Author: Cynthia

Getting Things Done [Not]

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

On most days I am driven to get things done. At least I was until recently. In the evening I make a list of things I want to accomplish the next day so that once I am up and dressed, I am ready to take on the world – the retirement world, that is!

Handwritten weekly to-do list on lined paper with some tasks checked off and a coffee cup on a wooden table

But lately I just feel tired. I’m guilty of staying up too late at night, into the wee hours of the morning. Then, getting moving in the morning is more difficult. I drag through breakfast and morning chores. By the time I sit down to read, I am ready to take a little snooze. I’ve learned I can lie back in the little recliner in my office, close my eyes, and let my body relax. I may power nap for fifteen or twenty minutes but over the past few weeks those minutes have turned into an hour.

At first, I felt guilty for not completing the tasks before me. But a few days ago, I realized, “Isn’t this what retirement is all about?”  After years of working twelve-hour days, have I not earned the right to rest when I want to? I have accepted, logically, that my day is mine. Except when I have agreed to meet a friend or attend a meeting, I am in charge of me. No one is checking to see if there are a few dishes in the sink or if the drawers are organized.

Overall, I am healthy. I eat fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. I exercise throughout the day. So why am I so tired? Oh. Now I remember. I am seventy-something and have no real obligations. Is part of lacking energy really a lack of motivation? If I am being honest with myself, my days are not as full as they once were.

Suburban street with houses, trees, parked cars, and a person walking a dog
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Another factor this summer is the incredible heat dome that hovers over this part of the country. Temperatures over 100 degrees, bright sunny days, and heat indexes even higher keep this former sun goddess inside. I water the flowers at 9:00 pm when temperatures drop to 90 in the impending dark of night.

Reflecting on my days and nights with concern, I finally came to the realization that not getting a list of things done every day is okay. Friends tell me I do more in a day than they accomplish in a week. Not attacking a long list of unimportant tasks is, well, not important. I let go of the need to be busy every minute and now I can savor the time I sit and read …. And should I doze off for a bit, that is fine, too. Retirement is a time to slow down and enjoy life; not worry about checking off items from the task list.

Playing the Sparrow

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

Picture this. As you walk through the door you observe several tables at each of which four people are sitting with smiles on their faces. Tiles are clicking, conversation is flowing, and social media is all but forgotten. What is going on?! Ah. These individuals are finding community by playing a game – mahjong.

Seniors gathered around tables playing Mahjong game in a community center
A lively group of seniors enjoys playing Mahjong in a bright community room

What is it about mahjong that draws so many people – almost devotees – to the game? I had heard about mahjong several years ago and occasionally thought I would like to discover more. Recently, I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to join the throng. Yet, I know nothing about the rules, the plan, or how to get started.  Thus, I went on a search to find out more.

Mahjong’s current rise is not just nostalgia or novelty — it reflects a broader desire for tactile, social, screens-off activities that combine strategy, tradition, and community. Similar to a card game, mahjong uses tiles that are designed in suits with additional tiles to add dimension to the play. Obviously, the goal is to win a hand, but to get there takes strategically selecting and discarding tiles to yield a set of tiles based on a formula prescribed on a card from the National Mah Jongg League. At least for American Mahjong.

Mahjong has been played in multiple versions including Chinese, Riichi, Hong Kong, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Filipino traditions before coming to America in the 1920s. It is believed there are currently as many as 40 versions. As the communities and rules vary, so do the spellings – mah jong, mah-jongg, and mahjong.

Sparrow standing on mahjong tiles arranged on a rustic wooden table.
A sparrow stands on a set of mahjong tiles on a wooden table near a window.

Mahjong derives its name from Chinese words translated as sparrow, due to the clicking sound made when playing with the tiles. It is easy to understand once you walk into a mahjong house – or Mahj House, as many are called.

Admittedly, as a novice I am intimidated. Yet I see so many people jumping on the bandwagon that I would be remiss if I didn’t join the parade. I have found a few friends who also want to learn. We are signing up for a Mahjong Boot Camp. Yes, there really is such a thing!

For those who want to immerse themselves, there are custom-made tile sets, mats, game-night accessories, jewelry, and more. The mahjong craze does not seem to be a phase.

In our post-pandemic world, people long for face-to-face connection. Playing mahjong allows you to enter a mahj house and join a table, even if you know no one there. Fast friends are made as tiles are passed. It becomes almost an obsession for some people.

