So just yesterday, in talking to my lovely daughter for her birthday (the conversation was a day late, as on her actual (41st) birthday, timing was out of whack [her mom duties overpowered her “self” duties], she asked me what out day was like now that we are retired and “settled in”. It gave me pause, as, for the moment, our “day” amounts to waking up, sipping coffee, reading email, reading various electronic papers (I really do miss holding the Times and the News but that’s just the way it is now), either walking the dog, going for a run (sometimes both), lunch, more sitting, happy hour, dinner, some TV, then bed. There are some errands built in, but not much. We currently have only one neighbor and they work split shifts (he’s a marine, she works in health care) so our only engagement is the occasional nod or quick exchange outside.

That brings me to the morning today…I’m sitting at the local BMW dealer getting some routine work done on the car and it continues to amaze me how much more low key it is here. Not the usual crush at the service center, easy check in, and a delightful covered table so I can sit outside and watch the rain and the cars going by as I type. Mornings here, especially without the last 47 years of alarms going off, are almost magical. The sunrise, the roosters crowing in the distance (it is still somewhat rural), and just the enjoyment of the ease of the upcoming day. It’s also very interesting how the events of the past 18 or so months have really prepared both of us to be in a very solid coexisting state without getting on each other’s nerves too quickly so I guess that’s a positive outcome. I am incredibly grateful for a loving wife and companion who makes me laugh, for my kids and grandkids who are happy and healthy and who also make me laugh and mostly for my health. A few years back I was as large as a whale, and at risk of a much shorter stay, now, unless something mysterious pops up (and we all know, life can be funny that way), with the exception of the occasional stiffness from too much activity, I foresee another 4 or 5 decades (yes I know that’s optimistic at 69 but what the hell, science continues to make things better doesn’t it?), of smiles, laughs, love and activity.

There really is no way to say no to the morning…