Yes, we found our way to the pot at the end of the rainbow: free classes at Portland State University.
In the rain! It took two cellphone calls with Susan, the very patient administrator for the Senior Adult Learning Center. "Explain again where you are because nothing looks like the 'hi-rise' you mentioned; I'm from New York." While Ron parked the car a few blocks away, it was my job to find it first--the building with a number on the website but unmarked in real life.
"Maybe it's under 'Aging,' or , 'Senior' on the directory," I told Ron on another cell call as we worked to reach the same place. "You have to walk up three flights, then find your way to another stairway to get to the fourth floor." Suddenly an elevator door opens behind me and there he is--arriving from an entrance on the opposite side of the building.
In our search for lifelong learning opportunities in PDX,* everyone mentioned this good deal at PSU--undergraduate classes at no charge. Old-fashioned, educated American that we are, first effort we looked for a catalog of courses. No. It's all on their website. Even in this SALC office there was no hard copy; we have to go to the library for that--and now that we've been sanctioned as participants, we hope to gain entrance to it.
Since much of the semester has gone by, we decided to do a flip through the available classes roster that Susan offered, take our chances on selecting a class by title only. Ron found Medieval History, mine is Women and Politics. A half-sheet of yellow paper certifies us. On the back are instructions for auditing-- wave the paper toward the instructor be "...considerate of students taking the class for credit by not dominating class discussions." Useful advice for old people, always garrulous as we are.
I just realized there are only a few sheets of yellow in our colorful collection brought from NYC. Enough to make copies in case we lose one--or it falls apart from folding and waving, or gets wet. Now have back-up in a plastic sleeve. Going to school offers many challenges in the 21st century.
Over my three years of blogging, I've been curious that other Elderbloggers have not written about their experiences with what is known as "lifelong learning." It's something that has interested me since before I retired when I designed a program titled, "Creativity in the Third Age." Described the idea on my Cityworm website. So, Lifelong Learning lengthens the list of categories here as Ron and I explore what's offered to seniors in Portland. And what about your experiences?
On Saturdays from March to December the center of the PSU campus hosts the Portland Farmers' Market, both are walking distance from Terwilliger Plaza, our new home. Surprising unknown, locally grown vegetables appear to challenge the adventurous.
This week we noticed Ficoide Glacial, slightly tangy French green. Always free samples to try and consider for next time.
*Department of Clarification: In this post I'm referring to programs designed specifically to meet circumstances and schedules of those over 55. Sometimes they're free like PSU, or have fees like the IRP at the New School in New York City and ones supported by the Osher Foundation.

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