Day 6

I love morning. Waking up to the quiet street and waiting for the coffee while I stretch and enjoy a time with no interruptions. As simple as my life is, morning is the best time for gratitude. Today I’ll get out early for a walk as rain is expected. It’s windy and that can be exhilarating. Wind blows out the cobwebs. A couple of bills will be distributed along the way. It’s March 1 so it’s back-up day for the computer.

Last Senior News column

Way back when I was 58 years old, RSVP had just lowered its enrollment age to 55. The first request I read was for a distributor for Senior News in Crescent City. The next time I was in Eureka I visited the senior resource center and was directed to the basement. I wound through pool tables into the farthest back corner where a lighted doorway beckoned. There I found Barbara Clark, editor of Senior News. We chatted a bit and I asked about the distribution duty. She said I could make it up as I found welcoming places where seniors congregated. I told Barbara that I had written essays and articles for the 50+ column in the Times-standard and she asked if I wanted to write for Senior News. Thus began a productive and enjoyable relationship. We became personal friends too sharing art projects and our dream groups. I value her friendship.

I have written the 200 plus columns that have appeared in Senior News with a view to make the editors’ themes both entertaining and original. I did not want to tackle the theme in an obvious or redundant manner. Most of the time I have stayed in the word limit. Barbara did accommodate some of my ramblings. She gave my articles a couple of front pages and I admit I liked that. The distribution route took me to places were volunteers work and often led to catch-up conversations and hugs. I have enjoyed that part of the duty too.

Now I am 81 years old. It’s time to learn new tricks. I will probably write observations on life and aging that will appear from time to time in my blog. Volunteering has been my life work since retiring from 32 years of teaching. I am always on the lookout for stimulating people and new opportunities to serve my community. Lately I have become interested in the working of our local government and by attending meetings, I keep up on issues. Spending more time with fewer people and strengthening close ties is on the top my agenda. Family and friends have become increasingly important. I keep in touch with those who are far away through handwritten letters and telephone calls. Yes, I do text and e-mail but the personal listening and asking questions about how one’s life is working does not work well in short bursts. 400 Last Words.