Our lives have continued in their usual way. Art and I spent November to April in Tucson in our little place at Voyager RV Resort, a retirement community. I played handbells, took two Spanish classes, went to plays and dinners, did my live volunteer things in Tucson and my virtual volunteer ones in Brier.
I have also observed that, in spite of my determination, my mobility and stamina are decreasing, as is the case with many people my age. We don't go to Friday night dances any more. We don't hike. I got on my e-bike once this spring, but it had been so long that I forgot I need to start off from the curb - so I fell off the bike right in front of my house! But I consoled myself by noting that I was still in my right mind - mentally sharp, but not as quick as I used to be.
Then we came home in May. I had two goals for the summer: to continue to study Spanish and to practice the electronic keyboard I bought to bring myself back up to the level of skill on the piano I had when I gave up taking lessons at nine, when I no longer wanted to practice. So far, so good.
But I'm not sure I'm still in my right mind! I had so many stressors last week - mostly other people not behaving the way I thought they ought to - that I went to a meeting at my church on Friday and left my car running in the parking lot for an hour and 15 minutes. Eye rolls all around, but a little scary for me. I realized I am too busy for my own good now. So, also last week, I dropped two volunteer church activities. And another one this week.
I also noted that, in the interest of expediency and convenience, I spent a lot of time ordering shoes, underwear and bathing suits online. And a lot of time returning them. I have now realized that to know what size I wear, I need to go try stuff on in a real store. Duh. For example, I found out that I don't wear a size 9 wide shoe. I wear an 8 double wide. When I put on the correct size my feet sighed into them. I now know what size bra I should buy, and next week I'll get the bathing suit taken care of. Facebook and Amazon are convenient, but they are time sinks, plus they encourage a sedentary life, which isn't good for anyone. I need to be walking around in stores.
So I'm cultivating a moderated life. I don't book myself from morning until night. There is no shame in free time to read, or nap, or sit on my deck looking at the garden.
When I retired 15 years ago our financial planner said, "Most people travel for five years, and then they come home." We traveled for 15 years, and we have almost come home. I do have two trips planned for this year - both cruises where I only have to pack and unpack once. But even they look a little intimidating with the amount of walking I'll be doing. I bought a Ta Da cane which converts into a seat for the times the tour guide is talking in front of a cathedral or something.
Guess I'm slowing down! Still grateful, though.