Book clubs, Bible study groups, mother’s day out, senior centers, and others are thrilled to have someone teach them to play. I am told that although it seems intimidating at first, once you start playing and the rhythm clicks – pardon the pun – you will be hooked.  I can’t wait! I will let you know how it goes! Meanwhile, you might want to try a group in your own area. You will challenge your brain, have fun, and make new friends.

Gathering Wellness Information

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

How many times have you gone to the doctor, already assured of the cause of what is ailing you? If you are like me, you enjoy doing preliminary research. You feel assured when you believe you are informed.

In the past we relied solely on the doctor for medical advice. Yet now, with so much information available to us, the doctor has become the one who validates what we already know. The doctor has the authority to prescribe medication or treatment. If you ask medical professionals, most will say that internet searches are their worst enemies as patients come into their offices, already having answers.

Elderly woman speaking to a stressed male doctor in NHS scrubs in a medical office

I have personally experienced this myself.  I went for a consultation before agreeing to an invasive medication, armed with a long list of questions.  The doctor was so exasperated with my questions that he actually walked out on me, almost slamming the door behind him.  In my defense, my questions were based on reading the results of a clinical trial that were published by the company that sold the treatment. I felt the doctor had “god syndrome” – that is, he believed a patient should take his word as gospel and not question his authority. Of course, I wasn’t questioning his authority; just his experience in administering the medication. Oh, well.

All this to say, be discerning when turning to YouTube, websites, and social media for answers. Please understand, I am not blaming the social media platforms. Online health information can be helpful. It can also be misleading or even incorrect. Ultimately, talk to your doctor and hope s/he has the patience to answer your questions.

Following are some thoughts about searching for and using online health information.

Start With a Healthy Level of Caution

Remember that online medical content can be useful for learning basic information, but it should not replace individualized medical advice. Be especially careful with advice about diagnosis, medication changes, supplements, diets, procedures, or stopping prescribed treatment. Each person has a unique chemistry, lifestyle, and history. Work with your medical professionals to discern the best treatment for you as an individual.  Assume that any dramatic claims need verification before acting on them.

Check Who Is Providing the Advice

Video call between a man and a female AI health specialist in white coat

This is a big one! Look for the author’s name, credentials, professional role, and organization. Just this week I watched two online videos by AI doctors! While the information shared may have come from reliable sources, AI’s ability to filter those sources is still in its infancy.  Opt instead, for sources connected to government health agencies, major medical centers, universities, professional medical organizations, or established nonprofit health organizations. Be especially cautious if the content creator does not clearly identify her/his qualifications or uses vague labels such as “health expert,” “wellness coach,” or “researcher” without verifiable details.

Evaluate the Purpose of the Content

Ask whether the goal is to inform, sell, persuade, entertain, or build an audience.  Watch for sponsored products, affiliate links, paid memberships, supplement sales, coaching programs, or “exclusive” cures.  Be careful when fear, urgency, outrage, or miracle language is used to keep your attention.

Look for Evidence, Not Just Opinions

Reliable medical information should provide the source indicating from where the evidence comes.  Look for references to peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, medical organizations, or expert review.  Watch out for personal stories presented as proof, limited trials and studies, or claims that “doctors do not want you to know this.”  Check whether the information is current, because medical guidance can change as new evidence becomes available. How often have you seen information that is one, five, even twenty years old? Once information is posted online, it never goes away!

Searching for answers is a way of life these days. A wealth of good information is in cyberspace awaiting our perusal. It is great to have valuable information at our fingertips. The important thing is to be mindful, cautious, and discerning.  Then, search to your heart’s content!

Mona’s Eyes

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

The Barnes and Noble book of the year by Thomas Schessler has had mixed reviews, most of which are negative. I feel that to be a sad commentary on today’s readers. I found this book to be an excellent source of learning with a sweet story propping up the lessons.

Schessler provides several essential elements which underscore the artistic adventures of Dade’ and Mona and allow insight into the challenges facing a little girl.

Preserving Memory. Upon observing the trivial objects in the ten-year-old’s room, the grandfather embarks on a quest to provide her with a mental repository of art, imagination and wonder to draw upon should her eyesight fail permanently.

Life Lessons.  Each selection of art is explained not only in terms of the painter/sculptor but includes emotional or philosophical or historical context. Dade’ provides these lessons to assist Mona in navigating the harsh realities of life; lessons that her parents are not equipped to share with her.

