As I referred back to posts a year ago, I realized how much cooler the conditions in my garage are during this hot summer month. The insulation that we had installed on our garage door is definitely helping in conjunction with the attic hatch cover that was finally put in place. The garage is still hot but no longer a sauna. Last year it was unbearable to be in that space, so I’m pleased with the improvement. However, our garage is slowly filling up with “stuff” like garden tools, beach chairs, empty wine boxes, plastic storage containers, pool inflatables, and now all the appliances/venting for our outdoor kitchen. My son’s SUV also takes up a lot more room than my Solara, but that’s only a temporary situation. I don’t feel as much heat as claustrophobia when I step into the garage these days. 

Yesterday, we got the new gold butterfly mirror hung. The decorative piece arrived the day before in a bundle of bubble wrap and cardboard. It practically filled up the neighborhood dumpster once I finally got it unwrapped. My wife had spotted a similar design when we were at the butterfly conservatory in Key West and just had to have it! We tried to hang it immediately but it was heavy and awkward to handle, so we gave up in frustration. After sleeping on it, I made some very careful measurements and removed some of the obstacles that allowed us to get it in place without too much in the way of an argument. It is a stunning but unbudgeted addition to our entryway.

Last evening, we were watching the very end of Jumanji 3 when actor Danny DeVito made what I thought was a very profound observation. I’ve often joked about how getting old “sucks” and is “not for sissies”. His comment was that “growing old is a gift.” Think about it – not all of us gets to experience the full range of life, thinking back to high school classmates that died in Viet Nam, children shot while attending school, and peers that have passed unexpectedly or after years of health struggles. I am truly fortunate to be around after 71-years and need to adopt this attitude that despite the aches and pains, I’m lucky to be alive. Enjoy old age – it’s a gift!