What separation do you hate in yourself? My phobias. I’m down to two, so I’m taking that as a positive sign.
What is your most defining characteristic? I am optimistic. I like to sing and dance around the house.
What is your biggest fear? That we are going down the tubes as a country (make that the whole world).
What talent would you like to have? I would love to be able to cook like our grown children do. They make it look easy. Eight people coming in for dinner? No problem. Me, I still have anxiety dreams before a dinner party.
What do you think is your greatest achievement? That I found the courage to write and did not give up.
What or who is the greatest love in your life? That’s easy. My husband and soul mate, George. We have spent 43 years together and I have never been bored. He is funny, smart, and loving.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? A balmy, moonlit afternoon in Key West. George and I are enjoying a pasta dinner on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Ella Fitzgerald is singing in the background.
What is your biggest surprise? My beautiful little house. When you sit down you can hear birds tweeting. He has alienated several friends, including me when he first arrived. I thought birds were trapped in the walls of our building. I think you can change the sound but I never tried. I love my birdsong.
What do you like most about your appearance? At 85, I appreciate everything that still works.
What is your most prized possession? I have some old Navajo silver cufflinks. You can see it in every picture and video. Do I believe in good luck charms? I would have said no, but recently when I thought I was lost, I was really sad.
What is your favorite trip? Coming home.
How would you like to die? really? Ok, if I have enough time I might go to Switzerland and drink. I believe in euthanasia. What we do for our beloved pets, we should be able to do for our loved ones or ourselves.
Where would you like to live? Since I live in Key West, it’s hard to come up with anything better.
Who are your heroes in real life? The surgeon, oncologists, and nurses who were there saved George and his life.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? I’m not going to change anyone, and certainly not my family.
What do you value most in your friends? I love that my real friends don’t think of me as that Judy, but like the Judy they’ve known for years, a woman, like them. And I love their senses of humor.
What do you dislike the most? Please don’t tell me what to do. Don’t tell me to relax or take deep breaths. I might overwhelm you (gently, of course).
