Day 12

I did get out briefly. Walked down to buy apple cider vinegar as suggested by Jeanine for both the UTI and acid reflux. I’ll try anything that might help my body do its job as well as possible. Today promises a dry afternoon and I will for sure be walking after senior center duty. With a wet week coming up, it’s essential to go out whenever possible. The pot of beans will last and I have added greens. Delicious and nutritious. 

Day 11

Megan drove us to the farm stand. She is doing well with the stick shift. I asked if she felt bi-lingual yet. No, she feels ESL. Only had the car for two weeks. Takes a while for proficiency. That car ride was the only time outside. The rain came up the street sideways and everything was in motion. Noisy night too. Today I will attend church and plan some activity besides watching TV. One day of sitting is more than enough.

Day 10

Yesterday morning was well used. The PM, not so much. I noticed the barometer dropped significantly. I thought that was a myth until I had aging bones and joints and now I’m a believer. Winter storm is beginning and will be here long enough to blow fiercely and drop five inches of rain. I have saved up favorite programs on the DVR in preparation plus a crock-pot full of beans. Might get an early walk and trip to the farm stand.

Day 9

New, new, where are you? My antennae are waving. Surely new will come close enough to be revealed. Carol suggested a new writing group. I’m willing to do that. Maybe a new volunteer position will show up. Maybe this new phase of my life will include groups or clubs. Might be time for an attitude make-over. I have reinvented myself many times. Let’s see, who can I be next? I’ll clean out the closet and get set for a new look.

Day 8

Day 8

I found a thank-you card amidst the bundles so Kathy and Elizabeth did acknowledge my contributions. All over and grateful for it. It’s wise to know when to quit. Once the fun is gone, why stay? Lots of walking yesterday and I enjoyed every step. It’s senior center day and the Boondock band will be there. The music is folk songs and I like to sing with them. I’d like more music to sing-along with here. Singing makes me feel good.

Day 7

Yesterday the rain came sooner than expected and I came home soaked to the skin. Then came warm sweats and a lap full of dogs to get warm again. Today the rain is supposed to wait until late afternoon so I can get out this morning and distribute the senior news for the last time. It feels good to say that. I’m through with writing and delivering after many years. I’m disappointed that there was no acknowledgement from Humboldt senior center.  

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.