thank you, Pat (if this is really Pat) Terri last week asked if we should cancel -- based on her perception that my energy level is not high enuf.
That leads into the 'honey, I'm gonna be 76 this year(meow), and have had a few physical and mental issues in the past couple of years...' talk .
I wonder if I'm supposed to be doing the river dance moves all of the time? Jeesh.
But I'm looking forward to the trip
Good question if it is really me, or not? I find myself wondering the same thing at times, these days. Although I am not into traveling, I am caught up in a journey as I age, as the effects are still unknown at times. In fact, it is the changes in available energy, and physical strength, and overall capability, that is the most perplexing thing for me to deal with, as one tends to ignore the mental lapses, as they were always there before, just not as prevalent. But, when it takes tools to open jars and when some things packed in infernal thick plastic defy being opened, one is reminded that real, tangible, changes, have, and still are, happening. And, some days can be significantly better, or worse, than others, to a greater extent than in former years, which is also confusing at times. In fact, it is difficult to ascertain at times whether one has the flu, or it is just a low energy day.
So, at some point, simple survival becomes laudable, and forays beyond and above mere survival can become almost epic. But, there is also the fact that time flows on regardless, and, procrastination is not always a good idea, especially for the aged. So, some feats of mental and physical strength and endurance deserve special recognition from peers, of which there are less and less with each passing year. And, although 75+ may be the new 60, for some, this is not at all a universal truth, as all human bodies wear out and wear down, with time. Genetics and life choices, and many other factors, all contribute to how aging impacts each individual, so there can be a very wide range of years involved, as some actually stay spry well into their 90's these days, while others, such as I, sink into their chairs, and even that takes an effort.
So, should one listen to their spouse, and take it easy? No doubt a rational case could be made for doing so, but, how much can a person abandon and still be themselves? And, what potential price is appropriate for indulging in activities that involve quality of life? This is a recurring issue for some as they age, and, in time, it generally gets around to all who survive long enough. So, while I wish that i could climb my extension ladder and use my chain saw and axe and other tools and trim my trees this year, I have reluctantly decided not to do so, as ladders and chain saws can be tricky even for those in much better shape than I. Sometimes, it seems, prudence shouts at you so loudly that, in spite of your best efforts at denial, you can not ignore it. And, prudence kept shouting that you fell off the ladder last year, chain saw and all, and it nearly done you in.....
Now, this is a long enough rant as it will only be really understood, at least to some extent, by those who are long of tooth, as, I can still look back and remember that I had no clue, in some cases even intellectually, about some of the behavior of the older set when I was still young. But, now, I understand why there are few elderly race car drivers, and why folks leave the party just as it is starting to get good, to avoid having to drive home in the dark, and why naps are needed, etc. This will all come into better focus when some younger folks start to hold door open for you, and when they ask if you need help out with your groceries, and, sometimes pretty young women smile at you, as they know that you are no threat at all. At least one learns that in spite of it being a hard cold world out there, there are a surprising amount of people who are naturally considerate and polite to their elders and, this is not a bad thing at all, but, you do have to learn to accept it as the first possible indicator that you are now aged, no matter what your failing eyesight sees in the mirror.
So, it is all part of an interesting journey. And, I still am wishing James, a good safe journey, even if it is pushing things. Or perhaps, because he is still pushing things, as usual?
The countdown to our Thursday travel start has begun. As things developed, I don't return home until early April. Terri will stay longer in SoCal to help Brooke with the new baby.
I will use the 'no Terri' time to 'recover' from the Feb 14 thru April early events.
She has this trip planned like the invasion of Normandy.
We smoke out of here tomorrow morning. Wheels up at 10am, we land the following day in the afternoon -- flight time plus time change. Terri got us a 'room with a bed'.
I'll report back.
Yo from Okinawa The flights were easy, but it was a long day. It feels a lot like Florida here.
We're are going to say we survived day 1.
The flight path was quite different than when I flew to Hong Kong in 1976 to deliver divorce papers to wife 1. (a good memory)
The new grand-daughter is sweet.
Terri last week asked if we should cancel -- based on her perception that my energy level is not high enuf. 
Terri got us a 'room with a bed'. 
The flights were easy, but it was a long day. It feels a lot like Florida here.