aging – Signora Sheila

The Saga of Our Summer House

A vintage white flatbed truck carries a wooden cabinet and colorful items along a highway, captured in motion against blurred trees.

June has been a month of movement for us. We’re clearing out two houses at the same time. When we bought our current house—the only home we’ve ever owned—I thought we’d never have to move again. Over the course of our 50-year marriage, we’ve moved over 50 times, but I stopped counting after the 50thContinueContinue reading “The Saga of Our Summer House”

In Thin Places With God

Surreal giant zipper opens a dark storm cloud over a sunlit field, revealing blue sky and white clouds; dramatic, hopeful mood.

According to Celtic Christianity, ‘thin places’ are moments or locations where God’s presence seems intensely close and reachable. They are places where it seems as though the boundary between heaven and earth has become somehow porous. Thin places are where heaven and earth seem to meet. In a strictly physical sense, I liken this feelingContinueContinue reading “In Thin Places With God”

I’m Finally Back!

A coffee mug and silver pen sit beside a lime-green note reading “I’m Back!” on a pink desk, conveying a cheerful return.

I’m back and I’ve missed you all. So, welcome back to my blog! I’ve been on sick leave from here because of the major surgery I underwent. I’m still struggling to write, not only because it’s difficult to get back into the habit, but also because it’s still physically challenging. None of my chair andContinueContinue reading “I’m Finally Back!”

What Women Don’t Talk About, But Should

Smiling female doctor reviews a tablet with a female patient across a clinic desk, creating a warm, friendly healthcare consultation.

Well, I’ve returned from a longer than planned health break and am undergoing therapy and rehab for my pelvic floor. Thankfully, it looks like it’s working and I might be able to avoid surgery! I’ve learnt a lot from this experience and I’m grateful for that. For example, I didn’t realize how important the pelvicContinueContinue reading “What Women Don’t Talk About, But Should”

The Golden Years of Worry

Elderly couple reviewing paperwork together at a kitchen table; the woman looks concerned while the man offers reassuring support.

The Golden Years are touted as a time of leisure, free from many responsibilities and rigid schedules. A time to enjoy life, and maybe even a little prosperity. But for many seniors, the Golden Years might more accurately be described as the “Worry Years”. Because they often bring fear and concerns about declining health, theContinueContinue reading “The Golden Years of Worry”

Swedish Death Cleaning

Eclectic, cozy desk display with a clock, books, abacus, plants, lamp, toys, pillows, woven baskets, and a rolled blanket.

Now that both of my parents have passed away, my brothers have been “death cleaning.” I know it hasn’t been easy, especially for my youngest brother who has always lived there. They hired an estate sale agent, which made the process easier and hopefully reduced some of the emotional stress. I don’t have many childhoodContinueContinue reading “Swedish Death Cleaning”