A majority of days that I sit down at this keyboard, I don’t have the slightest idea what I am going to write. There are a few times when I’ve prepared a poem in advance or have something to honor or celebrate. I’m supposed to be coming up with ideas during my run, but I come back empty. The post swim is supposed to be relaxing and creatively inspirational, but once again there’s just not much to say after years of doing this. I’m definitely in a rut and not really looking forward to this trip to Pittsburgh or any other travel for that matter. The threat of Covid has taken a lot out of me, afraid to look forward to adventures that often now get cancelled or changed. 

I do not mind staying home any more. Travel is not as important and the hassles of airports, rental cars, and hotel jumping makes it easy to just stay put. We have a beautiful new home and a community filled with great people and new activities. I can play Pickle Ball, bocce, tennis, golf, croquet, or cards. The beach is just a few miles away, as well as family. I’ve already seen much of the world, knowing now that I will never come close to seeing it all. We’ve eaten in the top restaurants and seen too many of them close in the last two years. There’s little hope in keeping up with all the new options for fine dining and my appetite is not what it used to be. 

My energy level is lower and my lack of patience higher. These are both undoubtedly related to growing older. Also, my aging body just can’t do the things that it once did. Stiff and sore is the new norm, adding to the reluctance of leaving the comforts of home. I often have to push myself to go out the door, and fortunately I live with a woman that loves action. She gets me off my butt and together with friends to experience new things. For example, I’m headed out this afternoon to get my very first pedicure, and we’ve had dinner guests on five occasions this month alone. “Matinee Mondays” and “Tourist Thursdays” are her creation that help me remember what day it is. She’s a bundle of energy – my “Energizer Bunny” – I only hope I can continue to keep up!