Monday, June 28, 2010

On being 70

Yipes!!!!!!!!!  when did that happen.

I don’t feel 70 – well, some of the time.  In my mind I don’t feel 70.  I feel like life has just begun – anew – that every day there is something to learn, something to do which will tire me out, something to hear that I have never heard before, and someone new to meet. 

I have spent time envying youth, their energy, creativity and stupidity.  I know all us “elderly” have done the same.  The young never stop.  They are always ready to go – if it’s play.  They are always ready for friends – if they can meet at a familiar place and do the same thing they did last time they were together.  They are always ready to push the limits – they seem to think no one else has ever been there, done that, and it is really cool.  And they never know when to stop, slow to figure out what comes next or the consequences of the next stupid experiment. 

I don’t envy youth any more.  Oh, when I creek and groan, can’t open a jar, or get tired in the afternoon, I think it would be nice to have boundless energy, all day long, because I can think of some pretty cool things I would like to do and try, but I just don’t have the energy.  I don’t envy all the unknowns in their young lives.  Had I known how much society and technology was going to change in my life span, I would have been tired before I began. 

But fortunately, one has to take those things as they come, make the best of them, or ignore them, and then you turn 70!!!! or not.  I miss those who didn’t make it.  They must be looking around for a better chance to catch up and be a part of all that evolution, picking their re-entry into life with care, so that the lessons this time around won’t be so hard – and so brief.

My 1958 high school class just had a mass 70th birthday party.  It was such a good idea, I wish I had thought of it myself, but fortunately some other of us have retained their creativity in relationships, and love to express their love of life.  We are all 70-or close to it.  None of us looked old and wrinkly.  I can’t speak about those who chose not to come, but at least half the class was there, and they were a pretty spry bunch.  We are all passed the excessive drinking and keggers, so talk was pretty sincere.  Only a couple of smokers left, I think, and as I was reminded many years before I quit – they will quit sometime.  That’s a definite.  Every one seemed pretty content to be where they were, with where they had been, and interested in other’s journeys. 

To those who chose not to be a part of the party, I am sorry that you missed it.  I hope it was for real reasons – other obligations, family ties. That sort of thing.  If you didn’t come for fear of being rejected and feeling out of place, believe me, there was no out of place, no extreme, no down and out.  Everyone is who they are, glad to be there, and we missed you. 

So when is the 55th reunion?????  (and who will still  be here – hmmmmmmmmm????????)  I hope there will be some first timers (who have never attended a reunion before) then as there were at the party.  I hope we will observe as much joy and prosperity as we did this time.  And I know we will all be more forgiving, accepting, and glad to be there by then.  Who knows what the world may be doing by then – and who cares??????  We have done our part – almost – and what we have to give will be mostly appreciated by each other.  The young know it all, and will go their own way, and do their own thing.  Didn’t we??????????  And what a ride it has been.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY            and thanks to those who worked hard to put on the party.  Party on.

Friday, June 25, 2010

At home again

And enjoying the most beautiful Colorado weather ever!!!!!  Supposed to get uncomfortably hot this week end, but we don't care.  The swamp cooler is functioning, and we are cozy.

We spent last week in Colorado springs.  The rally was of Suites owners, of whom we are no longer one.  However, special dispensation was granted since we had originally planned the where and what of the rally.  Once there, it seemed we were unnecessary, and just enjoyed the programs, classes, a trip up Pikes Peak – driving – which  hadn’t done since I was in high school.  It is almost all paved now.  Only 4 miles left to pave.  But as most of the rally members were flatlanders, we had to go it on our own.  What a humbling sight it is.  The donuts are as good as always. 

When the rain finally stopped about Tue, it warmed up fast while there.  Gave the visitors a good chance to 4 wheel, sight see, and museum hop to their hearts content.  Spent one evening at the Flying W ranch – dinner and a cowboy show.  I highly recommend it.  Picture this:  90 rigs attended the rally.  Probably 60 of them drove their big ass trucks – and I ‘m talking big – some medium duty haulers, most F350s or bigger – all in the same parking lot when the show was over.  90% of them diesel.  So when start up time it beat the Indy 500 for noise and rumble for sure.  Our little Jeep Liberty, which we tow, was lost in the crowd, and patiently awaited safe exit of the parking lot.  Felt like the lost chick amongst all the roosters. 

