Karen Foley
Lynn Raye Harris
Ellen Hartman
Diana Holquist
Samantha Hunter
Shirley Jump
Dee Tenorio
Jeannie Watt
Welcome Guest Blogger Tracy Garrett!
FUN KEEPS US YOUNG
I live in a condo complex with a lot of retirees. I’m not retired – not by a long shot – but the area is beautiful, and our family is close, so we live here. My neighbors are all ages and come from many different backgrounds, but I’m the youngest (I have my dh beat by 5 months). A couple of weeks ago, we had a hot dog roast in a snowstorm.
I discovered quickly that this bunch of people will try almost anything once. And several of them leave me in the dust! Though my hubby and I have lived here less than ten months, when we get together with the neighbors, it is as if we’ve known each other for years. And, although our ages literally span generations, we never run out of things to talk about.
On that snowy Thursday, my downstairs neighbor dropped by at 3:30pm and said Be there at 4pm. I tried to decline, since I still had pages to write to meet my goal that day, but something she said caught my attention: “It’ll keep you young.” That got me to thinking. Was I falling into the old habit of all work and no play? That’s one reason I don’t miss the corporate world. Not wanting to be the “old” fuddy-duddy, I promised to be there. I even offered to bring dessert.
The area slated for the next building in our complex is finally being cleared. On this land is a pile of brush. Trees, willows, yucca plants have been all piled together and drying for months. The neighbors got a wild idea to have a hot dog roast when they got the permit to burn the pile. And today, with the excavation trucks making circles around us—at a safe distance, of course—we got out the dogs and marshmallows, stood close to the blaze for warmth, and ate hot dogs. The oldest in attendance was eighty-three. I was the youngest by thirty-five years.
We had our second major snow of the winter that day. The flakes were coming down hard as we gathered close to the burning brush pile. We got soaked, and still we stood out there for more than an hour, laughing and talking, and eating hot dogs that got cold before the second bite. Bet you can guess what dessert was. lol There’s nothing quite like a marshmallow turned to ash over a hot wood fire. Yum!
After we packed up the trash and headed inside to dry off and warm up, I was able to finish the pages I wanted to write that day with more energy and joy.
My neighbor was right. Having fun truly does keep you young.
Now, let’s have a little fun. One commenter will win a copy of Touch of Texas and some Harry & David chocolate truffles. Remember, you must be registered at Cigars to win. I'll blog here through Thursday evening (bear with me, I'll be traveling a bit on Thurs) but I'll choose a winner at the end of the day.
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Greetings
Good afternoon, cigar-ladies! Sam and I decided to get an early start on tomorrow's blog, since I have to do some long-distance driving. I'm glad to be here with all of you.
Tracy G.
Hey Tracy!
Welcome, and glad to have you here! May I say the guy on your cover is completely edible? LOL
Mike and I used to live in a basement apartment in a seniors complex -- I was the only single mother when I moved in (one of the older women met me suspiciously in the hallway and said, quite in an unfriendly way "we've never had kids in here before), LOL. But we all got along well, and made friends, and I don't know that we had "fun" with them, but we did get to like them a lot. When I met my husband and he moved in with us, they just *loved* him -- LOL -- but he was always running somewhere doing something to help out one of the old ladies, LOL. But Mike is a sweetie, and he always helped them out, and they really appreciated it, I know, because most of them were alone.
I think fun does keep you young... I need to double my dose these days... Sometimes simple fun is good, and then other times I want more, usually travel and all the fun that can bring -- but that takes cashola, so that kind of fun is only now and then... :)
Sam
RE: Hey Tracy!
Don't you wish we all had an unlimited travel fund that grows bigger no matter how much we use out of it? Sigh! I'd love a trip to someplace warm right now, with sand and salt water and tropical drinks.
Hello Tracy
Touch of Texas looks so good, I would love to read it. Got to love them cowboys.
Is everyone as sick and tired of this snow,ice and nasty weather as I am. It seems like it is snowing every day.
