Day 365

Last day of my 79^th year. I will not jot down statistics. Enough to say that it has not been a banner year for good health. It has been a good year for constant progress and work toward maximizing my whole self. It’s amazing how willing the body is to restore itself and get on with living. All the ups and downs are evidence of being in the community and taking my place in the world. It’s all good.

Next blog -  My 80 Words

Day 364

Today is senior center duty and the walking routine. I’m still restless and don’t have a focus for the loose energy. It’s certainly not housework. One new thing for my 80^th year will be finding a new housekeeper. I had good conversations yesterday with Karen Rath, Kelle, Julia, Hollie, and myself. I want to spread good cheer at the center today and get involved with the people. They are a bunch who like attention and need it. My job.

Early birthday gift

Colorful happy walking

prancing, dancing feet               

Day 363

Or maybe I’m just happy for no reason except I’m alive and grateful. It’s just that it’s unfamiliar after so long feeling unwell, grumpy, and restless. Today I will ask for my birthday blessing in church. I like that moment of acknowledgement. More walking maybe with dogs. Minnie still acts like she doesn’t feel well. She did get herself off the bed this morning without the elevator. The orchids will get their drinks of water and that’s all today.

Day 362

No agenda for today aside from the prescribed walking and nutritious food. I want to visit with someone interesting. I find conversations stimulating and helpful for finding words to interpret experiences. Right now I have a big happy bubble in my middle that I like a lot but don’t know what it’s about yet. Maybe it’s the sun making a bright day again. Maybe it’s simply anticipating my 80^th birthday and sending off the blog to make another book. 

Day 361

Minnie kept sitting down so the walk was short. She seems OK except for not wanting to jump up or down. May take her to the vet. Today I’ll get the taxes done. I always get them out of the way before my birthday. It’s a ritual that I like as unfinished business presses and there is no reason to wait. It’s simple enough. The government takes a big bite and I live on the rest. Long walk later.

Day 360

The tea with Carol and Chris was my idea of fun: close friends, hot tea, yummy muffins, poetry, and safe place for conversation. I enjoyed every minute, hug, and crumb. Then off to church for Ash Wednesday service and the reminder of our mortality. That was also close and personal with Father, Mara, and four of us. Today I’ll be out for senior center duty and hope for a walk with the dogs. They need a daily walk too.

day 359

We did compromise and it was smoother. I can adjust and so can Holly G. It takes time to find middle ground and it shouldn’t be hard when it’s a volunteer duty. Today I will sort the tax stuff for the appointment on Friday. Once I put all the papers out and start the list of expenses for the guest house, it’s a slam dunk. It’s getting started that has been difficult. Then it’s tea with Carol and Chris.