I write this post on January 6 — also known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany. It’s a significant day for Christians who celebrate Epiphany with church services and rituals. For many, it’s known as ‘Taking Down the Christmas Tree Day’ — as some superstitions suggest a year of bad luck if decorations are put away […]
Adjustments to Holiday Celebrations
It’s essential to make adjustments to holiday celebrations as the years pass. The holidays arrive on schedule, but life changes such as moving, death or birth in a family, or a lifestyle change mean that celebrations need to be different. Adjustments to a Manageable Size As I grow older, the changes to holiday celebrations centre […]
Life after 80
Today, I reflect on my life after the 80-year milestone. Friends tell me to expect changes in the eighth decade. Passing that milestone creeps into my thoughts when I consider whether the changes I experience are linked to my perceptions of aging. Besides wrinkles, grey hair, and lower energy, has my thinking changed? Am I […]
Milestone Birthdays
This is a year for milestone birthdays. I turned 80 earlier in September, and my husband will be 90 in a few days. When our son surprised us a few weeks ago with his announcement of plans for a joint birthday party, I was moved to tears. Our son and daughter-in-law, along with our two […]
Summer Evaluation
The time for a summer evaluation is now that Labour Day is over.. Although we have not yet reached the fall equinox, the sun sets earlier, and nighttime temperatures drop — all are good indicators that the season is beginning to change. I’m ambivalent about these changes. I wanted more beach days. I wanted more […]
Summer — A Time for Liming
Summer — it’s a good time to learn the art of liming! My husband grew up in the Caribbean, where socializing with friends is often referred to as “liming.” It means doing nothing as long as you do it with a couple of friends. Liming is an essential part of island culture throughout the Caribbean. […]
A Series of Transitions
I’ve learned to think of retirement as a series of transitions—some are hardly noticeable, others signal big changes. Considering that most of us will live for 25 – 30 years after retirement, we should expect to make several life transitions as circumstances change. Since retiring in 2010, I’ve experienced several transitions. I presume there will […]
Soccer Tournament — Novelty Brings Joy
Last week, when I had to change plans and rearrange my schedule, I learned how novelty brings joy when I attended my grandson’s soccer tournament. Illness and a heavy work schedule created conflicts that made it impossible for either my son or daughter-in-law to take my grandson to his first indoor soccer tournament. What a […]
Crossing the Holiday Finish Line
During the rush of preparations for the Christmas holiday, I keep myself going with thoughts of crossing the finish line. The excitement as I shop, bake, clean, and decorate exhausts me. There are moments when I consider whether it’s worth the effort. Holidays are stressful, especially for women. When I was younger, my automatic response […]
A New Can Opener
A new can opener is one of the best birthday presents I received last month. It’s a sleek electric model that sits on my counter ready to use. You might wonder how such a practical gift creates excitement. Can openers, after all, are rather mundane and ordinary. For older people, however, having a can opener […]
