When I am 90

I am getting forgetful. I wish I had a delete button to clear out a lot of things that I've absorbed over the years, such as other people's senseless chatter. That would be my first priority, of things to delete.  I wish it were that easy.  I met a woman today who was 90 and sharp as a tack. She opened a dialog with me about avoiding the spicy soup at my favorite restaurant. She sat alone, at the table next to mine.  At first, I was a little leery about her cognitive competence. A closer look revealed a petite classy lady, who had driven into the city in search of some specific clothing at a local dept. store. She decided to stop for lunch at this restaurant, on a whim, before heading home. She took a chance, alone, at a new place. What moxie!  As we both finished our meals, we continued to talk about her life.  She loved to talk! She lived through the Depression, raised children, worked for a Doctor's office,  and learned the value of not buying more than she could afford. We found that we both loved to ice skate on frozen creeks as children.  We discussed politics and Chihuly glass. This woman was amazing! I could have talked to her for hours. We parted our ways, never even knowing each others name.... When I grow up, I want to be just like her, interesting, adventurous and appreciative of Chihuly glass.

My Point of Reference

This is a view of my backyard tree line that forms a  " V ".  It faces North East. I have admired this view through each season for the past 2 decades.  It is my favorite place on this Earth.  In the Summer, when the leaves are full, the V becomes a canopy over my perennial garden.  This view is observed from my patio and reminds me of my children playing in our backyard over the years.  When I die, and by God's grace, I am taken to Heaven, this will be my room there.  This will be my view, with my children playing in the yard and my husband fixing something and I will be sitting on my patio chair taking it all in... gazing up at my big V.

Advice for the New Year 2011

Good bye to the old and on with the new.  Oh... and what ever you do, don't turn around and pick up that carcass of old baggage and carry it with you!