Emotional Growth. The grandfather’s treatise regarding each piece of art is, in fact, a form of therapy. Giving Mona perspective on the world and drawing out her own inner strength helps Mona overcome the terror of darkness and blindness.

Focus. Mona is charged by her grandfather to look at the art each week – to really see what is in the painting/sculpture. At first, she gets bored after only a few minutes. Yet as time goes on, she becomes enthralled with the elements in each piece. Learning to focus her attention on the works of art she becomes curious about the meaning of each piece. She wonders about the artist and why s/he expressed her/himself in this way. She learns to take time to observe rather than to rush through an assignment, thus enjoying and better understanding what is before her.

Create a Structure. Mona knows that every Wednesday after school she will spend time with her Dade’ viewing and discussing a work of art. She looks forward to the visits, even though they may at times be tedious. Having structure helps us navigate our days. And enjoying one day per week, knowing what our task will be gives us a sense of purpose.

While many of the reviews find the book boring as each chapter is basically a review of works of art (see https://monaseyesgallery.com ) ,I find it intellectually rich while easily accessible. Critics focus on the “unrealistic” conversations and understanding of a ten-year-old.  Have they met many ten-year-olds these days? Many are quite capable of understanding concepts that some of us may not have contemplated in years gone by. Young people are exposed to all manners of knowledge and information. Teaching young people to discern what is real would be a tribute to any grandparent.

While this book is a novel, I would describe it more as a lesson in art history with a side story about a young lady who is navigating the sometimes-harsh realities of life. Schessler has provided us with wonderful, sometimes intense information in an easy-to-read format. I, for one, appreciate the opportunity to revisit masters’ works of art in a delightful and rich compilation. Each short chapter can be savored. If you are looking for a light, summer read, this may not be your best choice. Yet if you want to learn about art from a new and engaging perspective, give Mona’s Eyes a look.

The Bible Recap

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

My grandson is studying interpersonal communication as a precursor to a career in ministry. Since high school he has led a youth group each week and facilitates Sunday morning gatherings for youth. He has been vested in this calling for quite some time and his enthusiasm is unwavering. Prior to getting married this past February, he lived with me, as my home is less than a ten-minute drive to the parking lot at his college. So that I may get my facts straight when we discuss religion, I decided it was time to reread the Bible*. Frankly, it has been a very long time since I sat down and went through the entire Bible and I don’t think I’ve ever completed the reading within a year.

I visited Mardel, the Christian Bookstore that is owned by the Greenes who also own Hobby Lobby. I was in search of Christian leadership books for my grandson. During my visit I decided to look at Bibles, too. Admittedly, I was overwhelmed by the selections and, frankly, surprised by the price tags. In addition to Bibles and related books I searched for Read-the-Bible-in-a-Year plans. Back at home, I continued my search online.

For Christmas, my grandson gave me an Amazon gift card to apply to the purchase of a new television in the family room. The one I had was having trouble with all the streaming. I was not ready to expend the money for a new television, but I wanted a new Bible for accomplishing this year’s quest. I asked him if he would mind that I use the gift card to purchase a new Bible. I have several but the most-read ones also have highlights and notes from days gone by. This goal would be approached in a different manner. Needless to say, he was thrilled!

I purchased an artfully covered Bible and matching tabs which I painstakingly applied. Then I settled on the plan that I would begin on January 1. The plan is called “The Bible Recap” (TBR) and is published by founder Tara-Leigh Cobble. The approach is reading the Bible in a year in biblical chronological order. It is a delightful way to accomplish my goal.

Each day I open the app on my smart phone. The day-of-the-year and the date are highlighted in a box. The reading for the day is listed by book and chapters to be read for the day. Ahead of the list is a “devotional.” Multiple methods exist towards the same outcome. The passage may be read in a hard copy Bible or the selection can be read on the phone. Yet I discovered after a few days that I can listen and follow along. The gentleman’s voice is soothing and his pronunciation of difficult names is delightful. I don’t have to struggle through those unfamiliar sounds.

Upon completion of each day’s readings, I go back to the devotional where Tara-Leigh Cobble recaps the day’s readings. Her seven-minute review highlights important passages as she talks about the culture of the times in which the scrolls were recorded. On Wednesday’s she does a “check in” with additional information. During this review I take notes and sometimes highlight passages with my fancy new Bible markers, which are designed not to bleed through the thin pages.