I think we all need a little fun. I know I need to get out and have some fun. I think I could get a whole lot more done if I could come up with something to have some fun with. Maybe I just need a few days with you Texan.LOL
RE: Hello Tracy
Hi LeadBottom,
I can't imagine anything more fun than a few days with that Texan! lol
I was doing very well with my first winter back in the midwest - but I'm tired of it now. It's been so cold you can't do more than hurry to the car and hurry back into the house. I really miss the fresh air.
You know, I don't miss the
You know, I don't miss the corporate world either, and we are lucky to have had the same group of neighbors for over 15 years. Made it great when my kids were young, and we still have barbeques in the summer where we just close off the court and put tables up and just visit and laugh.
RE: You know, I don't miss the
Oh, not fair. Teasing us with memories of barbeques - in this weather! hahaha
We lived in our last house for more than 15 years, too, and we loved our neighbors.
Nothing would coax me back to the corporate world at this point. I get to make up stuff for a living now - how cool is that?
JEALOUS!!!
Tracy, I'd contemplate giving up my left arm right now to live in a condo with a lot of retirees. I'm probably making an assumption here, but I bet it's relatively quiet. I'm still a student, and I seem to have had horrible luck. In undergrad I always had extremely loud neighbors. I thought it would get better in professional school, but no such luck. I'm beginning to think someone hates me. In fact, at this very moment, my upstairs neighbors are playing their music so loud that not only is everything in their apartment shaking I'm sure, even MY *windows AND floors* are shaking too. I've asked them to be quiet before, and left messages for the management, who has done nothing. For the past 6 years, I've always had noisy neighbors. Now if I move to a new area, I immediately put the police department in my phone because I know I'll be calling them about noise violations. I haven't called the cops on my current neighbors but... I want to. :( A girl can only take so much.
Sorry about the rant - this post obviously struck a chord with me. I'm glad you had fun with your neighbor!
RE: JEALOUS!!!
Aliquis, I remember my days in noisy apartments. We had a law student living below us in our second apartment - and the couple from h*ll across the hall. I'm talking screaming, dish-throwing married folks. Holy cow! I don't know how he did it. I'd recommend noise cancelling earphones, but that won't stop the shaking. :(
Hmmm....
Was the law student loud? Haha - because they shouldn't have been! They should have been studying! (I'm actually a law student too...) - that's too bad about the dysfunctional couple. I'd have been kinda scared. I had a situation where my roommate's exboyfriend tried to break into our apartment in college - no fun.
And - the noise stopped! Words cannot express my joy. That or the pounding headache is limiting my ... everything :P *crosses fingers that it stays quieter*
Good thing you're in different and much happier place now!
noo...
:'( I spoke too soon. a 10 minute reprieve, and they're back. *cries*
No, he was very quiet. I
No, he was very quiet. I remember tiptoeing around when we came home late after playing a concert. It was the crazy neighbors that were loud. She would scream and throw things, then storm out of the apartment--and he'd lock the door behind her. Of course she didn't have her keys, so she'd borrow our phone to call and beg him to let her back in. You know, I don't miss that place very much. lol
That's so cool!
Hi, Tracy,
It sounds like you've got fantastic neighbors! And I think that it's true that having fun does keep you young :) My MIL loves to play with our kids--she runs around with them more than I can, and she's got a ton of energy! I think something about being enthusiastic and willing to try things helps keep one youthful!
And ditto everyone who's said what a yummy cover that is! Woo!
RE: That's so cool!
You know, my MIL can run circles around me. I think it has to do with 'I don't have to worry about my kids anymore and, boy am I glad to have all that energy back.' lol
Glad you all like the cover. Wait until you see the next one for TOUCHED BY LOVE, coming out in November. OMG! He's gorgeous! I'll have him up on my website soon, so you can oogle to your hearts' content.
Can't wait!
OK, I'll have to keep checking until it's up! :) (It isn't yet, since I just checked... ;))
RE: Can't wait!
I'm working on a different computer, fedora. I'll try and put it up in the morning. If not, you'll just have to keep looking--she said, laughing wickedly! :D
You're only as old as you
You're only as old as you feel. I agree that you have to keep "with it" so as not to turn into an old fuddy dudd lol. I love playing any kind of games and socializing with other people. Then there are some people who are just born old. (I'm thinking of a sibling lol).
