It seems like life travels about that fast!!!!!
I don't think of myself as being old, I don't feel old (well most days!) and I try not to act old but yet a bit of reality hit yesterday. Terry helped me have a nice birthday but she could not change the fact that at the age of 66 I have now climbed the curve of the 60's and am headed towards the 70 mark. I tend to think in terms of the "now" and it did not bother me to think about going in that direction but still I feel just a bit different today. It was a fun day. Terry made a nice breakfast, we did a bit of shopping, then she treated me to lunch at a nice restaurant which happens to be in a very upscale shopping place. The sea food was delicious. We then spent the rest of the afternoon at home where I took several calls. In the evening we again went out to eat at a place I had never been. Each entree included the full salad bar so we filled up on the salad bar and took 90% of our entree home for today! That is not a sign of the 70's, is it?? The server was so funny. She actually gave us an extra baked potato and other things so I think we took more food home than we ordered! We ended the day on a fun note as I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with son John.
I did take some time yesterday to think about what I have experienced with life and death over the last several years. Perhaps the trek towards 70 seems significant because over the last few years I lost Gail who was 63 and friends David who was 62, Jeanette died at the age of 64, Bonnie died at the age of 59, Diane died at the age of 61 and last Friday brother-in-law Mike died at the age of 68. Of course I often think of brother Ronald and sister Janet who both died in their late 20's. As one remembers these people and others who lived a full life yet were denied much of their old age I feel blessed and it makes me want to make each day count. It also brings to mind that in happiness, in conflict, in praises and in confrontations do what one can today because tomorrow could very well be too late.
Life goes on in Naples in kind of a predictable way. Terry and I arrived in late October so we have been here this winter for over three months already. We have spent much time reading, walking and playing tennis among other things.
As I was talking to Travis last night I counted the books I have read since October 25 and it has been 18. Never have I had nor have I taken the time to read much and it has been delightful. Three of the books have been 900+ pages and have almost seemed short as they were so interesting to read.
I have gotten into tennis in kind of a big way and have enjoyed it so so much. I actually over did it a bit so am off the courts for a week or more but to compete in a sport for the first time in maybe 40 years has been exciting.
I enrolled in another one day a week, six weeks course in writing. I took a class like this last winter and it was good but kind of difficult but this time around it has been very fun so far and the instructor is very encouraging. Three more to go before the end. I am using the classes to get some editing done on the writing I did in November and December.
Time goes so fast that Terry and I are beginning to plan our trip back to MN. Will write more about that later.
The son of some friends was married last Friday. They were married on the Gulf beach as the sun set which was a perfect setting. Terry asked them if they had arranged for picture and they had not so I had the honor of shooting 250 shots before, during and after the wedding. It was fun and the pictures turned out well. The next day we burned them onto a DVD and delivered it to our friends. A fun thing and they were so thankful.
I already mentioned that brother-in-law Mike died last Friday. Sister Helen lives in Holiday Island AR as she and Mike moved there about 10 years ago to retire and live out their old age. I say old age but Mike was only 68 and Helen is only 62. Mike had dealt with health issues for some time and finally on Friday his struggles ended. Sometime in late February Helen will have a party to celebrate his life. Sister Joan, who lives in UT, flies in today and will stay for about 10 days. I know those two and with the arrival of Joan Helen will find much to laugh about and that will be good. Oh I am sure there will be tears as well but then sometimes, just sometimes, one needs tears to stir up the happy memories!!
We are looking forward to this Wednesday. Daughter-in-law Amy's parents Dick and Jeanne are spending January and much of February in Naples. On Wednesday they will come over for a shuttle ride to the beach, a walk and then lunch afterwards. They spent time doing this last year and it was a fun time.
It looks like our company this winter will be less than last year. Jerry and Susan will come in March and a friend from teaching will be in town this weekend but I think that will be it.
Wow, that is about it. The coffee cup with Naples Pier on it has very little FP left and I am kind of out of ideas so will sign off.
No comments:
Post a Comment