Monthly Archives: September 2010

Traveling by light rail

Claudia — a friend who recently returned after living out of the country for two years — and I were inspired to become explorers by a book she found in the library called Washington Curiosities.  The subtitle is “Quirky Characters, Roadside … Continue reading

Posted in luxury of time, touring town | Tagged | 1 Comment

Volunteer recovery program

I shared a confession with my friend Jackie over coffee today.  I go to her for counsel, because some years ago — well before the normal retirement age —  she got sick of work and quit.  I find it helpful … Continue reading

Posted in no escape from goals | 2 Comments

You have the wrong book

Teaching is one of the hardest jobs there is.  I’ve volunteered in many elementary school classes and what has always impressed me as one of the biggest challenges of teaching — probably because I can’t imagine responding to this challenge … Continue reading

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The state fair: food, farm animals and fun

A state fair is a small slice of Americana and a large slice of Americans.  My husband and I “did The Puyallup” yesterday, as the slogan goes, The Puyallup being the annual Western Washington State Fair.  The beauty of not having to … Continue reading

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Born to walk

By the end of August, friends had stopped inviting me to lunch.  This lifestyle change was hard to accept for social, financial, and physical reasons.  For example, I began having to issue my own invitations, pay for my lunch or … Continue reading

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Clouds and cobblers

Schools started early this year.  I thought I might experience misty eyes and a tug at the heart, but the day mostly went unnoticed by me. Typically in the Pacific Northwest we enjoy Indian summer, which begins right after Labor … Continue reading

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Dementia: is it still a life?

When you reach retirement age, if your parents are alive, the chances are good that they’re at least in their early eighties if not older.  My mom is 91.  She has had Alzheimer’s for at least six years.  While she … Continue reading

Posted in aging | Tagged | 2 Comments