RE: You're only as old as you
Oh, Catslady, I thought you were thinking of me! lol
I enjoy my solitary time, but I need a party now and then, too. What kind of games? Card, board, Twister?
Hi Tracy!
This my first post here at the exploding cigar...I figured it was time to come out of lurk mode and become a member!
Great post! My mom is retired and lives in a community in FL called "The Villages" and I love it! I wish I could live there! The people are amazing and there are so many activities...I call it the "Geriatric Disney World" --- its so beautiful and clean. Being a military brat, I love to sit and listen to her friends talk about their military experiences. I visit her at least twice a year and every time I step off the van from the airport I always say "I'm home!"
Christyne Butler
http://www.christynebutler.com
Embrace romance . . . happily ever after guaranteed!
REILLY’S PROMISE, Samhain Publishing, e-release 08.2007/print 05.2008
RE: Hi Tracy!
Hello Christyne! We considered Florida, but wanted to be closer to family.
Around here, my neighbors have a hard time understanding that I'm not retired - I really do work. Since they don't, they sometimes forget I can't drop everything whenever I want. But I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Glad you came out of lurk to join us!
Hi Tracy! Its so good to
Hi Tracy!
Its so good to have some great neighbors. We did with a great couple of families across the street but they moved. Alot now move and come back now that they rent out so it changes lots. But they are so right, we have to do things at moments notice and enjoy life, there's just one. I look at the wash I need to do but look at a book that I know will be so much joy reading, so I go with what takes my mood! Same thing with chocolate!
Caffey
Hi Caffey! Good neighbors
Hi Caffey! Good neighbors can be hard to come by. We didn't move that much when I was younger, so our neighbors rarely changed. Not like now, where folks are moving all the time.
Tracy, we've been here 25
Tracy, we've been here 25 years! Seems that others had moved more. I hate to move so I'm thrilled to stay here another 25 years! I miss tho, those Friday night scrabble games I used to play with a neighbor (no I never cheated, LOL). I miss it all. Hopefully more will stay on soon!
Caffey
Great cover...
Hi Tracy.
You have the eye of the cover gods. It is a gorgeous cover.
Love the idea of a hot dog roast. :)
RE: Great cover...
Don't I, though? Two great covers. I feel so fortunate that Kensington has such a talented art department who obviously love cowboys!
The hot dog roast was so much fun. The snow was beautiful and the marshmallows were delicious.
As one of the "older" folks
As one of the "older" folks (I have almost 30 years on you) I have to agree we still have fun. I would have loved to been at your bonfire, hot dog roast, marshmellow roast. And the more fun you have the younger you get, right?????
Amen, Ellen! :D
Amen, Ellen! :D
new cover
Hey Fedora - and anyone else who's interested,
I have my new cover up for TOUCHED BY LOVE. Go check it out, www.tracygarrett.com. It's gorgeous!
FUN TIMES
I enjoyed your wonderful story which shows everyone that life is precious and to be savored. Your description of the lovely bar-b-q, your surroundings and the individuals is so reminiscent of days gone by. I loved hearing about this part of your ife. thanks.
INTERESTING
What a delightful and unique story. Your setting and the entire mood of your neighbors is simply delightful and welcoming. What a great place to live. Lucky you. It sounds like a dream place.
Ooh...
Wow, that's a very nice one! If anyone needs me, I'll be looking at it for a while... ;)
UNIQUE
This post was an entirely warm and sweet story which I love to read and hear about. To have chosen this locale and have these kind people surrounding you daily is something to be grateful for. They sound like fun and pretty lively as you described. Everything to be appreciative of and thankful for. This setting owuld make a great storyline.
Guido & Traveler & Pearl
Guido & Traveler & Pearl -
Sorry for lumping. I'm now 350+ miles northeast of where I started this morning. In Illinois for a Women's mentoring conference at my alma mater.
DH and I are very happy in our new nest. And it will be warm again soon (I hope!) and we can get back on the water. Ahhh - nothing more relaxing.
Having Fun
Can't agree with you more about the need for fun. With two kids under the age of 5 hubby and I don't have alot of extra time for fun. However, I have also learned that I must make some time for it. Scheduling time for fun may not sound excting but it is so necessary for me right now since I know that if I don't schedule it I won't do it. I know that when I do take that time out I end up feeling younger and happier afterwards.
