i'm an 83-year old trapped in a 38-year old body

Charlie's father and his wife, Kathleen, live in Sun City, Arizona which is a beautiful retirement community, just outside of Phoenix. When Charlie went to visit his father this past weekend, he called several times to tell me how great the area was.

There are recreation halls with bowling and billiards. There are beautiful lap pools. There is a golf course. There are a plethora of "trendy" restaurants that offer fantastic early bird specials. And many of the residents drive around town in their personalized golf carts. In fact, there are so many golf carts on the road, most of the establishments have set up tiny parking spaces for their golf carting patrons, right in front of their stores.

So while I was driving all over San Diego trying to find our way to the St. Patrick's Day parade, Charlie, his dad and Kathleen set up chairs in the driveway of their home, to watch the parade procession that would go right down their street.

Look at this parade! There were beauty queens.

The Shriner's were there in their little cars.

Here's a Shriner in a mini 18-wheeler. Could it be any more awesome than this?

I THINK NOT.

Check it out - Uncle Sam was there, too.

AND the Weiner Mobile!

There were horses!

And a camel!

There were firetrucks...

And a pompom squad of "Golden" cheerleaders. Even though they're 40 years older than me, these women look far better than I would in a purple silk skirt and white boots.

I'd be willing to bet most of these vintage cars were driven by their original owners.

This is the bus that picks up those seniors that don't have a car, or chose not to drive, and shuttles them to the recreation center and the local stores. See them waving flags out the window? This one really tickled my husband's funny bone.

At the very end, there was a hearse. Partly to advertise their services and partly to pick up any one who departed this life while marching in the parade.

Charlie said everyone laughed when they saw who was pulling up the rear. So not only are seniors practical, they've got an outstanding sense of humor.

Of course not just anyone can live in Sun City. You have to be at least 55 to live in this sunshiny paradise. My husband and I have a few more years before we're eligible, but don't think we're not counting the days. In the meantime, this is the ride we're planning to purchase. It will be more than sufficient for the whole family AND has suitable space in the back for our gear.

Out with the minivan, in with the multi-passenger golf cart. It's fuel efficient, less to clean, if kids spill, just hose it off! Best of all - everyone gets a window seat!

Some might scoff now, but mark my words, very soon I'll be setting a new transport trend for Soccer Moms everywhere.