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Our garden is done for the season. The kids have returned to school. I’m catching up on local football game schedules. Cooler temps have snuck in (yay), but what I’m most intrigued by is that I finally get to start marking down the days till our weekend getaway to Gatlinburg. It was planned several months ago. I blinked once, and it truly seems like yesterday I was pushing my toes in the sand at Garden City. The least favorite season of mine has been a blur.
The birds are beginning to adapt to the changing season. I’ve been noticing their frequent visits to my feeders. They are smarter then we think. Just like the squirrels and insects. Preparation is in progress ….as we humans too begin to adapt to changes that come with the end of summer.
Turning another year older (60) recently, perhaps has made me think about the swiftness of the days flying by. When we were kids, every day was carefree, especially the golden days of summer. We would kick off our shoes and play for hours on those lazy afternoons. Those days seemed endless. For me, this time of year reminds me of how quickly time is passing by…like jello slipping through a child’s fingers.
I’m already reminded it’s that unique time to somehow make room for my fall-winter wardrobe in a house that only has one closet. I somehow muster the ability to make this happen with ease. This will be the 27th year in doing so.
The next time the days of summer seem to go by too fast, take a breath. Sit back and relax…if only for a moment. Watch the sunset. Enjoy that ice cream cone…sip that cold ice tea a little bit slower.
As I’m often reminded from a well known movie line from 1986- “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
In the meantime, I’ll be counting down the days to Fall.
The celebration is this month- It wasn’t all too long ago, or at least I didn’t think so, when I turned 30. I remember that day so well. It was a Sunday, and I spent part of the day with a close friend. I also dressed in black.
So, here I am on the precipice of decrepitude, feeling…well, not 30 anymore, but not how I would have expected at 60 either. My mindset is energetic, alive and forward thinking with a zest for learning more, living, and experiencing MORE. My gait, memory, and most days energy to do much of anything seem to prevail.
They say age is just a number…it is indeed. Those younger days gone by when I could live off 3 hours of sleep…now reminds me that 8 pm is what midnight use to be. The old coffee beans are my best buddies. The pep in my step is no longer there most days…well, you get the picture.
So I’m in panic mode…because I’m turning 60 this month. I’ve crossed the threshold of my existence when I have less time in front of me than behind me….followed by the inevitable questions: Has my life been meaningful? What kind of mark did I make in the world? Did I change someone’s life for the better?
There is always an opportunity for reflection, but especially this time. For several weeks now, I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned during the past six decades that really matters. A few of these thoughts are:
Notice the good. Let go of certainty. Slow down. Add more value in the world than you’re using up. Savor every moment— even the difficult ones…it all goes too fast.
As a former account analyst, I think life is kind of like a balance sheet—if your assets exceed your liabilities, you have a positive net worth. If your positives exceed your negatives, you’ve got a whole lot to feel good about. Looking at it that way, while the number still freaks me out, I’m pretty thankful that I’ve made it this far. Just don’t try putting 60 candles on my cake—30 will work just fine.
Tags: August Age Time Changes Candles
July was declared National Ice Cream Month back in 1984 by then President Ronald Reagan. Who doesn’t love this delicate sweet treat anytime of the year? With the continued onslaught of southern heat we are still witnessing, it is no doubt a favorite to enjoy.
No matter where you buy your ice cream, you can rest assure it’s made with wholesome ingredients sourced from a hardworking farmer and his cows. So why not treat yourself to a cool cone of delicious dairy?
Recently, I discovered a hidden gem that has been in existence for over 50 years. It’s a short drive, just 88 miles (give or take your route getting there) northwest of Belmont NC....located on Lake Tacoma road in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills. It’s tucked away at the intersection of highways 70 and 80. It was started by Charlie McMahan in 1970 for his wife Dot. He promised her that one day he would put her name in lights, and so he did. It’s not a fancy place, just a single wide trailer that sits next to what use to be his welding business next door.
A trip here has been a summer getaway to both locals, as well as others who choose to take in the beautiful scenery from miles away. It’s a seasonal stop, open from Mid March through October. They offer over 45 flavors of soft serve ice cream, and you can select from a sugar cone, waffle cone, banana split, sorbet, sundae, and lots more. I understand, too that they have a select few flavors in a low sugar form…which is perfect for me. It’s not often I indulge in anything sweet, so this is an added bonus.
Who wouldn’t want to take in the mountain views, all the while knowing what was waiting for them here? If sweets aren’t your thing, you can also select from a menu of sandwiches and sides.
I want to give a shout out to Derrick & Shawnasi Holland of Granite Falls, NC in introducing this iconic place to me. I stumbled upon their YouTube channel about a month ago. This internet platform offers another way to visit places one might otherwise never get to see in person. I’m so glad they took the time to introduce Dot's Dario's to their channel. 
