Dave's notebook

Notebook - inspiring ageing

How do you put a silencer on a whisky bottle top? The childbride hears me open it from all the remote corners (of the house).

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Elaine Kingett, The Times, Nov 20th. A teacher of creative writing. Primarily discussing her love life, aged 72, there are general moments:

'Drink too much, sleep too little, relax with great difficulty, spend far too much time on social media. And my concentration skills are shot to bits and my social skills seem to be going the same way. So what is one to do?'

'The last few years, as I have aged, have taken a toll on me physically and psychologically, and to continue the life and work I so passionate about I need to reboot, rejuvenate and, yes, I hate to admit it - detox.'

'Rediscover my inner strength and reconnect my life. A time perhaps to count my blessings and celebrate a bit more what I have, not what I have lost.'

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'Almost nothing is worth giving up for the sake of a few more years in a nursing home (in Bournemouth)' Sir Kingsley Amis.

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I share most of these. My social skills - what social skills? I discussed this with my gp once. He said "You're a bloke." "We're all a bit on the spectrum." I don't do social media anyway - except to share my hobby blog. Yes, celebrating the here and now and what I have. It's a continuous process, the tidal preoccupations keep coming in. Breathe.

 

Garden Glimpses

Our bit of the storm damage and autumn. A potent combination and a mess. There is a long list of mess just now. Hard to be upbeat, especially when the waves keep coming.

We need a vacation - Arnie had an answer.

We also have a man who does - coming in February.