Each time a new book of the Bible is begun, a video from The Bible Project does an overview of the book. These videos are fun as the author/narrator draws while explaining. I have found these invaluable in understanding the totality of the book, so much so that I am recording the day that a book is introduced so I can refer to the videos again if necessary. (See https://bibleproject.com/ )

Honestly, when I set this lofty goal, I feared I would fizzle out. But The Bible Recap is an excellent guidepost and makes reading even the challenging stories more palpable. To date I can boast I am on target!

Whether or not you are religious or Christian, if you want to explore the Bible in its totality, I highly recommend The Bible Recap. https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

*The author has read other religious and spiritual texts over the years. It is the author’s philosophy that to understand humanity it is helpful to have a broad knowledge of various teachings.

Goalie – Check

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Okay. By the title I selected I bet you were thinking this post would be about the FIFA World Cup. If you were following the sport, I apologize for the teaser. We have arrived at the 204th day of 2026 with only 161 days to go – so we are a little past half-way through the year.  For me, that means it is time to check in with my goals and task list that were created in January.

I want to see how true I have been to completing those items that were important to me six months ago. And if they are no longer relevant, it is time to adjust. Hence, an update!

Elderly woman reading handwritten notes in a notebook at home

Overall, I have the physical aspect of my goals down to a science. My emphasis on the Mediterranean and Portfolio dietary guidelines have served me well. I feel healthy and satisfied when I stay close to those suggestions. I drink a lot of water and exercise daily. I find that, as a writer, I tend to sit too long at a time. So, I wear a smart watch that encourages me to move every hour if I haven’t done so. When I get those reminders, I jump into an exercise snack (which Mary Ann wrote about earlier this year).

My friendship circle is expanding. Yes, it takes a lot of effort yet interestingly this year the friends are reaching out to me at the same rate that I reach out to them. This seems like a first as I have always felt that I must be the one to initiate visits. Maybe it is the people with whom I am now interacting opposed to sometimes-friends of the past. My heart is warmed with the people whom I see regularly and share a few moments.

I am on target with a part of my spiritual goal. Using the Bible Recap app, I have finished 23 books of the Bible, reading in chronological order, with the goal of completing the entire Bible in one year. The Bible is not included in my goal of reading 24 books this year. So far, I have read eleven books and am currently reading four others. I know that sounds crazy but two of the books require writing, one is a weekly reflection, and the fourth is an art-related novel about which I will post a review upon completion. All that to say, I feel I am on target to complete the reading objective.

In the “occupational” or “professional” category I had but one goal – to update my estate plan.  The legal part of that is complete but the personal part is taking a lot more time. Still, I am moving forward. I think one’s “estate plan” for lack of a better moniker is really never complete. Life offers many and constant changes.

Elderly woman reading documents at a table with a dog lying on the floor

One of my creativity goals will span years, but I have made some progress. I am attempting to select the best or most relevant pictures from various time periods and events and create Shutterfly books. Those take time and are not inexpensive. Thus, I am pacing myself.  Still, I have completed a few this year.

Admittedly, the one goal for which I seem to fail is writing. I write all the time, but I want to finish at least one book! I have several chapters started for four books! I think about them frequently yet don’t sit down and work on them. I have a tendency to think I need to get the little tasks out of the way first. Doesn’t sound like this is an important goal, does it? I will reflect on that.

All in all, I feel I am accomplishing what I set out to do this year.  Did you set goals or New Year’s resolutions?  If so, how are yours coming along? Hallmark is showing Christmas movies in July as this is half-way through their year, too. Now is the perfect time to check in on things you want to complete before the year’s end.  Good luck with your goals!

Why Book Clubs?

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle

Book clubs seem to be at every turn. Celebrities and large organizations are getting into the act of hosting book clubs. Many of the popular publications produce lists of must-reads.  Is it any wonder people are gravitating towards book clubs?

In my professional days I had little time to read random genres or books simply for pleasure. As a university executive, I read books on leadership, universities, government, and technical and legal publications. The reading was interesting but rarely light and fun. So, once I retired, I was free to start reading for enjoyment. The question was, “where do I start?” Honestly, I didn’t know what kind of books I would like to read at this juncture.

Hence, I started a book club! Of course I had ulterior motives, too. I needed some intellectual stimulation and a chance to foster friendships. A book club seemed to fit the bill. There are articles, blogs, and websites galore about managing or participating in book clubs. Many are what I would call theme based. Mary Ann for instance has a nature-oriented book club. (She has written about her club previously.) I invited friends whom I believed would enjoy the camaraderie and whom I thought would actually read and discuss the selection.