Life growing up in the 60’s and 70’s was quite unique. More often than ever, I find myself reminiscing about the good old days. There was a lot of fun, family based television shows to choose from. Fast forward to current times, my television isn’t even on unless the hubby is home. I prefer the quiet solitude of silence … or reading a good book.
A few days ago my twin sister shared with me her discovery of a movie that was apparently released last year. It is now available on Amazon Prime, and soon will be at your reach via DVD.
For those of us who remember this date - October 3, 1960, it was the debut of the Andy Griffith show. This movie captures the iconic spirit of the classic show we all remember, and that many of us still watch in syndication. The result is “Mayberry Man”, much of which was filmed in Central Indiana and Mt Airy NC during Mayberry Days. The feature length movie centers on character Chris Stone, who’s an insufferable movie star and fictional son of guest actor on The Andy Griffith Show. He gets caught speeding and is sentenced to represent his father at the fictional Mayberry Festival in Mayberry, NC…, an experiment that mortifies him.
There are children of some of the actors from the original show that are behind this new movie. Of course, they are grown up now. The executive producer is Dixie Griffith, daughter of legendary actor Andy Griffith.
It’s the perfect setting to tell the modern- day, family-friendly stories that express the virtues of the fictitious town of Mayberry that we grew up with, and we still love. I know I still do.
What started out as an independent film, it’s taken off well. Look for Mayberry Man the series to debut sometime in 2023.
I’ll be waiting.
Tags: #AndyGriffith#MtAiry#daysgoneby#
When I was a kid, summer days couldn’t come soon enough. School bells had rung their last time (for a while). It was also a reminder the ice cream truck would soon be arriving on our street..same time every day. I remember the many summer days spent at my grandmother’s house. Those days were mainly spent outside. It didn’t really seem to bother me being outdoors. Fast forward to current time…I now digress with even the mere mention of the word summer.
The first two things I truly never look forward to is the heat and humidity. These two elements of summer (especially here in the South) just seem to always hang out together. It’s not that I prefer being inside this time of year…for the outside is usually calling me. My garden and flowers need attention now, more than ever.
Summer also kicks off hurricane season. Can you say Hugo? I remember that proverbial storm like it happened yesterday. We always seem to find ourselves living on the edge more…not knowing if our dwelling and everything inside it will be blown to smidgens.
As I’m now older, and more wiser (I think), somehow over the duration of time that bypassed childhood adventures, my internal thermometer kicked in. Folks, that system almost always stays in the 85-105 range…I’m not kidding. In the winter, we can always layer up to stay warm. Sadly, summer changes that cause there’s only so much clothing we can remove unless we decide to hide inside.
In addition, summer brings out more people, usually in massive crowds. Do you know what happens when you have a lot of people in confined spaces? Making the situation worse is that we have longer days which equals more sunlight and thus, more heat. Thank you (not) Daylight Saving Time.
Let’s not forget about insects and snakes,. They are surely already among us in droves now. Summer seemingly just brings out more caution and dread in this arena.
They say patience is a virtue, but during June, July and August, I could rewrite that quote. So I’ll keep the ice tea flowing, spending more time outside under the shade trees out back, and reminiscing on childhood days gone by. I’ll also keep checking off those boxes on the calendar. That will mean we will be one day closer to Fall. Which reminds me, a trip to Alaska this time of year sure would be great.
Did I mention my husband is from Phoenix? Opposites attract (an understatement here)...gotta have a sense of humor in all of this-:)
Enjoy your Summer folks.
Throughout our time here on earth, we see signs in various forms. They direct us to where we need to go, other times… we simply navigate our way as best we can…hoping to abide by the rules (signs) that quite often share the road with us.
Two weeks ago, the hubby, myself, and our sweet dog Dixie were on vacation at the beach in Garden City. Throughout our time there, I couldn’t help but notice the signs everywhere. They welcomed us here as we arrived at our vacation destination. Other signs (rules) were displayed quite literally on every other corner. Directing one to a county ordinance, and quite literally, spelling out the fines that would be imposed should one of these rules (laws) be broken.
But on another note, it got me to thinking of the simplicity of life. Things that are important to everyone. I call them the *golden rules of life*. Let me share some of them with you.
Life is a journey in which we pass through different stages. We can become stuck..either in our mind or heart. Thus, the importance of remembering some of life’s rules that will help us navigate on a happier route.
Be grateful…you are blessed. Stay fit…your body is your temple. Choose positivity…observe only good. Be yourself…don’t run after perfection. Don’t waste time regretting. Be bold and fearless…never give up. Smile and laugh…every day.
So whenever you feel like the road of life is running out from under you, simply slow down and remember some of these golden rules. I promise it will make your day a bit brighter. Especially when you know the road ahead of you is leading you to one of your favorite places on earth.
