As we returned home recently after a long weekend with our kids, I began to think about and treasure the new sights seen, conversations over meals, games, and laughter that will find a place in our album of memories.
We talked of places we have seen over the years and favorite locations. They talked of experiences in Western Europe, Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand, while most of my travel experience has been here in the mainland U.S. They dream of seeing Turkey and Egypt; I still hope to see Ireland and Scotland. They talk about doing an Alaskan tour; I want to return to Napa and Santa Barbara and other unvisited parts of the United States.
The thing is — all of these places involve walking. For some reason, I forget that in spite of cars, planes and trains I have to be able to walk farther than across the room to take the best advantage of those services. As it turns out, approaching retirement age is not a good time to sit down and wait for the world to come to us.
So the morning after returning home, I renewed my physical fitness pledge and then 6 week later rolled out of bed, put on the walking shoes, and headed for the fitness center and the treadmill. Maybe I will do that again tomorrow.
Becky Hopkins
50 and Holding 