We saw the chapel and grounds at the Air Force Academy.  Very impressive.  Such a view from anywhere on the grounds you could be or look, a more beautiful, peaceful setting could not exist, in which to glorify war.  The human race is evolving to a better solution to ending conflict, I have to believe.  If all that money and effort were spent in finding clean water for everyone in the world, the AFA could be turned into a church camp.

This week end is my High school class 70th birthday bash.  We have a lunch on Fri – so as not to have to drive home in the dark.  (What a bunch of old farts).  Then a Genesee picnic on Sunday.  I look forward to seeing again old friends and familiar faces. 

Meanwhile, David is installing a new door on the rear of the garage, we have invited the whole of our new Unity church over for a 4th of July picnic – on the 5th.  We have involved ourselves in helping to save the financial solvency of our new church.  The yard work is not too pressing thanks to Lani and Chris’ help a few weeks ago.  And I prepare mentally for my surgery in one month.  The new Jeep has a transmission leak, so it is having surgery as I write this.

Wish I had more to share.  It is hot here, and makes one a little lazy.  Till next time.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

On the road again

Home was nice, but lots of work and still more in store to make it look like we like to have it look.  Anyone know a good gardener???????????  We must find ways to make it easier, but the tulips, roses, iris and spring flowers were glorious, and we enjoyed each and every one.  Can’t give those up.  The lilacs need help, but didn’t get around to doing that – cant give up on them yet.  Sunflowers are popping up all over thanks to our bird feeding stations.  There will be a few gigantic mammoth sunflowers which were about 3 feet tall when we left.  They will be over 6 feet tall, and the flower maybe 2 feet across, if they get enough water.  The birds love them, but they take some special planting and watering to get the full effect.  Kind of like me.  I need some special planting and feeding to be very effective in  my life, and I seem to have been missing that lately. 

I did read a James Twyman book called “Barn Dance” which was good food for thought.  But when I got to the point of the whole thing, and after shedding some tears along the way, I thought “duhhh  you dummy.  What did you think it was all about???”He will be at out little church when we get back to town, and I will be glad to meet him.  but I won’t say that to him.  He has written some very inspiring and mystical books, and had some great experiences along his path.  More power to him.

This rally doesn't really start till Mon, so I have some days to re-collect myself here. I have to direct the creation of 25 centerpieces on Sunday which will probably take a few trips to Wal-Mart – always not far away.  The hummingbird show which so entertained us in Gunnison is not likely here.  The robins are most prevalent, and enjoying their worms in great abundance.  Still they fight over them.  As I sit here I look out the window at the pool and hot tub, but not sure I have the energy to walk over there as pleasant as it may be.  The wind has come up – portent of what is to come as if the feeling in my hips and David’s big toe weren’t enough warning.  He is enduring a gout attack – I assume that is what it is.  Feels so good in the mornings, then by evening it is very painful.  Makes us lazy in the evenings, but we do manage to take in Jay Leno and his ramblings.  Wonder if the CEO at BP listens to it??????

Well we aren’t far from home, and will enjoy this city of tourism.  Hope to see old friends here, go up the Pikes Peak cog to the top of the world, enjoy an old western dinner-show, maybe see the zoo at the BROaDMORE HOTEL, and watch the ice skaters practice at the new world class rink.   Generally be a tourist and eat, and pester the locals.  Wonder what the rich people are doing????????

Stay in touch. 

PS  I forgot to tell you my “It’s a small world” story.  Last week we sold our little pop up camper.  Our life style with the new coach just doesn’t leave much room for the inspiration to go camping in a pop up.  Getting old and lazy I guess.  Anyhow David posted it on Craigs list and it sold in three or four days, to a young family with small children.  They were delighted and they also got a good deal as David put in a lot of work to make sure  everything worked perfectly.  The hail damage on the roof, was identifying, but didn’t interfere with function.  And we got $100 bills, cash.  So today we arrive at the camp ground in Co Springs, and as I was walking the area, 3 spaces away was the familiar license plate and pock marks of hail damage.  Our sold pop up 3 spaces away.  The children were having a ball, and loved it.  So it found a better home. 

