Summer to Remember?

Children are back in school, grateful to have good teachers and friends.  Some enjoy the benefits of home school, while older students may be independent out of state.  Families treasure memories of summer activities, trips, and adventures.  Camping in covered wagons at Downata Hot Springs was our main event the end of June.

I suspect folks are relieved to have a lot of yard work behind them — my wife Kay & I surely were as property owners.  Alas, Halloween preparation is commercially upon us ... for fun.  While Christmas sales immediately follow, let us not forget Thanksgiving.  Our manager and one generous, over-the-top neighbor will take care of decorations in this community.

How do you keep and share (or maybe forget) memories of summer?

Hot Summer Titles

What were your favorite books this summer?  I saw numerous titles about the season.  The one I bought and shared with neighbors was The Foxes Five, a fun children’s book by Angie Mee, illustrated by Katie Costley.  It reminded me of family camping adventures with our five young children.  “The perfect book to read on a summer day in the shade of a big tree,” Finn commented.  (Disclosure: Kay & Ned are the proud parents of Katie & Angie.)

It was a hot summer here in Ogden Utah, and we seniors felt entitled to spend time reading indoors instead of mountain climbing (except twice) and biking (once was enough).  Occasionally looking out the window at hired landscapers was all the yard work we did (except five weeds I naturally pulled and my three mums I watered).

Our activities leader chose The Nightingale for our community book club.  The historical novel about Nazi invasion and occupation of France was incredibly researched and written by Kristin Hannah.  So detailed and sad, it was a struggle for me to read (especially the cold winter ordeals) to the surprise ending.  Glad I did, however.  Next hot summer, I will choose a children’s title again for easy reading.

Range of Motion

Morning exercise in our little group follows Senior Fitness With Meredith on YouTube.  We stand or sit “nice and tall” for posture, move slowly to our “range of motion”, and feel various muscles (by name) engage.  Deep inhale, “breathing into it”, then full exhale helps all the moves.  Stretch and balance.  “Nice spinal twists.”  “Focus on what you’re doing.”  Right or left, she does the opposite of what we’re told to do — easier to mirror.  Leaning forward to touch the gym floor feels good for “each one of the vertebrae.”  “Little shake-out” after every kind of move is nice.  Music with a drummer’s tapping noise keeps pace for the long video — no comment on what that does to my brain.  However, my range of motion and balance are improving ... for longer walks, runs, and bike hikes in east Ogden.  Love it.

P.S.: Numerous group activities, meals, and snacks are all optional here.  Life is good with independent living.