Random Thoughts: Spring has Sprung

I always miss the people who aren’t here anymore, but the feeling gets stronger during the first weeks after Daylight Savings ends. Then I get over myself as the kids would say, and start making lists of things that need doing inside and out, and how I can avoid doing them. And I look forward to seeing people who are only here during the summer and fall.

For some reason the approach of spring reminds me that I am getting old. I’m not sure why warmer weather and longer days make me feel my mortality more than winter. Maybe it’s because one of the first things on my list of things to do is yard cleanup.

I used to whine to the lovely man who helped us take care of our house, and he would do the heavy stuff. But despite years of asking him not to, he retired at the young age of 75. So now I do it all myself. Digging, weeding, planting, transplanting, mulching. Dragging out the furniture and the huge gas grill that tipped over on me one year, and that hasn’t been turned on in 15 years because I’m afraid to blow up the house and myself. But even though I moan and groan, by Labor Day I’m in good enough shape to carry an elephant.

If 60 is in your rearview mirror, you’ve probably read and heard all the advice people have for us. Make the most of the days you have left. Only see people and do things that bring you joy. Don’t waste time on unimportant things. Eat dessert first (my favorite).

I’ve been very lucky to have known, and still know, so many people who are easy. That said, when someone invites me somewhere and I say yes, I immediately start figuring out how to get out of it. The lengthening days mean I have to come up with a better excuse for declining invitations, because saying I can’t drive at night won’t work again until October. And sometimes I only eat dessert.

Spring also gets me thinking about all the springs before. Happiness for the good times. Regret for things that didn’t go so well, or that I meant to do, or shouldn’t have done. But the stings get less prickly every year as new experiences surround them, and anyway, it’s all part of our life. Still, when a young one says they hope to be as wise as “Auntie Bren” when they grow up, I advise them to aim higher.

So, spring has sprung, and I’m grateful to see it, and grateful as always for you. Now who the hell put that elephant in the shed?

XO Brenda