Birthday number SIXTY SIX. WHAT?!!

Dear Ones,

It’s been about a year since I last wrote to you. I jot things in my journal most mornings, but rarely feel they are worthy of sending out. This may not be worthy either, but today rather than writing in my journal I’m typing directly to my blog, in hopes of reconnecting with this outlet.

This morning it’s rainy and dark with a hint of a chill in the air, my favorite kind of day. I’ve settled in on the screen porch on the couch with the pups. A refill of Santa’s White Christmas (favorite holiday coffee by Barnie’s you really must try) served up in my new Christmas mug.

Last night the rain was pouring down and I grabbed my pillows and made a dash to the tiny camper parked out back for a cozy night feeling the cool fresh air and listening to the rhythm of the rain tapping against the metal roof. It was a gloriously cozy night. I often find myself imagining how great it would be to live full time in a cold climate state, but in reality, I’d never be able to sleep outdoors with the windows open during the month of December in any of those places. So, this will do quite nicely for my pseudo-winter fix.

JUST A WEEK AGO was my sixty sixth birthday. It came and went with little fanfare. I guess I was trying to ignore that number. It registers in my brain that the slide to the big number seventy has begun. Of course, on these occasions most of us with a bent toward introspection fall into the old “Yikes! What have I accomplished? and What do I want to accomplish?” mode which ended up in most of the day spent in my pajamas navel gazing. But that’s me, I’m genetically predisposed for “the blue-funk” and I fight hard on these sorts of times to keep the demon cooties at bay. (I’m just being honest here, if that’s not your make up then use this as a thank God moment before reading on).

So, what have I done since my birthday? I took a huge step and altered my work schedule. That was a big one. I don’t like disappointing people who need me and honestly, I’ll miss the money. I bought a swim cap and I’m practicing winter swimming in our unheated backyard pool. This concept has fascinated me since reading all about the health benefits of cold water swimming. I know it’s not the freezing polar bear club version but rather the lower key, cold water immersion therapy version. I bought seeds and restarted my flower and vegetable gardens and a week later ALL of my seeds are up! I plan to do a few camping trips in the (new to us since I last wrote to you) tiny camper that I have dubbed “Teensy Lou”. I have set a goal for taking her out alone this winter. Also, I still long to start or join a book club. I say I’m going to do this every year, so I guess I’d better get busy. I’m still hoping to purchase a few acres somewhere north, to park our big camper for summers spent living off grid in a cooler place. Upstate New York and Maine are our current wish-list places.

I guess having your birthday reflections near the end of the year can roll over into your “New Years Resolutions” list, so this will be mine. I’m keeping it small and doable. It’s a given that writing is always at the top of my list and once again, I’ll try and do better.

I wonder about you? What number was a big birthday for you? How did you tackle it? Also, do you have any end of the year resolution lists started? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of this day and fill it with Towandatude,

Towandagal