Diversity

Diversity is a word of our era. Diversity of city neighbourhoods – low density mixed with high density, diversity of people racially and culturally. Every morning I am amazed at the diversity of nature that surrounds me: changing weather patterns, deer, rabbits, bear, cougars, seals, whales, sea lions, a plethora of bird life: eagles, herons, hawks, owls, robins, thrushes, hummingbirds. And now, I realize diversity even extends to retirement. Here I constantly hear people spontaneously exclaiming, ”Who would have thought that retirement would be such fun!” or “I feel so blessed not to have to work.” Then, when I am back in the city, the tune often changes… “Retirement is highly overrated.” “I never intend to stop working.” “I am working on my PhD and want to start working in my new field before 70!” My problem is I swing from the one camp of thought to other - I want it all.

tic toc

Last ten days were a whirlwind. Camping at Campbell River – highlight was lunch at April Point – fantastic wild environment. Back home for a day or two, then off to Ucluet and the stunning Black Rock Resort – our patio stretched out over the ocean. Enjoyed an exciting eco tour to the Clayquot Sound hot springs. Back home overnight and then into Vancouver for a 65^th birthday (another one bites the dust!), a birthday celebration with our daughter and an opportunity to listen to some Vancouver Jazz fare AND visit Ikea  (how fantastic is that?)! Now we are back home. Everything is a wild blur. Perhaps life, like fine wine or food, should be savoured slowly. But is that possible when you hear the clock ticking …tic (do it now) tock (time is running out)…..

I’m Baaack…

Two and half years since we moved to Vancouver Island. Two and half years since I wrote on this blog. Two and a half years since I stopped working. I really thought I would never quit working….that I if I did, I would become be irrelevant to society and hence totally invisible. So, unwittingly, on a whim, we bought a house in Qualicum Beach – the home of the oldest population in Canada! I still cant’ believe we did this – afterall, I firmly preach the necessity of diversity – diversity of age, race, sex – everything! Well my world has been turned upside after two and half years … I have no regrets.