I really enjoyed my OLLI class yesterday. A young woman from Sonoma College (I think) spoke about the American Dream. She is probably in her 30s, she is doing research I would love and teaching and inspiring students. She studied single Moms on welfare who went to college. Four got master's degrees. She has testified in Congress several times. Obviously, getting a degree helps you get a job and get off welfare.

She got interested in the American Dream because education is part of that. It seems that somehow the idea that anyone can get ahead has somehow contributed to competition and greed (keeping up with the Joneses), so that people always want a bigger house, etc. She is interested in young people who are changing the dream to reflect their values--spending time with family, building community, having time to volunteer, etc. See newdream.org. Really interesting.

I was interested and excited, but it also made me sad and angry to think that I am not doing this work. At 57, I don't want to be done being useful and stimulated. I love to bake, but to think that I will never think about these ideas again is very depressing. She said unemployment is highest in people over 50 and under 25.

Other than that, delivered lunches with one of my neighbors, Gere, and now we are committed to making lunches too!

Made pasta salad for potluck, with onions and basil and garlic from the garden. Had to buy tomatoes and peppers, but not much longer. Bugs may get the eggplants, but there are baby peppers and green tomatoes.

Potluck and choir--winding down for a summer break in July.