SUCH A LOVELY DAY

I had such a lovely day today, and I especially appreciated it after reading the latest email from Dan about his Camino travails. I replied that I was happily ensconced on my deck (now heated) reading his emails, listening to the bleating of goats and Purple Rain blasting on Mike’s radio as he works on the deck.

“Bleating of goats you may ask?” Our neighbors rented goats to eat their underbrush. I feel like I’m sitting in a B&B in Europe somewhere.

Today’s taste treat. Gotta love Costco!! These figs are perfect!

And look at this little Delicate beauty that volunteered in one of my planters.

I’m still working on my Christmas card. I think I will reassess my plan (aka have my head examined) if I ever decide to do this again. I love making them, but it’s starting to go on a bit too long. I realized that 100 cards was not enough, so now I’m on overtime. I’m not a huge fan of Christmas, which is one reason why I leave for the winter; however, there is something about the joyful surprises. I like that.

I’m also back working on the Camino book. I have my first appointment with Kathie on the 22nd. So, writing is soon to take up a greater chunk of my day. I’d like to get the cards finished. I think I will actually be meeting with Kathie in person this time. Last time I worked with her was during Covid, so it was all on Zoom.

Just for the record, I fractured my left wrist and tore (or completed a tear) of the left medial meniscus while playing pickle ball on August 8th. So, yes, I’m one of the many seniors who has suffered an injury due to this popular sport. When I went to Orthopedic Associates, I even got a T-shirt. So, I’m one of the club! Actually, I’m out of commission for a while. The wrist is much better, and not so important since I’m right-handed, but the knee still feels very vulnerable. I can walk fine, but I can’t pivot, and that would not be a good thing while trying to play pickle ball. Oh, the joys of aging.

I’m reading a book right now by Peter Attia titled Outlive. Attia, an MD and researcher on longevity, suggests that we create our own personal Centenarian Decathlon. He says to make a list of the ten things you want to be able to do when you are at your oldest. So far, my list looks like this, which is all the things I can presently do and want to continue:

• Stand up from a seated position (chair or floor) without using my hands.
• Walk up and down the basement stairs in fewer than 8 seconds.
• Hike 15-20 miles in one day.
• Lift weight at a decent level for my age, including dumbbells, bags and boxes (no children).
• Maintain balance on one foot (or a balance board) for one minute.
• Maintain my current level of cognitive ability as measured on the AARP website.

Four more to add. I’ll see what comes up as I read the book. I sent Attia a message asking for his opinion on using the DEXA scan to “diagnose” osteoporosis. Not very likely that he will answer, but…stay tuned.

A lovely quote I came upon recently while reading Chemistry Lessons: Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. – Marcus Aurelius

That quote gives me the same feeling as a phrase I came across in my preparation for our next Soul Matters class: “Love on the loose.”