Bob is 95.
The first thing I noticed about Bob is that he has beautiful clear blue eyes. Yes, he is frail, spotted, and has an abundance of gray hair (not sure if real) but his eyes are wonderfully clear baby blue. They match his flannels perfectly. The second thing I noticed is his welcoming smile and his happy to see us wave.
Bob and his friend are there everyday between the hours of 4 and 6 pm sitting in a folding lawn chairs just inside the open garage. The chairs have been there a while. A table sits between them and to the left is a refrigerator. Within is his night cap.
Most evenings Chris and I take the babies for a walk. This is not anything different from what we did in Alaska. I love running with the dogs but evening walks (talks) have always been my favorite exercise. Running exercises the brain as well as the body but differently than walking. Running clears the clutter. Walking and talking reclaims relationships which in turn transforms the soul. Most times in Alaska, we would be walking and wind up talking to other walkers out with their babies. Rarely were there neighbors sitting on porches or decks near our hillside neighborhood even on the warmest days. Here in Florida, it is quite common to hear voices coming from porches but it seems that more often than not, Floridians like their morning and evening garage sitting more.
We found Bob and his friend, Josh, on one of our walks. Now it has become our cue. "Lets go see Bob".
Why do I mention Bob? It is what I gain from Bob. Bob is a story to follow. At 95, that in itself is amazing. How does someone get to be 95 and not have a story to tell. Last evening, he introduced me to the first of his lessons on longevity. When I asked what was his secret, Bob said, "I have something for you to read". He went inside and brought me back a leaflet which he asked me to read. I started to read it silently but he then asked me to read it out loud. My senses immediately took me back to elementary school where I was always terrified to read out loud. Diction and pronunciation were not my strong suits. And this new friendship had me sitting in front of an educated man of long ago who probably cares about whether the English language is destroyed. I didn't want to disappoint him but I straightened myself and began to read about a diet that would cut the risk of Alzheimer. The top 10 food groups that were identified "good for the brain" listed vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry..", and as I was reading I could sense him watching me. Simultaneously, my peripheral view could see his smile broadening as I read "olive oil and w..". Looking up his mouth was forming the word. "Wine" as we both said it together.
Bob is a new friend, I think. Maybe I will mention him more often.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Boogie Mornings
Boogie Mornings are back...
Have you ever woke up, made your bed, turned on some fun music and just started moving better? If not, it is time to try it. Even for 10 minutes. There is a sense that the day is just going to be good. Somehow you forget the sore soles of your feet from a long day before. The shoulder aches from carrying a load are still there as you attempt a little beat keep. But if you hang with it, soon you don't even notice those issues with your body.
As I get older, I keep thinking I am in the best shape of my life...except for the wrinkles, extra weight, and larger sizes I am wearing these days. It is one of those things I tend to forget. That I was a nicer shaped example of myself many years ago or even just a couple years ago. As the years have passed, the changes in my skin, bones, and taste in clothing have caused me to only accept what I see today.
Sometimes I think I have always been in this body just as is and it isn't so bad. But then when I try on a dress from just a couple years ago, I am reminded that something changed. I still dance the same. I walk the same. I feel the same. But that dress just doesn't fit the same. It looks like it grew wider and shorter. Problem is that I really wanted to wear the dress this weekend to a Retirement party for one of Chris's friends. It hangs in my closet for the mere reason of my desire to wear it. And frankly, I think clothes should update as often as my body changes. Right? Okay maybe not. But I hang on to certain items of clothing because it looked good on me.
Back to boogieing. The music is on in the house as well as in my head.
Have you ever woke up, made your bed, turned on some fun music and just started moving better? If not, it is time to try it. Even for 10 minutes. There is a sense that the day is just going to be good. Somehow you forget the sore soles of your feet from a long day before. The shoulder aches from carrying a load are still there as you attempt a little beat keep. But if you hang with it, soon you don't even notice those issues with your body.
As I get older, I keep thinking I am in the best shape of my life...except for the wrinkles, extra weight, and larger sizes I am wearing these days. It is one of those things I tend to forget. That I was a nicer shaped example of myself many years ago or even just a couple years ago. As the years have passed, the changes in my skin, bones, and taste in clothing have caused me to only accept what I see today.
