Adventure

I can honestly say that over the years I have had my share of adventures....often involving roadtrips without a destination or a designated driver or making fast friends with likeable people I had only just met.   Since I have aged and moved, my adventures have changed.  Every Friday my friend and I are experiencing happy hour at a new location--and sometimes I appear to be the youngest person there!   But I am also exploring the library,  local events and walking new routes or trails.   Certainly I miss the craziness of my younger years & the trips and taverns of the past; but these new adventures are indeed memorable and fun in a more subtle way.  I hope this means I am finding balance rather than becoming boring!   Time will tell.

Smiles

I have just spent the weekend with my great-nephews, enjoying absolutely every minute.  I am not a grandma and promised myself that if ever I would those kids would call me "mimi" so as not to be grandma age!.    But every time I heard "Auntie" this weekend, my heart melted and I really think so did the years....from carousel rides to bed time stories,  I  grinned from ear to ear!   After the 3 trips to the park, I feel younger than ever!!

Holiday memories

Lucky for me I had July 3rd off this year, since the 4th fell on a Saturday.  A three-day weekend for most.   So, how did I spend my day off?--camped in my library with a great book, watching the rain fall, rocking in my rocking chair, and celebrating who and where I am...No fireworks, but a memorable day none-the-less.

Comfort zone

I have lived in Arizona for three months and finally took in the night life.  Well, not exactly my kind of nightlife, but a new experience.   Every weekend there is something going on downtown--last weekend was a brew fest (much more my entertainment) but too crowded and too hot for me.  Last evening a friend and I went down to the Blue Grass festival.   Neither of us are bluegrass fans; but we ventured outside our comfort zone--it really was enjoyable in spite of the music!   Then we had dinner at a little brewery downtown--my first experience even close to Whiskey Row!   When I got home I just felt bubbly.    In the spirit of challenging myself, I decided to take a road trip today to a National Park about 90 miles away.  It was a beautiful display of history--the former cliff dwellers of Arizona.   Now, keep in mind,  I am scared to death of heights but I took the steps and winding paths to actually investigate for myself.   Getting down was bad enough, but coming back up left me breathless---mostly because I am so out of shape.   Starting to feel like I can tackle almost anything.  How is that for comfort?

Aging a Valuable lesson

I have been trying to unpack and get settled, now that my belongings are finally here.  Everyday I find myself saying aloud "I am too old for this".   When I get tired walking the trails, I remind myself it's because I am old.  When I crawl into bed before 10 pm I think to myself, get your rest - you're old.   Today, I met a college campus Veteran Program manager who is 82 yrs old.   He recently had back surgery but still walks to work everyday.   Not only that he hikes regularly--going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon several times per year.   Last weekend, he married a "younger woman", 81 who shares all these activities with him.   Absolutely amazing--I am counting the days until I can retire and he is living every day to the fullest.....apparently it is not the number but the attitude--hopefully I can learn this lesson!!!

Lemons=Lemonade

I have moved  those possessions that I brought with me when I left South Dakota into my "permanent rental".   Sadly, it does not have space for a beer garden; nor, would the neighbors tolerate such riff-raff.  (Who knew HOAs are so particular).  The townhouse has two-levels so I have gotten plenty of exercise moving things up the stairs.  Have settled in with  my blow-up bed and tv tray and a lawn chair on the upstairs deck.  It truly feels like home and I am quite comfortable as a minimalist!  (at least until my furniture arrives in a few weeks).  Last night it occurred to me that I had not locked the front door.  I made my way downstairs without turning on a light and managed to miss the last step and break the big toe on my left foot.   Of course, there is no need to see a doctor....I can tape it myself (when the swelling goes down).  For now, I won't be able to start my daily walking routine--I see that as an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade!!!

Learning as I go!

Big day for this old girl...
Not only did I find my way home, but I actually traveled through Phoenix and made it to Tucson without a single "finger" from fellow travelers.   That is a serious accomplishment for me!!  So nervous I ate an  entire bag of celery in about 45 minutes.....will try chewing gum on my way back!!

Without direction

I am having great difficulty finding my way around my new community.  Not just trying to find my way to the grocery store or church, but actually home each day from work.   I will be moving to a new (somewhat permanent) location and I fear I may never find my way home.  Keep in mind that this city has streets that may be 5 miles long, but after about a mile or two, the name changes and I am lost again!  I don't know how to update my GPS, so I often drive around aimlessly.  Then the next time I am lost, everything looks familiar.  I have discovered places I want to return to, but have no idea how to find them again.  I've started setting the odometer in my car so I know just how far off track I get.    According to Google Maps, I will be living 4.5 miles from work---wonder how long it will take me to get there and back!

Change

I have recently moved from South Dakota and I'm trying to acclimate--- I have certainly have not found private beer gardens;country  music, methods to manage the laudromat and VA employees who I just remain "positive with".....so glad I at least love the area!!