The beach welcomed me. It bid me farewell too. But, I’ll be back.
Lisa 
Tags: #signs#road#life#rules#journey#
Spring has sprung, and I’ve been super busy watching my yard bloom over the last few weeks. Most recently, I noticed a few days ago, my array of colorful tulips were disappearing..just the bloom part. As of this writing, I only have one tulip that hasn’t become lunch. The squirrels did do something a little nice…leaving the purple one intact…which, by the way, is my favorite color.
Even before Spring officially arrived, and going back to probably mid January, it seems the proverbial stink bugs decided to camp out inside my kitchen window. By a first glance, they look to be frozen solid, but as the day progresses, they come back to life. I keep reading that these stinky bugs detest cold weather, thus their decision to camp out in my window. I have only seen one of them recently, but it has moved on…to a different zip code ….hopefully.
What would life be without all of the marvel and wonder of these creatures? I suppose they have as much right to a happy life as we all do. I’m hoping and praying the squirrels have decided to chew on dead sticks …. rather than devouring what’s left of my tulips. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Once again, Spring has arrived, and I am continuing to enjoy watching my variety of flowers pop up and appear. As well as the perennials along my creek area …I’ve had for many years. They don’t appear to interest the squirrels (for now). One last flower bulb order arrived a few days ago. I haven’t decided where to place this purple gem, but for now, it is safe from whatever critter that might decide to choose it for their next meal.
I trust my flowers on my front porch will be safe. So far so good. Now we wait.
Happy Spring y’all.
This weekend marks the least favorite time of year for me. Can you say TIRED? The bags sure to come under my eyes may go away by the time we do this again in November…but, at least by then, I can catch that lost hour. Time will tell.
I prefer to call it Daylight Insanity Time. It messes with our internal clock no doubt. Everyone’s schedule is different, so let me count the various states of mind that come with this delusional day on the calendar. Confused and fatigued are two that seemingly linger till November. I’ve often thought about that old adage of cutting off the bottom of a blanket, only to sew it back to the top of the same blanket. The blanket, folks… is still the same size.
The very worst element of DST is that it’s bad for your health. According to several sleep experts, the number of traffic accidents and industrial mishaps increase on the Monday after we (spring forward). Losing even a single hour of sleep over the weekend makes a lot of folks drowsier -on what I call *Black Monday*.
Daylight Saving Time was originally instituted in the United States during World War 1 and World War II….in order to take advantage of longer daylight hours and save energy for the war production. Now you know.
So folks, unless you live in Arizona or Hawaii, none of this silliness is needed. Ironically, my in-laws live in Phoenix, so I always have to keep a mental note of the time difference between me and them. I should be use to it by now, but my internal clock digresses.
Given the technology-driven …(always on society) we live in, DST, to me, serves no purpose. It certainly messes with schedules, and can ultimately lead to missed flights, connections, pilot error…well…you get my drift.
For what it’s worth, write your local and federal officials and tell them this insanity needs to end. Don’t hold your breath.
Your brain and body will surely thank you. In the meantime, I’ll keep dreaming that lost hour of sleep returns to me sooner than later.
Tags: #sleep#yawn#springforward#hour
This past week I learned a friend and (former coworker) was in the hospital…preparing to undergo heart bypass surgery. We started working together over 27 1/2 years ago. She, along with many other friends, (I’ve worked with) remain in close touch.
My memories of yesteryear began to swirl in my head … tapping me ever so gently in reminding me of the years gone by. It seems just like yesterday that I walked into this local company preparing to begin a long journey of employment. Along the way, I met and made golden friendships here.
One other friend and former coworker from this same company (she was my boss), we still keep in touch too. She actually lives in another state now…having relocated during our time of employment together. Yet, regardless of the miles and years apart, our friendship never ended. To me, these are moments in time that brought me to the realization of life’s rarest gift…friendship. Most of all, being able to look back and reflect on time. Yes, there have been other jobs and faces along the way, but from this one place of employment..it really turned into a beautiful life adventure.
Another friend from this work place recently lost her husband. She is now preparing to move out of state to be closer to her children. I will miss her. Oh, but those precious memories of days gone by will never go away.
I can’t leave out yet another wonderful and beautiful friend (former coworker too) that graced my life way back in 1983. I’m telling my age now, yes, but once again, this chapter in my life bred yet another friendship…one that is most precious to me. We were mere young-uns, and beginning our work history together… she now resides in Florida. By the way, when we met, I called Texas home then.
What a journey it has been. Good times, and not so good times. But, from life we learn and move ahead. For if it wasn’t for these pieces of time, we wouldn’t be able to understand where and who we are now.
Sometimes a short walk down memory lane is all it takes to appreciate where you are today. Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.
I’m so glad I can share these memories with you.
Tags: #Friends#Years#Jobs#Gift#Time#Life#Memories
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