This has already been a busy month, filled with lots of little chores and tasks and errands and appointments. And winter, though it hasn’t officially arrived yet, always complicates the smallest effort. If it is “27 degrees with a 20mph wind and a slight drizzle” I just want to stay in my recliner, no matter what I’ve planned. However, I have instead braved the cold and gotten things done.
My oldest child turned 50 at the beginning of the month. Does that make me old, or just mature and wise? We shall see. My friend’s child is 60. We are each grateful for the privilege of seeing our children grow to adulthood. Not all parents are so blessed, as we were reminded of by the loss this summer of a sweet young woman in our community. Every moment in life is precious.
I’m finished with shopping. We don’t buy very many gifts anymore, but I do like to buy the ones we need at small local stores if possible. Our local merchants have some very personal reasons for being in business and I admire their spirit and determination. And we also like to give to local charities. It’s nice to help with the big disasters and contribute to relief efforts, but there are always those just down the street or in your local church who are suffering every day.
I’ve attended to my last two medical check-ups for the year. Both showed progress in the ongoing battle against obesity and the effects of a more sedentary lifestyle. I recently read a book about the meningitis epidemic of 1912-1913 next door in Texas and I renewed my gratitude for the strides we have made in medicine. Then I learned of one more…a new vaccine for shingles. It seems that each year we get better at diagnosing and treating some diseases, while continuing to face the challenges of others. Perhaps next year we will see the demise of Parkninson’s.
Gary and I are still going to the gym three days a week. I highly recommend exercise for anyone and everyone. We’re doing our best to stay strong and flexible. Our goals have very little to do with looks or weight, just movement. We both want to walk and talk for as long as we possibly can. How about you?
We drove out to our happy place for a little while this week. It’s cold. It’s a little dreary. There aren’t as many birds as we’ve seen in past years during the holidays. But still…down by the water is such a wonderful place to be. Be sure to visit your happy place sometime during the next few crazy weeks.
Try to stay safe and healthy. I’ll try to write something more profound…soon.
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