I'm not sure if this is just normal for someone in their 70s or if it means I'm a head case.
More and more often, I find myself savoring the most ordinary or even mundane things.
As I walked out to our compost bin this morning, the day had dawned as damp, cool and sunless and I began to let it weigh on my attitude. But, then, just across the drive, the ground was carpeted with brown and yellow leaves and I actually stopped to appreciate their symmetry and wonder if I would see their replacements next spring.
I then smiled at the one small patch of blue sky, listened to the crows quarrel in a neighbor's field and then turned to face and suck in the cool breeze whispering through the hardwoods.
"The day will come" I told myself "when I would give much to be able to venture out into this 'damp, cool, sunless'--- and WONDERFUL day!"
---sigh---I have just admitted talking to myself after wondering if I'm a head case. Maybe I am.
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turn at any age. Thank you for you words of wisdom.
Debbie
One of those storms with no wind, just snow determined to fall and pile up where it lands. Especially when it's dark, not just from lack of sun, but because the snow is helping to blot the light
My neighbor has big old pines and if we have a wind with the snow, I love hearing those trees moan and sigh as the storm moves through. I don't notice the wind unless snow is falling.
" The only way to guarantee an intelligent conversation is to talk to yourself. You might get lucky and speak with someone who has intelligence, but often that is not the case. "
Intelligent people question themselves all the time in order to increase their intelligence.
AND getting older does mean you appreciate the little things in life. You've done your part, been in the race, jumped on the rat wheel and gave it a good go.
As you get older it's about QUALITY because quantity is not guaranteed any more.
You would have got to it sooner if you'd been a monk... but real people have to juggle all the crazy of the World until they get old enough to actually LOOK at the World and SEE IT, thus Wisdom is a product of age.
You sound like you are on the best path to having the best experiences in old age because you are really letting yourself "get it" as it happens.
And understand EXACTLY what you mean. 
the time - still do, even though others are around.
in their hurry to get somewhere, something, famous and followed.
Autumn can be mighty beautiful, both in grandeur and in details.
I often tell friends who are too busy to stay in touch:
"I am living the life that you are breaking your back, risking your life, general health, sanity and happiness to achieve."
P.S. Photographers learn to see those small details early on. I've been doing so for over 50 years.
in the beauty of each day in its own way and glory. I notice that there are mornings when every tree in my view has a bird sitting at the highest point, facing East, waiting for the Sun. So, I am not alone in my awareness and enjoyment of our beautiful home-Earth!!
Thank you for sharing.
The way I see it, if that is the definition of head-case, you better scoot over and make a bunch of room on your proverbial park bench.
Good writing is hard (which begs the reply, How would I know?) but maybe think about something similar once a week or once a month, whatever.
you're OK.
it sounds like those of us responding are headcases too. I'm also in my 70's and glad to be here. We love sitting on the porch and looking at the sun-dappled yard listening to the birds talk to each other, sipping hot Earl Gray and loving being on this Earth. There is no better place on Earth than wherever you decide to call Home
for me the same. Yes, I am in the 'winter' of my life and definitely, most days enjoy such life and surroundings. The birds who nest close to me are a source of joy in their lives. The beauty of their chirping whether in contentment or disagreement is "WONDERFUL" to me. Thanks needed a reminder this morning.
Cruise on with peaceful seas.
