Retired and Contemplative Update: 031822

 

My eyesight is going, it is sad and vision does not stand the strain of much time on computer any longer, but I still do paint some, and there are many interesting things to do now.  I'm back where family is close now with grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a blessing my son and daughter are to me.

 

Before COVID-19 hit the world, I did a lot of volunteering for seniors in my apartment complex. Now it is at home and loving the blessing of quiet. Sorry but I think my outgoing is going to end soon, even if and when or when and if the open sign is back to the old ways. I've discovered the unhurried life inside of my own apartment is quite satisfying. But one of the best thing happened this summer. I got new glasses and discovered the world I was seeing had been blurred by old ones. Now I am seeing much better, even drove home from Christmas after dark and was amazed at the difference. Hurray! 

 

So many left over projects that got stuck away are now in the doing stage. That's a plus.

 

The potlucks, barbecues, will go to someone else after. I've returned home to stay and enjoy the blessing that God has given me. A photo is bleow of my deck now that it is almost summer, and warm, OH GLORY be.

 

Sadly though, my writing is ending. Too strenuous on the eye now. 

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Time is precious at 79 so I will continue to learn, contemplate and live my age out as God allows me, counting my blessing everyday. I hope to fly to Oklahoma this summer to see Jack and Ruth. He has had a terrible time after a surgery on his back went into a deadly infection. Still not out of the woods, now in long term care for re-hab. Pray he makes it home again.

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On the trip idea, I purchased a really nice 20210 Dodge caravan Stow and Go to make the drive to Oklahoma, as a secondary plan, but then COVID put a big kabosh on the trip, as we are so limited. And the virus caught up with me, even though I was so careful, and it nearly killed me. I'm still suffering the repercussions of that horrible disease, and those who put it upon humanity are pure evil.  But, as I planned, my van is set up for emergency, I have spent time putting together camping equipment, so that it is ready for any event. It's a great get-away van.  ( :

 

My lovely apartment has birds signing, flowers on the deck are blooming and there is plenty to eat. Staying home during COVID-19 was no problem for myself, but some older folks, who were very social had problems. Most of us are used to being alone though, and we adjusted better than youth. My kitchen became my friend. I just baked bread yesterday, will bake again tomorrow. Small loaves are just enough and fresh always. Today there was fried potatoes with eggs for breakfast, that's a great way to start the day. And ordering groceries online to pick up is the best way to be safe. I will continue this method even when things open back up, which they are in process of this summer. With a heart of Todah, Ruthie.

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The dream to live independently in an RV or Trailer, free of housing issues and government controls is over. I love my apartment and am very grateful to have a wonderful home with many friends in my building, true and faithful friends. And my family are the joy of my life, along with my lovely blue parakeet, who is my buddy. He is at his play cage at the sliding glass door to the deck now, just chirping a big happy day. Dreams keep us alive in many ways. But there comes a time when a realization of age and ability take the helm of life, and wisdom to simply live with a heart of thanksgiving, takes the lead. I'm there, and grateful. My daily acknowledgement in a simple prayer is, "Thank you, Lord, for giving me a life to live, and a name to live it through. Think about that. So many never get the chance to live a life that was forming. It is a profound sadness, but in that thought, I realize any person who lives has a life inside that can feel joy even in sadness. Life is wonderful.

 

As for the book, well . . . I've put it away, and now, again, reopened the files and am in the process of re-writing it to print, or in proper terms, publish it. Not, better left alone. Instead, finish it. It is my story, and you, readers can do the same. Write your story, your story is just as important as any other persons, and once you realize that, the words begin to take on the importance they are worth. Write your story!. You can read mine at the link above in the navigation bar, click it and soon the updated manuscript will be available free to read.

 

My pages here will continue to be reflections of thoughts and beauty, photos, links and paintings from time to time.  Hope you enjoy them. Ruth