Hello!
Studies say that the average person lives 70 to 80 years. It has recently occurred to me that the number of years I have left on earth can be counted on my fingers, or, optimistically, on my fingers and toes. Like a college student who realizes the term paper is due tomorrow, I’m feeling the pressure to make good use of my time. (I’m defining “good use” as exploring creation and sharing some notes and pictures.)
There's lots to see out there!
Recent Posts
Smell the Ponderosas
It was a fine example of the art of persuasion. My husband agreed to go on an afternoon excursion to the mountains with me. Cheered by my persuasive success, I quickly packed some binoculars and a map. It was going to be fun!
My trip parameters were simple: there had to be a mountain and some pine trees. I wanted to stand and breathe in the smell of pine, with maybe a bit of a breeze blowing through my wispy hair. We would grab some salami sandwiches from a sandwich shop on the way up and enjoy lunch on top of a mountain. I had been through this area as a child, and from my childhood backseat perspective, I remembered the drive was short and easy. (Those facts were the backbone of my persuasive argument.)
Detective Aspirations Dashed
As a child, my favorite reading genre was mystery. I loved Sherlock Holmes’ powers of observation, Nancy Drew’s determination (and blue convertible), and the Hardy Boys’ secret fort. My careful study of these protagonists made me feel completely prepared to participate in any similar adventures that might come my way. So, imagine my disappointment decades later when I could not see a mystery right in front of me at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Beauty in the Dry Places
It was the perfect plan. Escape the two coldest weeks of winter by visiting friends in Arizona. My travel companion was a lady from a local golf league, whom I didn't know well. We were going to visit other ladies from the golf league, and I knew them even less. But, it was an escape. When you are escaping, every step is moving you away from the undesirable (cold, gray days) and toward something better (warm sunny days).
Daylight Hours
The days are getting longer! WOOHOO!!! I love noticing how the sun comes up a little earlier and sets a little later each day. Summer is approaching! Summer days are long—you have enough time to mow the lawn, build a deck, teach your dog how to waterski, and still have daylight left over to wonder why you’re so tired.