sherryderen

Enjoying the Quotidian

During this COVID time, at least until vaccinations are widespread, I follow public health recommendations and am less likely to leave my home. Many things I loved doing—visiting friends and family, eating at restaurants, going to the theater—have all become less frequent or even impossible. And being retired, I am not working from home. ButContinue reading “Enjoying the Quotidian”

Across the Ages

My newest grandson, Lucas, is five months old, and has become responsive to my talking and smiling. He spends much of his waking time, when he is not being fed or diapered, kicking his feet in the air, waving his arms, and making cooing sounds. What a pleasure to watch. I eagerly anticipate spending timeContinue reading “Across the Ages”

Don’t Save the Best for Last

I have a new New Year’s resolution. I have dusted off the old ones- related to weight loss and increased exercise- they are always easy to make, though not to follow. I now have a new one. Saving the best for last has been a pattern of mine that I plan to change. At mealsContinue reading “Don’t Save the Best for Last”

Holiday Repairs

Technology is wonderful and makes life easier. But it can also be frustrating when something stops working and requires attention. This year, the end of year holiday period has required many repairs. My husband and I went to Florida in November for a five-day trip to visit my ailing sister. The first night in ourContinue reading “Holiday Repairs”

Rock Collections

I needed to call the telephone company, buy a carton of milk, return a friend’s telephone call, pay a bill… what happened to the day? I accomplished several items on my To Do list, yet there was a feeling of dissatisfaction. I remember taking a course on time management and the trainer used some props-Continue reading “Rock Collections”

Embracing the Aging Role

I have had many roles in life— daughter, mother, wife, scientist, neighbor, friend, and others. In every case, I had some choices about how to play the role, even though there were some requirements or expectations. Now that I have moved into an aging role, I’m not sure how I want to play that part.Continue reading “Embracing the Aging Role”

My New Housemate

I have a new housemate. My son-in-law Jay recently decided to update my wi-fi and bought me a google nest (with wi-fi router and point). In case you, like me, had no idea what this was, it consists of two items that are about three inches high and three inches in diameter and look likeContinue reading “My New Housemate”

Room for One More? Not Right Now

When I was growing up there were some expressions I heard that were rules about being polite or advice about how to relate to others, and they seemed to be useful guidelines. In the past two decades, crises in our country have led to changes in behaviors, and these expressions are no longer useful. SomeContinue reading “Room for One More? Not Right Now”

I Can Find Happiness No Matter Where I Am

To plan the next phase of my life after I retired, I have been talking with seniors to learn about their sources of satisfaction. I thought Barbara could be helpful. She initiated and is now the guiding force for the Senior Network in my housing complex. She is energetic, fun to talk with, and eagerContinue reading “I Can Find Happiness No Matter Where I Am”

Boxed In

My move from a suburban house back into a city apartment meant that I lost living space and many closets. It was also the end of an era, as my two children were grown and living in their own homes, and I was eager to get back to Manhattan. Not only would this eliminate myContinue reading “Boxed In”