, or participating in mission work, I like having something on the calendar to look forward to. I believe those opportunities are gifts from God The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

and should be enjoyed. There’s a time to work and serve, but there’s also a time to enjoy the life and relationships we’ve been given. BOOM: You mentioned that your parents didn’t get to experience life at this age in quite the same way you are. How has that influenced your gratitude for your health and your outlook on the years ahead? LE: It has made me much more aware that good health and time are gifts, and neither should be taken for granted. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to experience this stage of life in quite the same way I am, so I’m very grateful to be healthy enough to continue working, traveling, playing golf, serving, and enjoying my family. None of us knows how many years God will give us, so I don’t want to spend too much time worrying about the number. I want to be a good steward of the years I’m given and live them with gratitude, purpose, and enthusiasm. BOOM: You’ve built your career and much of your life in Prattville and the

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LE: The River Region has been home for a large part of my life, and what makes it special to me is the people. This is where we’ve raised our family, built friendships, been part of a church community, and where I’ve had the privilege of building a career and serving clients for many years. There’s a real sense of community here—people know one another, care about one another, and show up when someone needs help. When you’ve shared that much life with people, a community becomes much more than the place where you live. It becomes part of who you are. BOOM: When you think about “aging well,” what does that mean to you—and what would you tell someone in their 50s or 60s who may be tempted to think their most meaningful or exciting years are behind them? River Region. What do you enjoy most about living here, and what has kept this community feeling like home?

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LE: To me, aging well means continuing to grow rather than simply growing

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older. It means taking care of yourself, staying curious and continuing to have things you’re excited about. I don’t believe God gives us an expiration date on having purpose. In fact, I think experience can give us opportunities to encourage, mentor, and serve people in ways we couldn’t when we were younger. I would tell someone in their 50s or 60s not to spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror. Be grateful for what’s behind you, but keep asking God what He has for you next. Some of your most meaningful years may still be ahead of you.

Quick Take

We thank Lane for sharing his story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@riverregionboom.com.

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DID YOU KNOW? Receiving the Flu and Pneumonia vaccines can help reduce illnesses, doctor visits, hospitalization, missed work, and missed school.

Hospitalization

Work

School

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05.2024 The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine

Breakfast Burritos

Meal prep over the weekend for the best burritos during the week. Loaded with tater tots, eggs, beans and cheese!

Ingredients: 2 cups frozen tater tots 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 links breakfast sausage, casing removed 8 large eggs, lightly beaten ⅓ cup half and half Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans 8 8-inch flour tortillas 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 2 Roma tomatoes, diced ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat baking sheet with nonstick spray. Cook tater tots according to package instructions; set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat, reserving 1 TBSP in the skillet. Add eggs to the skillet and cook, whisking, until they just begin to set. Gently whisk in half and half; season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until thickened and no visible liquid egg remains, about 3-5 minutes; set aside. Spread beans down centers of tortillas; top with tater tots, sausage, eggs, cheeses, tomatoes and cilantro. Fold in opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up, burrito-style. Place, seam-sides down, onto preparing baking sheet; cover. Place into oven and bake until heated through, about 12-15 minutes.

Tuesday, March 2 7 p.m. • Woltosz Theatre

Tickets available now! 334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTERTICKETS.AUBURN.EDU

View our complete 2026–27 season calendar online.

https://damndelicious.net/2016/08/10/freezer-breakfast-burritos/

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The Fall Decorating Delusion announcing the season, but apparently we can no longer be trusted to know it is autumn unless a six-foot board says “WELCOME FALL” beside the door. I already knew what season it was. My sinuses sent a memo. Inside the house, the transformation continues. Out go the normal pillows. In come the orange pillows nobody is allowed to lean on. A blanket appears on the couch, even though using it would cause heat stroke. The kitchen smells like pumpkin spice, cinnamon bark, apple harvest, and one candle called “Cozy Fireside,” which is bold considering the fireplace won’t be touched until January, if then. Don’t get me wrong. I like fall. I just prefer the actual weather version over the decorative hostage situation. And the yard work doesn’t help. September is when the leaves don’t change color as much as give up. They fall just enough to make the driveway look messy but not enough to justify raking. So you stand there with a blower, pushing twelve leaves around like you’re managing a tiny natural disaster. Still, somewhere between mocking the mums and stepping around a pumpkin I didn’t approve, something starts to soften. RiverRegionBoom.com

September in Alabama is when reasonable adults begin lying to themselves. The calendar says fall. The stores say fall. The candle aisle says fall so aggressively you can smell cinnamon from three aisles over. But outside, it’s still 94 degrees, the mosquitoes are still running a blood drive, and the steering wheel in your car is hot enough to brand cattle. And yet, every year, we participate in the delusion. Somebody buys mums. That’s always the first sign. Perfect little yellow and orange mums sitting on the porch like we don’t all know they’ll be dead by next Thursday. We carry them home with hope in our hearts, water them twice, forget them once, and suddenly they look like tumbleweeds in a witness protection program. Then come the pumpkins. Not carved pumpkins. Not useful pumpkins. Decorative pumpkins. Big ones, little ones, white ones, lumpy ones, green ones that look like they need a dermatologist. We place them carefully on the porch beside the dying mums and pretend our front door has been transformed into a cozy New England farmhouse instead of a brick house in Alabama with an air conditioner begging for mercy. My wife will say, “Doesn’t this look festive?” And I’ll say, “It looks like we’ve opened a roadside produce stand.” Then there are the fall signs. I don’t know when every porch in America needed a vertical wooden plank

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Because the truth is, we decorate for more than the weather. We’re marking time. We’re saying another season has come around, even if it showed up sweating. The grandkids notice the pumpkins. Neighbors wave from their golf carts. Someone stops by and says, “Your porch looks nice,” and suddenly the produce stand feels a little more like home. Maybe that’s what these little rituals do. They remind us that life moves in seasons, and it’s worth noticing when a new one begins. Even if Alabama has to be dragged into fall like a child being pulled out of a toy aisle. So yes, I’m grumpy. I’ll complain about dead mums, decorative gourds, fake leaves, and candles strong enough to season a ham. But I’m grateful too. Grateful for porches, neighbors, grandkids, and the stubborn hope that cooler days are coming. Grateful for another September, another season, and another chance to make home feel warm before the weather cooperates. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go water a mum that already looks disappointed in me.

- Archie Grumbleton

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Trusted Care.

Convenient Scheduling. Baptist Health Primary Care Partners—Pike Road location makes it easy to connect with trusted primary care providers close to home. Whether you need an annual wellness visit, preventive care, sick visit, or ongoing health management, our team is here to help you stay healthy and well.

— Comprehensive primary care for patients 18 and older — Accepting new patients — Connected to the Baptist Health network — Convenient online appointment requests Scan the QR code to request an appointment online today. Or call 334-747-CARE (2273)

Office Hours

Meet Your Primary Care Team

Monday—Thursday 7:30AM-4:30PM

Leondria Hinds Robinson, DO and Christina Thompson, NP

Friday 7:30AM-12:00PM BaptistFirst.org/PikeRoad 1