Sometimes I think I have always been in this body just as is and it isn't so bad. But then when I try on a dress from just a couple years ago, I am reminded that something changed. I still dance the same. I walk the same. I feel the same. But that dress just doesn't fit the same. It looks like it grew wider and shorter. Problem is that I really wanted to wear the dress this weekend to a Retirement party for one of Chris's friends. It hangs in my closet for the mere reason of my desire to wear it. And frankly, I think clothes should update as often as my body changes. Right? Okay maybe not. But I hang on to certain items of clothing because it looked good on me.
Back to boogieing. The music is on in the house as well as in my head.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Week 5
This is week 5. I think. Yes, week 5 post employment. What that means is I am still enjoying being off. Here I sit this am with coffee in hand contemplating my day and had to actually think about how long I have been off. I don't consider this a brag. Just an observation of how easy it is transitioning to calmness.
It is quiet in the house. Outside my former work-space window, the sun is coming up (again) with a few clouds, ripples on the lake water, a small breeze moving the still attached oak leaves back and forth...and I am very glad to be here in this place at this time.
I remember these sights, smells and sounds. The smell of autumn. The warmth of the sun rays coming through the window panes. Cicadas and other singing I haven't identified yet. Growing up in the south, I don't remember wondering what that noise was. I suppose most young kids just take it for granted. Now I want to know. Was it a cricket or a praying mantis.
When we left Georgia for Alaska in 1997, the one thing I missed the most was waking up in the mornings (that I had off) and smelling the breeze that came across the swamp water creek in front of our cabin on Penholloway creek. Opening my eyes, my first views were calming. As we settled into the Alaska life, I thought I would never have that again. I remember once in a Chugiak cottage we rented, waking up and before I opened my eyes, I could almost see and smell the remains of the watery fragrance my memories still held on to. The moment lasted only a second or two as opening my eyes lifted the dreamy state. I can't deny that by the time I left Alaska, I lived in a most beautiful hillside spot overlooking Anchorage, the inlet, the mountains and volcanoes across but I have yet to have that dreamy state of missing it. Maybe later. For now, I live and breath warmth. It is amazing how calming it feels for now.
I was listening to a song this morning that my daughter posted on FB. She is attending a concert by the artist this weekend. This is a good time for her and she is in a good place for concerts, wine, and work. Kudos. What did I like about the song? The upbeat music, the artsy dance on the video, and the words.
I am not sure if everyone interprets the lyrics the same, but it made me feel this way. When happiness hits you, embrace it.... don't fight it. Smell the dream again.
It is quiet in the house. Outside my former work-space window, the sun is coming up (again) with a few clouds, ripples on the lake water, a small breeze moving the still attached oak leaves back and forth...and I am very glad to be here in this place at this time.
When we left Georgia for Alaska in 1997, the one thing I missed the most was waking up in the mornings (that I had off) and smelling the breeze that came across the swamp water creek in front of our cabin on Penholloway creek. Opening my eyes, my first views were calming. As we settled into the Alaska life, I thought I would never have that again. I remember once in a Chugiak cottage we rented, waking up and before I opened my eyes, I could almost see and smell the remains of the watery fragrance my memories still held on to. The moment lasted only a second or two as opening my eyes lifted the dreamy state. I can't deny that by the time I left Alaska, I lived in a most beautiful hillside spot overlooking Anchorage, the inlet, the mountains and volcanoes across but I have yet to have that dreamy state of missing it. Maybe later. For now, I live and breath warmth. It is amazing how calming it feels for now.
I was listening to a song this morning that my daughter posted on FB. She is attending a concert by the artist this weekend. This is a good time for her and she is in a good place for concerts, wine, and work. Kudos. What did I like about the song? The upbeat music, the artsy dance on the video, and the words.
"Happiness, hit her like a train on a track
Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back
She hid around corners and she hid under beds
She killed it with kisses and from it she fled
With every bubble she sank with a drink
And washed it away down the kitchen sink"
....Florence and The Machine.
I am not sure if everyone interprets the lyrics the same, but it made me feel this way. When happiness hits you, embrace it.... don't fight it. Smell the dream again.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Watch me whip?
