My beautiful Casa Blanca Lilies from 2025. The weather this summer, both heat and storms, took their toll on my beauties. Yet still I managed a few good shots. Interestingly, last year they filled my backyard with the essence of vanilla. This year there was a spicier note to their aroma. I can’t put my finger on it, but maybe more cinnamon than vanilla? Whatever… they never disappoint.
This past weekend I traveled to my hometown to my 55th Class reunion. I don’t know why I am so reticent about these things, but I am. (Long suppressed childhood baggage I am sure 😊!) I needn’t have been wary about this one. It was very enjoyable. The organizer – and she is mostly a one-woman committee – did a fantastic job from beginning to end. She deserves more praise and complements than we can ever bestow. I will send a note today.
There were several events, all interesting, but mostly there was just a bunch of old people enjoying meeting up after several years of not!
People of our age and conditions (and there were many conditions discussed) don’t hold grudges or put any value on past versions of rank or popularity. No politics were discussed, although I am sure and an entire spectrum of attitudes were represented. At least none were among the topics of conversation I heard.
Mostly it was: How are you? It is so good to see you! Has it really been 55 years? Tell me about your children an grandchildren. So, you are downsizing? I’m sorry about the loss of your……! There seemed to be a sincere interest in each others lives. And, similarly an eagerness to share.
I met some new people, joked with old friends, counted widows (way too many) and unmarried men (who knew?)
I found the life choices more varied than one might guess from a town so small. Some of my classmates are still working, but most are happily retired. Health issues range from “miraculously cured” to “can’t make it this year” to in better shape than they were in our youth! Most, I suppose, are like me with aches and pains and health issues that don’t requiring sharing. We are none of us getting any younger.
It shows.
Not only on our faces and our health, but also in our attitudes:
All is good.
All are welcome.
Come, sit and tell me about yourself.
Have a good life.
I wish you well.
See you in another five years?