Emptying the nest

7-year itch about everything

Dearest, Every decision related to you and your belongings that I've made throughout the last 11 years has been out of love.  Yes, it's true. Every decision. Out of love for you, Mom. But now, it's all different.  I'm different without you here.  I must confess, I'm feeling a fresh and new kind of 7-year… Continue reading 7-year itch about everything

Adventures · Emptying the nest

How playfulness in your empty nest keeps your brain healthy

The kids are gone, the empty nest is calm, and those endless days of playing games have faded into the background.  But, damn...that can be a RUT just waiting to happen. Along with brain fog.  It'll roll into our brains that still crave something beyond daily routines. But should empty nesters play games even after… Continue reading How playfulness in your empty nest keeps your brain healthy

Adventures

Rural Wisconsin – Trees, trains, and stories in-between

There is something about a quiet car ride that brings about storytelling mode.  When I drive by myself, I miss having someone to chat with, and I see many things I wish I had my camera along to take pictures of. So, when Mr. is driving, of course, both the Chatty Cathy and the speed… Continue reading Rural Wisconsin – Trees, trains, and stories in-between

Adventures · Emptying the nest

A seasonal brain teaser to test your memory

Today I have a challenge for your brain.  Wait, what, why?  Isn't there enough stress during this time of year? Yeah, yeah, yeah, but, hear me out.  It's important to check your memory status as you age and compare it with your memory status when you're undergoing stress. So, yes, I'm convinced you're up for… Continue reading A seasonal brain teaser to test your memory

Adventures · Cheers

My 54-year-old self’s gift to my 84-year-old self

I call myself a baby of the baby boomers.  I'm one of the last babies born in that generation.  We're a fun bunch of peeps - soon to crash the current system of support for health insurance and social security. Nice gift to future generations, right?  Yay, go team BB! Dearest Shelley, my, oh, my,… Continue reading My 54-year-old self’s gift to my 84-year-old self

Adventures

Braving the wilderness of dementia to find home

October is over, and we're on to November.  Saying goodbye to each October every year is bittersweet to me.  I always miss my mom, I have fond memories of how much she adored October and Halloween.  On the flip side, I have not so great memories.  October was the month when I had to make… Continue reading Braving the wilderness of dementia to find home