It seems a though there was a time when, if we were to retire, we would have lots of free time. Wrong! In our situation, the days don’t seem to be long enough, and a ‘short afternoon nap’ takes a big chuck out of my day. I still have morning chores to complete and it’s now almost 3 p.m. How did that happen?

For those of you who have followed me in the past, I’m here to report that my husband and I are still on the top side of the grass, and ever so grateful for each day that we are able to enjoy. We are on a ‘first-name basis’ with many of the medical community who have been involved in our senior stage of life ‘overhaul’. The neighbors have been informed that they are stuck with us as long as we have our driver’s license. It’s hard to leave the neighborhood where our 50+ year old children grew up. How did that happen?

You may be wondering if my computer still works and I’m happy to say that it works better than me some days. I now spend more time looking for directions and help to do things that I once knew how to do. How did that happen? The newsletter (Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly) is the anticipated “lifesaver” item in my mailbox… I’m sure glad that happens every week. It is much better than driving 3 km to pick up the ‘junk’ mail that we receive in our community mailbox.

My favorite chair is still by the window, and often my concentration is interrupted by birds who come by for a snack, and by the occasional squirrel or other four-legged creatures who aren’t as welcome but still cute to watch. Haven’t seen any bears by our patio this year, but neighbors have reported that one was spotted just down the road from us. I’m still fascinated by the trains that come through our valley (more than a dozen every day), that are at least two-hundred cars long. Those heading west toward the mountains are loaded tanks and sea cans, and the ones heading east are usually freight containers and empties. I do catch myself trying to count the cars, but give up because my eyes don’t work as well. How did that happen?

Communication is vital to us all, and keeping in touch with friends should be a daily activity… with phone calls, text messages, and emails. Some friends are not able to welcome in-person visitors, but talking and listening is something that we all can do. Sending a smile, repeating a memory, offering a prayer, are all like giving a hug to a friend who we don’t see in person. Life goes on … but not for everyone. How did that happen?

Tags: Summer Fun Friends

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