It’s day 5,287 of my running streak, as I near the 14.5-year mark of this consecutive daily feat on these old, tired feet. It’s one of my few remaining accomplishments in life along with a 22-year marriage and a 71-year-old body. I’m also back into a post-run swim as the summer heat and humidity soaks my running gear. A bottle of Gatorade and a dip in the pool provides refreshment. I’m fortunate to have a pool in my home, along with two other resort pools and a fitness center just down the street. I rarely use the other facilities, but my wife enjoys these amenities, just a golf cart ride away. 

My wife’s birthday was yesterday, and she seemed content with doing very little. I’m still tired from a month of traveling. She used her outdoor kitchen to prepare lobster tails in lieu of dining out. She got flowers, balloons, cards, gifts, phone calls, e-mails and texts honoring the occasion. One came as far away as London from a friend she met on our recent Egyptian cruise.  I think her favorite gift was probably a hand-painted rock with a camel illustration. It was also Tally’s “Gotcha Day” when she joined our family 13-years ago. We have a lot to celebrate. 

The rain held off this morning, but my shoes were still soaked from yesterday. The sun felt good at times and torturous at others. There is no chair yoga class this morning, so I have time to write but little to write about. We’re watching A Small Light on the Disney Channel, the story of Anne Frank from the perspective of her protectors. It’s much more meaningful since we had the opportunity to visit the Amsterdam home a few years ago. It stirs the emotions of hatred for the Nazis, sympathy for the Jewish Faith, and gratitude for Freedom. Our retirement hassles are silly compared to what they all went through.

We might even have time for “Theater Tuesday” this afternoon, if there is something worth seeing. Bridge has replaced “Matinee Monday,” but we still kept it “Meatless,” even despite the birthday celebration. We also started “Salad Sundays,” with my Father’s Day request of a cheeseburger salad. We’re trying to slowly settle back into a routine after all the travel disruptions. Looking back to the beginning, even on Mondays, running every day remains the only consistent aspect of my retirement routine. (See Post #438)