Dear Reader
In 1980 we moved south to Mobile, AL. The weather was more civilized. As my wife and I aged, we came to prefer warmth over cold. There is no doubt that the Mobile climate is far more moderate than that of Ft Wayne. After about 18 yrs, when the time came to retire, we moved further south to Boynton Beach, FL. Our search for a warm climate reminded me of the great poem, without its extremism - THE CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE - by the magnificent Alaskan poet, Robert Service.
Letβs not forget that many factors determine whether an individual prefers warmth over cold, how much warmth etc.
There is the attitude that warm climates make it easier for the body to function easier in warmth. Retirees do like to be active.
After moving to Mobile back spasms would set in. One of the University orthopedists, after reviewing an MRI of my back, commented: βhow do you walk? According to the MRI you should not be able to walk.β The best treatment for the spasms were central inhibitors usually in conjunction with muscle relaxants. Despite these obstacles, I found a great group of 4 wall handball players. Once again, like in FT WAYNE, they were among the nicest group one could find. Like in Ft Wayne, the majority seemed to be professionals. Why? Probably because professionals usually can take an hour or so during noon to get to the courts, at least 2 - 3 times per week and play a few games. The last 2 - 3 yrs I spent in Mobile, I had a standing game at the University with Chuck Kelly, a local contractor. In some respects we made an interesting pair because of our different backgrounds. Chick was a Christian brought up in the oil fields of LA and was an LSU grad. I was a New York Jewish science professor, a Brooklyn College Grad who was awarded a PhD from the University of Texas. After our games and showers we sat and talked. I should mention that I was a much published letter writer and controversial personality in Mobile. My writings primarily centered on science and religion - defending evolution, fighting the text book insert and was also concerned with defending Israel and fighting hate, with emphasis on antisemitism.
Back spasms were debilitating. But there were no obvious knee problems.
Then came Boynton Beach
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