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Upon Arriving Home

No trip lasts forever.  We went to the Co chapter of the Escapees’ rally in Montrose for a few days, then to the Blue Mesa membership campground near Gunnison.  We experienced springtime in Colorado in both places, Gunnison being in full bloom along their main streets of apple, flowering plum, lilac and other flowering trees.  The petals blew in the wind, of which there was adequate supply.  On the other hand, there were days of shimmering stillness on the lake, and the bluest of skies, that only Coloradans can picture with accuracy.

We enjoyed a renewed friendship with Bill and Lesle, who bought a membership while at Blue Mesa, so we will be looking forward to meeting up with them along the circuit in the future.  We also nurtured a new friendship with Anita and Herb, who landed a job with the city of Gunnison to assist in hosting at the city campground called Palisade on the west side of Gunnison.  Its the job made in heaven: 10 hours a week for each, office and computer help with no cleaning or grounds maintenance.  The city has landed a jewel, which it won’t take them long to discover, as Herb is a PhD in economics, extensive experience in management of public and private institutions, as well as a rancher in the best cowboy style for all of his life, and Anita a retired school teacher and mentor extraordinaire.  The city can’t afford to pay them what they are worth, but they can stay in one spot for the summer for nothing but the work, and enjoy one of Colorado’s most beautiful spots.  We introduced them to my sorority sister and husband, Ellie and Michael, thinking the four of them would enjoy one another’s company for the summer.

Then we came home.  While gone, the rain hardly stopped, only long enough for the sun to shine all the growth from the fertile earth to reach for the skies.  Knee deep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thistles, weeds, iris, tulips, sunflowers beginning, and weeds, grass gone to seed, and more weeds.  I have spent the last three days on my hands and knees flooding to soften the roots, and pulling pounds and pounds of unwanted growth from the flower beds.  I realized there are only three unavoidable things in life: taxes, death and bind weed.  Boy that stuff hangs on, choking the life out of everything it can climb. 

This morning we had a choice to make: couples club brunch and reconnection with our dearest friends, or church services at our new Living Water Unity community.  David is very committed to making the financial situation of the church improve, and felt he wanted to be there in order to continue to organize that effo,t, so we went to church.  David,the minister, spoke a message which touched my heart: the purpose and intent of the creation of the earth and us was, and is, the expression of love and beauty and joy of the Source of our Being.  Then he showed a picture on the screen of the sea bird off the shore of New Orleans drowning in spilt oil and gasping its last breath.  How did we get here???????  The challenge to be better stewards of this earth and its resources is clear.  Our part as individual expressions of the Creator of Love are clear: do our part in conservation, simplification and awareness, as well as pray into consciousness the intent of cleanliness, carefulness, purity and love for the whole earth, living together in harmony and cooperation for the good of all.  Taking individual responsibility for what we can do is not really so hard, now is it????

Well the weeds are almost all gone, though they will be back.  Anyone know a part time gardener who would look out for my roses and few other flowers as well as root out the weeds for the summer months?  I am willing to hire.  We love our new coach, with its leak in the kitchen sink below the floor surface, the igniter in the diesel hot water heater, the brakes, and the mother board in the washer dryer are challenges which hopefully will be met by Thur when we are supposed to leave for a rally in Co Springs of which we are in charge.  It is with the club of Suite owners, which we used to own, but was SOLD LAST WEEK!!!!!!!!!!! (hip hip hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( to quote one of my favorite cousins upon hearing of the firmed  date for my second hip replacement surgery).  Today we had two serious lookers at the pop up camper – one of which is supposed to show up with money tomorrow.  SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!  Then all that is left is the truck – our lovely truckie – sacrificed for the motor coach life style.  Miss truckie.  But it was a good truck for us, and will find another grateful home.  And for those of you who have named your GPSs Gertie – as many whom we have met along the way have;  you can change it to a male voice with a very sexy Aussie accent, more pleasing to the ear.  So now Gertie has been renamed Jake, and is allowed to speak when directions are needed. 

Till next time, encourage the campgrounds to recycle, remember your reusable shopping bags when you go to the store, be conservative in you use of gasoline and oil products, love your neighbor and yourself, and write to me.  I love hearing from all of you who find the time and thought to say hello.  And the rest of you too!!