The patio furniture is put away now; anticipation of the winter to come necessitates preparation. However, this day there is no wind and the temperature is pleasant.
We sit in our camp chairs, taking advantage of every minute we can in the fresh air. It is quiet during the day in the neighbourhood. All the young neighbours are at work, caught in the rush of life when children are young and full of needs and wants; mortgages demand attention.
This day is different for me, a year older and reflective, I sit with a glass of wine waiting for dinner to cook. In the not too distant past, my husband and I were like those families, raising our daughter, caught in the rush of work and family life, balancing both, sometimes successfully. Like everyone else, we did our best.
It is not only the day that is different however; it is the time of life. We are not young, though not elder seniors either. Our friends, about fifteen years older, are selling their home and moving into an apartment now in another province, downsizing their lives of material and activity as they look to the future. Their practical approach and the excitement with which they are looking forward to this next stage of their lives are encouraging to witness. They are ready and embracing each other and the future, such great examples of how to approach the great uncertainty of life.
Best wishes, Hiltrud and Carlo, on your next exciting adventure.
28 comments:
Like you, our circle consists of older seniors, but their busyness and activity levels are impressive.
When we left Colorado in 2008, we did exactly that: we moved into the area that is our retirement community. Although we live in a regular apartment, I realized recently that almost all of my friends are also in their sixties or beyond. It's nice to have friend of all ages, and sometimes I miss being around children. Ones that I can leave when I'm done, that is. :-)
It is time for me and my husband to start planning retirement. It's hard with the economy now a days here in the US for one to retire completely. Most people can not afford to retire till 70 or so but then we ask ourselves who is to say that we will be alive and well by then to enjoy retirement. This next Thrusday is Thanksgiving here in the US and we will be going to Iowa to visit my husband's family. There are always so many things to be thankful for. Thank you for the post!
Nice!
I always thought that downsizing would be depressing and I could never get my mind around it. But in the years to come, that may be just what we also do. The best part of being an elder is time for reflection...sad or happy memories...makes no difference.
Hi Marie! I didn't put away our patio lawn chairs and now they are packed with ice under the snow I brushed off! I am a bit sad to have snow early. I find your thoughts interesting as my husband just retired and I am a bit sad (sad here again..ha...) over being older! (we are 59). Not that I would want to go back in time or anything...but it is bittersweet to see our past as memories. But life marches on and what can be more rewarding than seeing our children and then grandchildren with their lives! Andrea
I used to look forward to retirement; don't get me wrong I still do. But I seem to be in a (stupid) mind loop about the future of declining health. I gotta get my head straight, and stop wasting good days worrying about the bad ones to come. It's just plain dumb.
Downsizing before someone else is forced to step in strikes me as eminently sensible. Now to convince my partner...
And a windless day outside is always a joy. I am always surprised by just how big the wind chill factor is.
They truly are impressive. Many seniors today are active and inspiring!
It is nice to have children around and not be the primary caretaker, Jan. We can enjoy them without all the work. One of the perks of aging.
Only 10% of the population will live in extended care in later years, Angela. You can prepare for years of activity and enjoyment of life!
You both inspire us. Carlo.
There is a certain wisdom which comes with the years. You will know when the time is right for you.
Andrea, I am a few years older and retired long enough to have established a lifestyle in retirement. It is wonderful. You can embrace life with renewed energy and enjoy family and friends to the fullest.
SW, only 10% of seniors lived out their days in extended care. The rest live active lives, adapting to their health issues, and living their lives to the fullest. That's what I see here anyway.
I hope to downsize that way, EC, on my own terms. My husband is not ready for it yet but that time will come.
A calm day is a blessing. We have a lot of wind here but I grew in one of the windiest places in the world. A day without wind is remarkable to me.
Oh, and it will be a wonderful adventure too.
I'm very many years from retirement so I still can't imagine slowing down. I sometimes fantasize about it though.
Best wishes to your friends as they make their move.
Happy Thsnksgiving to you....
I agree, Mage!
It will be here before you know it, Ratty!
Happy Thanksgiving, Jackie!
Our friends will settle in nicely in their new home, I'm sure. Thank you!
Life has its many seasons, and there are good and bad in all, however, we can choose to enjoy the good, and be thankful for the lessons we have learned along the way. A very sweet picture of your friends! We have to put up our outdoor furniture tomorrow, as a storm is headed our way. Those patio chairs are perfect for impromptu outdoor picnics on the deck! :)
We have just put our patio furniture away too. Good luck to your friends in their next adventure in a new home. I have met so many people in the last few months that have retired but their lives are very full with doing voluntary work, going out and having fun. Sarah x
Seasons of life is a great analogy, SUI.
Those chairs travel with us everywhere.
There are many people here who inspire us too. Aging is not what it was!
Such a nice picture. Yes. It is better to go boldly and happily into the future.
I so agree, Barbara!
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