Folks, seems like regularly, I find I'm starting to realize and admit, I am this old! The fact of the matter is, I just keep waking up every morning. However, by the time I make coffee and toast, take a shower and get dressed, I am about ready to go back to bed.

Recently my son took me to the garden center to buy plants to put on the west patio here at the retirement village. Now, Honey Child, I am telling you those plants would have never got into those pots and planters if it had been left up to me.

My son and one of my good neighbors took over and made it happen. I did help, but not much. Mostly, I was in the way!

Truthfully, I am asking myself at times who am I? I was mowing my own grass and caring for all those flower beds a few days ago. Anyway, it seems like a few days ago.

Who am I? I am now one of those old souls. And actually I find it has some delightful benefits. Even at the garden center, a young fella treated me kindly with care.

Actually, I am not all that fragile. I still have tough hide and hopefully a tender heart. A tough hide is necessary for old age. Yup, its true! Old age is not for sissies.

Ok, so here is the way it is - I work very little and play a lot. It’s called a second childhood I am told. And, I am loving it. Must admit at times I wonder about that.

Children ask, “Do I have to go to bed now?” Who’s to know, I put on my night clothes when it is not yet dark?

So if you have not yet reached a ripe old age, just know it has many advantages - time is one of those advantages.

Time to just rock and stare, time to read just all I want to, time for Diamond Art painting, which is my current hobby. Time to linger over a cup of coffee or tea, time to mosey of down to the commons area and chat with my neighbors.

So, see what all you can look forward to?

He said, “If you see me talking to myself, just move along. I am selfemployed and we are having a staff meeting.”

She said, “Two mysterious people live in my apartment. Somebody and nobody. Somebody did it and nobody knows who.”

He said, “Lazy is a strong word. I like to call it selective participation.”

She said, “Old age is like looking both ways before you cross the street and then getting hit by an airplane!”

I say, “You really got to hand it to short people, mainly because they can’t reach it.”