Food
One problem for me is that food is often so closely associated with fun -- I know all the dieting spiels, that entertainment and fun should be about the company, the activities, etc but even in your hotdog roast story, food is really a main ingredient. When I go out, having something special to eat, a treat, is fun. When I want to have fun at home, it's often about baking or making something we like. Last Friday we had a kind of awful day, and ended it by going out to dinner at a great local restaurant, and it was great food and fun, and it just set a great tone for the rest of the weekend... I love food... love fun... however, too much food and fun means the jeans don't fit, LOL...
It's a conundrum...
Sam
GREAT
Having fun, times spent with friends, neighbors and getting out together is what life is about. It is important and for our well being an essential component. Your spontaneous neighbors roast is part of that and meeting up with friendly, outgoing and positive people makes this memorable.
Yummy cover!!
Mm mmm!! :-)
I do think being spontaneous with friends will keep us young! It keeps us laughing and enjoying life, no matter what age we are in years!
We're in the 60s today, pushing 70 by Saturday. But then Sunday is supposed to be 38 with snow!! I can't wait! We can't really have a bonfire in the yard, but maybe I'll fire up the grill and we can roast marshmallows and burgers that way. Thanks for the idea, Tracy!
Now that's just not nice... ;)
I would torture for 40s, and kill for 70s...LOL Woke up to NINE DEGREES today, and it's a hearty 15 out there now...
I can't wait for grilling... seriously can't. I love spring/summer/fall food -- winter food all feels so heavy after a while, even though we try to eat pretty well. And my urge to bake is less prominent in summer heat. ;)
Sam
Trade ya!
I am SO not ready for warm weather again! Wanna swap for a while? :-)
I, too, don't bake nearly as much in the summer. We try to grill year round (we have a covered patio), but this winter I haven't been very good about it. There is nothing quite like steaks off a grill in which the lid sizzles every time a snowflake hits it!
Now you're just being a
Now you're just being a tease... ;)
Yes, would love to trade. I love my house, being close to family and friends, and the cost of living here, but I'll tell you, there are about 1 million times every winter when I would pack up and move to warmer climes in a heartbeat... really hate winter, especially around March when it feels like it lasts forever. Maybe I would feel that way about summer, too, if I had too much of it, but I'd like to find out, LOL.
Sam
Laughter
Hi Tracy,
I'm another one who loves your cover. Laughter definitely keeps a person's body and soul young. There studies trying to figure out how laughter affects us. I'm inclined to believe laughter is the best medicine.
RE: cover
Thank you, thank you. I'm glad you like the cover. He's so hot!
Fun
I know I get so caught up in what has to be done that I don't think about doing something fun. Going to a movie or out to eat can be a great way to get away from everything.
Snow
Your post made me think that we are going to have a snow-storm tomorrow, again.
Having fun is nice, as you said, and I think it keeps us young :)
Sounds as if your new
Sounds as if your new neighbors have the right take on life!
I'll be back soon. Sorry to
I'll be back soon. Sorry to rush off again, but we have dinner plans with friends. See Sam, you aren't the only one who combines food and fun! ;-)
I'm back
Dinner was wonderful. Food was good but the company was great - and that's what I'll remember about the evening.
Okay, we've segued into a discussion about how to have fun even when we don't have time--or funds. What do you do for "fun" when you can't get out of the house, can't leave the kids with a sitter, etc.?
Because I write for so many hours a day, sitting down to read a book--that isn't research for my next manuscript--is my current definition of fun.
How about you?
Reading's always my fun!
That's why we've got stacks of books multiplying like rabbits everywhere ;)
Do you have favorite authors/books/genres?
favorites
I read most everything, and my favorites keep changing. Right now it's vampires. Love that Black Dagger Brotherhood and Feehan's Dark series. They can't write them fast enough for me.
winner
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for...
The winner is...
Jane!
Jane, email me offloop (tracy@tracygarrett.com) with your snail-mail address and I'll send Jake out the door to you, along with some yummy chocolate truffles...you decide what to do with those. :-D
Thanks so much for having me here at the Cigar. I've had a great time!
Tracy