You all know how constantly ga-ga I am about design and decorating.  Well lately, now that I’m in my “Golden Years”, my mind does occasionally go off topic.  I hate to say it wanders; wouldn’t want you to think I’m senile already. Hopefully, I’ve got a couple of years yet, before that.   Today though, I was thinking about something else; to be exact, about that phrase “Golden Years”.

Who in the h … ahem … world, do you suppose, ever came up with that!  I don’t know about you, but I’m thinkin’ maybe the author of “Golden Years” just figured gold rhymes with old, and that was close enough for whatever piece they were writing.  Now that I’ve arrived here, I see few other connections.

Then there are the “Wonder Years”.  Now that makes sense because, you’re constantly wondering.  How will you learn enough in grade school … will you live through Jr. High … to actually survive high school.   And your parents are wondering … will you make it to 21 … where you’ll be able to drink legally.

Have you given your kids any of those grownup speeches yet?  You know, the ones about tough “between times” everyone has to go through; those “Life’s Not a Bed of Roses” speeches. We can’t expect perfect because of all the in between times.  Just exactly what are those?

Are they the years, between someone saying “get out, get married, I’m not supporting you the rest of your life” and the point where you finally find enough courage to leave that person they deman … suggested you marry?  Or maybe it’s the times “between” jobs (or would it mean the times between lengthy periods of unemployment).

Nah, I’m pretty sure between times is that extended period from those rose colored glasses, through the tinted contacts, onto the readers, and finally to bi tri-focals, when you get to enjoy the golden years.

Hubs and I have lived through a couple months of retirement, and things are less worrisome now.  We’re more comfortable … realizing there’s enough $$ to make the bills … and still be able to eat a little!  Gracie loves us both being here round the clock.  We love not worrying about clocks.  No alarms … and are we saving money on gasoline with no more 100+ miles, trips to work.  Gracie is enjoying more time with Dad now.

Yet, this Golden bit is still confusing.  Example, at this age you need the most help for problems with eyes, teeth and hearing.  But in the Golden Years, you’re on Medicare and … GUESS WHAT … non of that’s covered!  Oh, and you’re not only gold but gray.  That’s a problem because nobody likes to hire “gray”.  Lots of other (younger?) people just dislike gray all together.  So lots of bumps in this road too.  No smooth ride to paradise here.

I’ve always rambled, so that can’t be credited to age, but it’s time to end my rambling today.     One factor these days, is just that … the days.  Often we catch ourselves saying “What day is it!” as they all blend together so seamlessly.

Anyhoo … next post I’ll be back on topic with some colorful decorating info.  Until then, don’t stress too much about that task, just start it, and see where things lead you.

Later – Cheryl