Things of Beauty

We headed out one day to search for things of beauty, a favorite pastime in our retirement. My husband, George, and I drove back roads to the village of Leipers Fork, the rays of sun making their way through the canopy of trees, causing the leaves to shimmer in beautiful fall colors. The reds and golds were a stunning contrast to the brown tree bark and leaves blanketing the ground. We drove through narrow hollows and up and down enough hills that it was easy to imagine I was in my beloved Appalachian Mountains. I kept expecting to see a deer cross the road in front of us. We were traveling to see art on this crisp, clear day. Jason Saunders, a landscape artist who works in oils, was holding his studio open house. We wandered in, stepping around the many people...

Ageless

I received my Medicare card in the mail today.  I’m not sure if this warrants a celebration or…what’s an antonym for celebration anyway? How about lamentation? I can lament that I’m officially old. As thankful as I am to have health coverage, I dread my next check in at the doctor’s office. “Any changes to your health insurance?” the receptionist will ask. Of course, with a small waiting room, this conversation will be heard by everyone. “Yes, I’m now on Medicare.” “Medicare? I’ll need to see your card, please,” she will say.  I might as well announce my age to the entire office. Shoot, I might as well ask if they offer an AARP discount since the Medicare card ruined any hope of being perceived as younger than I am. I remember a time when...

Joy in the Journey

“You don’t enjoy the journey,” my husband said recently. Now, there’s a mull-worthy statement, especially coming out of the blue as it did, and it set my mind to contemplating what brings me joy. Was George correct in his observation or was he overlooking my enjoyment of the day-to-day? Being task-oriented, I have a habit of listing things to accomplish and checking them off when completed. They don’t have to be big tasks: walking the dog, scrubbing the toilet, working on the grocery list. But some of them are important: mailing an encouraging card to someone in need, sending care packages to my children and grandchildren, or spending time with friends. My day is generally comprised of 1) planning the tasks to be done, 2) doing the tasks, and 3) enjoying the fact...