Group of six people discussing books around a wooden table in a café.

Setting expectations was my first mistake. At first, everyone came and most read the book of the month – or at least some of it. Over time, however, people became less reliable.  In fact, one of the first to drop out, after having little commitment in the first place, started her own book club a couple of years later. That fizzled out too. But that is a different story.

I joined another book club. It is small but members are committed to the process and to each other. It’s wonderful to see the value in coming together for a common purpose. The thing I enjoy most is the variety of genres we read. This particular book club is not theme-based. We have read fiction and non-fiction; Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize winning books and beach reads; best sellers and barely known; and well-known and debut authors. Some books are short, some are easy, some are thick, and some are more challenging.

Reading a variety of titles and authors is expanding my thinking and knowledge. How fun it is to seek out the “next read.” The Literary Lattes work well together. The club is self-managing – no one person is in charge – we all share the load, so to speak. What a great group of women and man (yes, only one man in our group!) Since we determine what we will read at least six months in advance, I can have the book on hand.

The Literary Lattes meet at a Barnes and Noble café one morning a month to catch up. Then we discuss the selection of the month. There is no pressure to host (meaning we don’t have to worry about cleaning the house, putting out hors d’oeuvres, or sending someone out after having had too much wine!) Our selections come from some of the recommended reading lists, or from recommendations of friends and family.

I enjoy most of the books but occasionally I don’t care for one of the reads. Still, I am usually glad I read the book. A lesson is to be learned in every experience and books are no exception. I am grateful for the opportunity to read and to discuss with others.  It’s a Reading Rainbow!

Keep Moving!

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

As the temperatures soar, we may tend to slack off on our resolve to exercise. Yet there are so many ways to support our health in the comfort of our air-conditioned homes.  I was reminded of this yesterday, after I spent 45 minutes pulling weeds out of some flower beds that line the front walk to my house. The temperature was 80-something and rising when I stepped out with gloved hands and my trusty weed puller. The fifteen minutes turned into almost an hour as I worked my way up the sidewalk. At the same time, the sun felt more and more intense. I cooled down by sitting in the Urban Oasis (my deck) with a glass of iced tea and my current read.

Older woman kneeling in a colorful garden pulling plants from soil and smiling

Checking my steps, I found I had only 693 for the morning! What! After all that up and down, scooting along, and pulling, I felt I should have gotten more exercise credit than that! So after a shower and feeling somewhat refreshed, I pulled up a YouTube video and walked a mile. Well, at least an equivalent mile – 15-20 minutes of low impact aerobics with increased heart rate for about 10 minutes of that.

Next, I used my stretch bands to perform resistance exercises at three levels — 180 degrees, 90 degrees, and 45 degrees. Then on the floor to do lifts and squeezes with varying sizes of balls and clamshells with a resistance band. And always with a large glass of water close by.

When someone calls, I begin walking around the house, up and down the hallway, around the dining room table, through the kitchen to the family room and back down the hallway into each bedroom. I can get 2,000 steps in while talking to some people!

Senior woman walking on stone path beside house holding wooden railing with a key on a lanyard around her neck

Even when I sit down to watch a movie, I can do leg lifts and arm lifts. Or bring my trusty little hand weights to the chair and add even more resistance.

My point is, I have no excuse to avoid exercising when the sun beats down and the mercury rises. The exercises I do are age appropriate. My sister reminded me one day when I felt low on energy that maybe a little exercise would lift my spirits along with my heart rate. She was right! Not only did I feel better physically, I was proud of myself pushing through.

As we age, arthritis begins to creep in. The best defense is movement. It’s easy to become stagnant, thinking tomorrow I will feel more like exercising. My 95-year-old aunt walks every day. She also naps. Her health, overall, is pretty good. Mary Ann inspires me, too. She makes herself go to the gym a few days a week, even when she isn’t feeling it! Way to go, girl! Keep Moving!

Red, White, and Sue

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

My aunt Kathy is one of the most beautiful, gracious women one will ever meet.  She consistently holds parties and dinners for birthdays and holidays and sometimes just because. Is it any wonder that each year when her birthday rolls around I want to do something for her to let her know just how special she really is.

Kathy is the youngest of six children, one of whom was my daddy. She is the last one of her childhood family and no one would ever guess she is 84 years old today. Growing up we all called her “Sue” but as we all matured, she indicated she would prefer to be known as Kathy rather than Sue.  I could relate. (The family called me Cindy – which I always hated. My name is Cynthia and I wanted to be addressed as such.) One of my daddy’s sayings was, “I’m full clear up to Sue’s house” when he ate too much. Obviously, we didn’t live in the same city as she.  Luckily, now I do!

