Papa lost August. Or, I was lost in August. During the nearly three months of my stay at Sight Point I can easily say this is the best and longest stretch of great weather, ever. Its been get out and do time this year. An extra incentive to be active is the dawning realization that my years of besting this rugged terrain is limited. Even modest pick and shovel work takes its toll. However, the original cabin/kitchen is back on a foundation and nearly complete. The sleeping cabin remains sturdy and comfy. When I was close to freezing that first summer of retirement was more than enough motivation to build that second cabin. Everyone is home again and I will wrap up 2024 soon.
I may have neglected writing at this site but I was doing my usual thinking and musing. Yesterday reminded me of 9 and 2 in horse racing. Your great- grandfather occasionally sent two dollars with a friend to bet on the daily double at Arlington race track. He’d place it on 9 and 2. His first grandchild was born on September 2nd. I remember babysitting for two hours one night so her parents could go out for dinner. Now I am struck by the swiftness of time’s passage. That little niece died before the age of sixty. As did two of her three sisters. My fourth niece is not yet sixty and none of it makes any sense. I can be thankful that neither my brother or his wife lived to see a daughter die. Yet, they are all gone at young ages and the sorrow stings.
The usual bromide response would be to make the absolute best of each and every day. Papa is not so sure on this one. I do like to avoid pressure. Is there a judge out there in space, heaven or an App. that needs to be convinced? Of what? Your worthiness? I had a co- worker who showed up for work everyday with strict production goals. Yellow stickers advocating “ focus” or “ success” littered the cubical walls. I saw anxiety where others may have been in awe of such determination. Dare I say there can be some good and bad days? Are the baskets to be filled by places visited, mountains climbed or challenges met the way to make the best of each day?
Okay, life can be short. Life is short even for an eighty year old. How about a simple goal of being at peace with how you got from zero to whatever? As in having core values that you followed. Whether as a speed racer or a functionary. Avoid anger. ( the usual Chicago Bear exception applies here) Do your best. Live and let live. Follow your own brain. Apps, Bots and even old grandpa’s don’t know what is best for you. And, when your time comes, and it surely will, spend as much time as possible at Sight Point. It’s getting ready for you.