A container for my senior moments of which there are many as the years go by.

Tomorrow, Oct. 3 I will have oral surgery to extract a tooth, then implant and crown a new one–new to me, that is. So I may be a bit late in responding to your comments.

But there is always something to look forward to around here, such as the Cincy Jazz Train, four talented older musicians, who entertained us last week on the piano, sax, base and drums. What a treat.

We also enjoyed a review of early television shows from the 40s to the 90s in Cincinnati. Even though I wasn’t here during those eras I could relate to many of the shows since they were shown in Chicago where I lived part of that time.

Conversation is rich around here since so many us are in the same age bracket and we share the love of books and music and movies of the time.

I definitely feel my age but I also feel the blessings of having lived so long.

“Isaiah 46:3-44 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

We have so much to be grateful for. I’m reminded everyday that I can walk and talk and dress and feed myself by God’s grace.

Jay and Linda

My son-in-law’s parents. Jay left us this year but Linda is still with us. I so enjoyed our visits with them, especially when we went dancing. So many good memories.

Last night our dining room was filled with grandparents and grandchildren. It was such a joy to see the intergenerations laughing and talking and smiling. I recall when my husband was still alive and we enjoyed our time with our grandchildren.

Charles and me on a summer day visiting our daughter Julie and her family in Ohio, not far from where I live now.

The kida are all adults now and some have families of their own.

I feel so blessed to enjoy yet another generation.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” (Proverbs 17:6)

I was recently inducted into the Welcome Committee at
Provision Living, my new home. It’s a simple job–just welcome new residents.

Tim and Karen–the first two ‘ambassadors.’

So far I have made many new friends. We have meals together and we participate in games and walking and flower arranging for the dinner tables. As I’ve said before, I’m enjoying my life here and the many blessings I never expected.

Julie and me at a Picasso exhibit at the art museum.

So many lovely things to do in Cincinnati. Ballet, opera, stage plays, Shakespeare in the park and the symphony.

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 New Living Translation (NLT)

To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

From Corn hole to bird watching we have it all.

Every night before going to bed I check our monthly calendar to see what fun things are ahead for the next day. We have flower arranging once a month and then decorate each dining table with a fresh mini bouquet. I also enjoy Wii bowling, noodle ball, Ted talks followed by a discussion, and the mobile library that visits us once a month. There are also outings for lunch or dinner, movie and popcorn in our theater on Friday nights and horse shoes, etc. on the lawn. Bridge and chess players can always find a willing partner in the Bistro.

I choose my favorites for the day and then show up at the appointed times.

It’s fun to meet new people every week and to enjoy their company. I’m often asked if I miss California. Yes I do in some ways, as well as the many friends I left behind. But I’ve learned in the time I’ve been here in Ohio that this state has much to recommend too. Beauty can be found in so many places. I just have to look for it all around me. I live across the street from a beautiful park, complete with play equipment for my great grandchildren and plenty of benches for observers. I’ve been introduced to Grater’s ice cream and Dewey’s pizza. And some of the people here ask me what an enchilada is and what about a taco?

There is much to talk about. What a blessing it is to look around and see what various individuals have to share from their rich and varied past.

“Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16

what the eye can see

Last week I read a beautiful inspiration. The writer encouraged readers to  stop, look and listen at least twice a day, looking at nothing more than the blue sky and fluffy clouds and passing cars.

I realized I had been doing just that! Every morning after an early breakfast, I stroll the path in our courtyard and then I sit on a wicker bench and look out at the passing scene–blue sky, fluffy clouds and cars racing by. I stay there for about ten minutes and each day it has been a blessing to my spirit and my mind. No problems to solve, no conversation to sustain, no to-do list to go over.

It’s a great opportunity to give thanks. That’s all–to praise Go for those simple gifts.

“He who neglects the present moment, throws away all he has.”

Friedrich Schiller