I’m celebrating this birthday with a two-week Viking cruise in Central America. Apart from lots of history, this is what I have learned so far: 1. There are birds chirping and cawing in a public bathroom that I’ve used several times. I don’t know if they are in the ceiling or not. They may be …
Continue reading Growing Older : On Turning 81 or Birds in the Bathroom
I was never interested in living two lives. Sounded too complicated for me. But here I am, one week shy of 81, living part of the year in South Dakota and the winter part in Arizona. Luckily, I only need care for a house in one. But everything else comes in duplicate. Think of that! …
First, you must meet them—my adorable grand dog puppies. Here I am sitting quietly at my daughter’s on Christmas Day with the puppies on my lap. But they are puppies, so they are usually frolicking or sleeping. And they don’t know me yet, so they greet me rambunctiously, and it feels like they’d rather explore …
Continue reading Growing Older: Christmas Gifts from my Grand Dogs
At bedtime last Thursday Don't even try to follow my screen shots below! But I want you to experience the frustration I had last Thursday. Not nice of me, I know. But misery loves company, I hear. And visuals are powerful. I was trying to get to Seattle to see my first great-grandchild who was …
For most of my adult life, my family celebrated Thanksgiving at my brother’s home in Michigan. We would come from Chicago, a sister would come from Toledo, another sister sporadically came from Seattle, and my third sister and folks lived near my brother. After my dad died at 90, I remember my mother who would …
For most of the 56 years I was married, my husband made my end tables. I'd often want to buy a new one, but he'd say he could make one a lot cheaper, and then when I got sick of it--which he knew I would--he would throw it away and make another. My last request …
Did you know that “the monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind”? Albert Einstein said that, and I can attest that it’s true. During the last three months after surgery, I spent a lot of time alone in my living room sitting on a new recliner. The longer I sat, the …
I’m on my way. I’ve shagged my walker. I use a cane only when I’m outdoors and only to help me relearn a normal gait, while still dealing with some pain. I’ve loaned out my walker and raised toilet seat. waiting for borrower to pick up In my mind, I’ve missed August and September. Except …
Continue reading Grateful to be Screwless with a New Hip and Even-Steven Legs
“Sharp shoes,” my physical therapist said. “Would you like to hear the story behind them?” “Sure,” she said as she cradled and swung my lower leg in large circles, making my new hip happy. “I shopped my closet for the best shoes to wear for this session. The best ones for support and balance seemed …
Two weeks ago I asked you for help staying sane while I try to meet my goal of being cured in a few weeks. I have good news. I'm closer than ever before. I've almost got my pain managed, and I'm allowed to wean myself off the walker in the house. I'm on my way! …
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