Editor’s note: This is another in a series of occasional columns by long-time Ann Arbor resident Robert Faber on what he describes as his most recently acquired area of expertise - growing old.

Lena Driskell, a 79-year-old great-grandmother, lived in a nursing home in Atlanta with her boyfriend, 85-year-old Herman Winslow. All was working just fine until she discovered that he was playing around with another woman... so she shot him.

When reported in the press, the issue that most puzzled the readers was more the bizarre nature of the action than the crime itself. What in the world could have precipitated and directed such passion and such outlandish behavior in people that old?

Most members of generations younger than very old see antique codgers in their 70s, 80s and beyond as more a different species than simply a different generation. How, after all, can people that age have relationships other than grandparental?

Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley has started addressing these concerns, along with talking to potential Habitat homeowners, at their Open House series in the Ypsilanti area.

John Bayerl listens to fellow writing student Don Axon read his latest work during a writing class earlier this month at the University of Michigan's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The class, taught by author Zibby O'Neal, lets students express themselves and share their writing with other members of the class.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

For John Bayerl of Ann Arbor, memoir writing class had always been more social than therapeutic. Beyond the benefits of writing regularly, it was a great way to meet new people.

That was a decade ago — before the death of his wife, Gwen. Before he discovered how words could flow from his mind into poetry in tribute to her.

When Gwen was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, John stopped attending class. At the time of her diagnosis, Gwen was told she'd have nine months to live. She lived for five years before succumbing last November.

Little Lake Learning Center instructor Melissa Palma, left, helps Lucy Bowman, 4, with her wolf mask at the center on Lohr Road.

Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com

At Little Lake Learning Community, an alternative school in Ann Arbor that opened its doors this fall, “free” means a lot of things. Students chart their own course of study, weaving in science and chess, Dungeons and Dragons with literature.

But in an era where many parents worry about high-stakes standardized testing, the model of education known as “free schooling” has a certain appeal, said Little Lake founder Melissa Palma.