For her birthday each year I try to avoid a patriotic theme. It just doesn’t seem fair to her to have to share her birthday with America every year. I liken it to someone who has a birthday around Christmas. The birthday girl needs to be celebrated for herself!  However, this year, she is sharing her birthday week with America’s 250th so it’s kind of a big deal. Thus, I decided the theme would be Celebrating Red, White, and Sue.

Planning was so much fun! I started a month early to ensure I could carry off the theme in food for the dinner. At first all I could find were desserts. Summer fruits are fairly easy – watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, cherries – you get the idea. But the other food was a bit of a challenge.

Appetizers included three dips – red pepper salsa, creamy garlic, and blue cheese — with white and blue corn tortilla chips; popcorn with dried cranberries and blueberries and blue and red M&M’s; and watermelon squares topped with feta and a blueberry. Sparkling fruited lemonade rounded out the starters.

For those who eat meat I made oven-fried chicken – white meat of course! Red, white, and blue roasted fingerling potatoes, and white corn with red bell pepper, to which I sneaked in some chopped jalapeño and cream. I made red, white, and blue deviled eggs, a cannellini bean salad, fruit and purple greens salad, coleslaw with dried blueberries, and a blue pasta salad. *

Since Kathy is a wonderful baker, I didn’t even try to create a cake. Whole Foods has the most delicious Chantilly cake with berries, and a local grocery store had a vanilla, strawberry, blueberry neapolitan ice cream.

Everyone wore red, white, and blue and the party was a huge success. We celebrated our precious aunt in style.

Mary Ann and I wish you a safe and joyous celebration of America’s semiquincentennial! Happy Independence Day!

*Most of the recipe inspiration came from FoodNetwork.com. The Summery White Bean Salad was from KyleeCooks.com and the blue pasta was inspired by a Mermaid Pasta recipe at veganeasy.org. If you follow this blog you know that I consider a recipe a suggestion – I rarely follow a recipe exactly. That said, I am appreciative of these cookbook authors and bloggers for graciously sharing their recipes for people like me to gain inspiration.

Spiders, Mosquitoes, and Fleas, Oh, My!

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Summer has arrived and with it the crawly and flying things come out. I enjoy sitting in the Urban Oasis (my deck!) but I am so sweet the mosquitoes swarm towards me. Thankfully, I have used a wonderful service for several years. They spray every three or four weeks in bug season to reduce the number of mosquitoes who are determined to fill my arms and legs with welts.

Young woman wearing a white t-shirt and denim skirt with red insect bites on her arm and leg scratching her arm outdoors

While my mother was living with me, I added their pest control service. Quarterly they spray inside and outside to deal with spiders and other bugs. I like their service because they use natural and organic products. It makes me feel a little better about eliminating the bugs.

A few months ago, my granddaughter, who is deathly afraid of spiders, and my grandson and his new wife rented a house together.  My housewarming gift to them was pest control service for one year. My granddaughter-in-law brought two dogs to the household, so pest control seemed a fitting gift.

Yesterday, my grandson called. “The dogs have fleas again!” He mentioned they were bathing the dogs but that he contacted the pest control company to see if they could spray inside and out specifically for fleas. There was to be an extra charge, and the company did not have the capacity in their system to put two payment methods on an account. My grandson asked if he could put the charges on my account. He said they would withdraw cash to reimburse me.

Man on ladder changing ceiling light bulb in living room

I made a deal with him. If he would come to change lightbulbs for me, I would consider that payment.  At 72 plus, I am trying to be mindful of things I should and should not do. Getting on a high ladder is one of those things.  I shared with him that I would otherwise have to find someone to do it and pay them, so I would prefer to help family. He admonished me. He said any time I needed help; I should call him. He would never expect payment to help me.

He reminded me that I paid for his summer tuition. Not that I had forgotten; but he wanted me to know he had also not forgotten and was very appreciative.  At the time, I told him I would much rather share what I have now so I could enjoy seeing him use the gifts I can give, rather than leaving things for him after I am gone. We seniors think of things like that! Having coffee with my friends this morning, we shared the same sentiment.

So, the rental is being sprayed for fleas today and my yard was sprayed for mosquitoes. Soon we will live in bug-free paradise. And we will appreciate the ability to help one another. After all, that is what family does!