Watch me Whip!
Good morning! Monday morning. Cool and yet I am still walking around in shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops. Wore a long sleeve flannel shirt last night on our doggie walk but could have gone without it. Lots of work on the pool and yard this weekend and on into the week. Southern living has got me out and about. I loved Alaska and all it views but am so thankful to be outside more now in a warmer climate.
Talked to an old friend recently. She has gone through so much the last year or so. I think a road trip to the Atlanta area to see her would be a good way to start some reconnecting. When small things happen in your life and you make mountains out of them.....look to a friend who is having health changes in their life or have lost family close to them. Your take on that small thing becomes a mole hill instead of a mountain
Good morning! Monday morning. Cool and yet I am still walking around in shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops. Wore a long sleeve flannel shirt last night on our doggie walk but could have gone without it. Lots of work on the pool and yard this weekend and on into the week. Southern living has got me out and about. I loved Alaska and all it views but am so thankful to be outside more now in a warmer climate.
Talked to an old friend recently. She has gone through so much the last year or so. I think a road trip to the Atlanta area to see her would be a good way to start some reconnecting. When small things happen in your life and you make mountains out of them.....look to a friend who is having health changes in their life or have lost family close to them. Your take on that small thing becomes a mole hill instead of a mountain
And just so you can giggle....I tried to do this quick exercise that two young girls were doing. Need a little work on that midsection!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Sunshine Days
Good Morning Sunshine!
We have had a few rainy days this week but this morning the sun is coming up full bloom again reminding me where I live. Only a small white puffy cloud lingering. I am very thankful this morning. Fall is here but with different feels. Still temperatures high enough to encourage skin moisture and yet there is also breezes coming from the north. The lake down below the house ripples and sparkles as if it is smiling saying 'finally fall'.
Only two weeks away from messages and emails and I find myself still not bored. What I do find is time to think, to breath, to be thankful and to take care of me and Chris. The puppies take me for walks everyday. I think they recognize that mommy is around more. Even though I had been working from home completely for several months, I think they know my stress levels have reduced.
What I find myself doing more than anything is looking at the sky. I am a sky gazer for now. Watching the clouds, the storms, the stars at night and looking in the direction of sounds I had forgotten since I had moved to Alaska.
Speaking for Alaska. It snowed yesterday. Where our I former home sat, it was reported to have gotten 7-9 inches. If I had still been there, we would have been shoveling. I read that most places it melted quickly but wet snow on that wrap around deck would have been heavy. And I know what Chris and I would have been doing.
Also, if I were still living and working in Alaska. I would have been up early am to finish a project I had started long time ago. It is kind of bitter sweet. The stress is gone but the finale I missed. I wish all my co workers who are still there on the project all the best in a Great Go Live!
Sharie
We have had a few rainy days this week but this morning the sun is coming up full bloom again reminding me where I live. Only a small white puffy cloud lingering. I am very thankful this morning. Fall is here but with different feels. Still temperatures high enough to encourage skin moisture and yet there is also breezes coming from the north. The lake down below the house ripples and sparkles as if it is smiling saying 'finally fall'.
Only two weeks away from messages and emails and I find myself still not bored. What I do find is time to think, to breath, to be thankful and to take care of me and Chris. The puppies take me for walks everyday. I think they recognize that mommy is around more. Even though I had been working from home completely for several months, I think they know my stress levels have reduced.
What I find myself doing more than anything is looking at the sky. I am a sky gazer for now. Watching the clouds, the storms, the stars at night and looking in the direction of sounds I had forgotten since I had moved to Alaska.
Speaking for Alaska. It snowed yesterday. Where our I former home sat, it was reported to have gotten 7-9 inches. If I had still been there, we would have been shoveling. I read that most places it melted quickly but wet snow on that wrap around deck would have been heavy. And I know what Chris and I would have been doing.
Also, if I were still living and working in Alaska. I would have been up early am to finish a project I had started long time ago. It is kind of bitter sweet. The stress is gone but the finale I missed. I wish all my co workers who are still there on the project all the best in a Great Go Live!
Sharie
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