Well, folks, here I am again. 110 years old! Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I was hammering away at that old machinist press, my hands covered in grease. Life throws a lot your way over a century, and let me tell you, it’s been a heck of a ride.

Looking back, I see a life filled with challenges, triumphs, and a whole lot of change. From the bustling streets of New York City to the sunshine of Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed history unfold in ways I never could have imagined. The world’s changed a lot since 1914, that’s for sure.

From Tenements to Technology: A Life of Adaptation

I was born in a tiny tenement apartment in New York City, the son of a Russian immigrant. We weren’t rich, but we had each other, and that was enough. The Spanish Flu pandemic ripped through our community when I was just a kid. I lost my older brother to that terrible disease, a memory that’s stayed with me all these years.

My father, a man who believed in hard work, pushed me towards a career as a machinist. I learned the trade, the feel of metal under my fingers, the satisfying clang of a perfect weld. But life had other plans. The Great Depression hit, jobs were scarce, and I had to take whatever came my way.

For a while, I bounced around, doing whatever I could to make ends meet. Then, one day, opportunity knocked. Vacuum cleaners were becoming all the rage, and I discovered a knack for fixing them. Before I knew it, I had my own little repair shop, tinkering away and bringing those dust-sucking machines back to life.

Love, War, and California Dreams

In 1938, at a friend’s wedding, I met the love of my life, Betty. We were married later that year in Los Angeles, a city that promised sunshine and a fresh start. We built a good life together, raising two wonderful children, Judith and Steven.

Then came World War II. I did my part, working in a factory making ammunition. Seeing the world on the brink of destruction made me realize the importance of fighting for what’s right. That’s why, after the war, I joined the Communist Party. I believed in equality and justice for all, and I wasn’t afraid to stand up for what I believed in.

We even took a trip to Moscow during the Cold War. It was a fascinating experience, seeing a different way of life. But let me tell you, there’s no place like home, and home was California for us.

Unexpected Discoveries: Art, Blogging, and Beyond 100

Life continued at a steady pace. I ran a successful air conditioning and appliance business, always tinkering and fixing things. But there was a creative side to me that I hadn’t fully explored. It wasn’t until I was well into my 100s that I rediscovered my love for art.

It all started with a chance meeting at a bus stop. A stranger saw my sketches and encouraged me to show my work. To my surprise, I landed a gallery showing! It was a surreal experience, seeing my metal sculptures displayed for the world to see.

Then came the blogging world. My granddaughter encouraged me to share my stories online, and so, at the ripe old age of 103, I became a blogger. It’s been a fantastic way to connect with people from all walks of life and share my experiences.

Facing the Future with Gratitude

Let’s be honest, folks, living to 110 is a gift. There have been ups and downs, moments of joy and sorrow, but through it all, I’ve never lost sight of what’s important: family, friends, and a good cup of coffee in the morning.

People often ask me for the secret to a long life. Truth is, there’s no magic formula. Just keep moving, keep learning, and most importantly, keep living life to the fullest. Embrace change, don’t be afraid to try new things, and never stop being curious about the world around you.

As for the future? Well, I’m still working on that memoir, telling the story of this crazy life. Who knows, maybe there’ll be another book after that, a sequel perhaps, titled “Still Breathing.” After all, at 110, I’m still here, still kicking, and still grateful for every single day.