Author: Easin' Along

From the beginning, our intent for Easin’ Along was to detail our activities and experiences as we make the slow walk through our golden years, and share those experiences as they occur. We also intend to become a gathering place for other active retirees to learn about the joy they take from their own activities, interests, and experiences and hopefully share them as well.

For Helen (adorable wife) and me, our journey would begin under a multi-paneled umbrella bearing the themes of Faith, Family, Food and Fun. We’re enjoying the walk immensely, and when the panels of Food and Fun overlap, the pleasure is doubled. Moreover, when friends gather under the umbrella to share what’s going on in their own active lives, the pleasure expands exponentially. Ease Along with me and we’ll have some fun.

The occasion was a casual dinner gathering of friends that we have known for 40 years or more.  We were brought together by the most fortunate circumstance. All of us lived in a fun-filled neighborhood where we worked hard, played hard, raised our (and each others) children, celebrated successes, and gave support to all through life’s challenges. Ultimately, some of us moved from that blessed place, but the bond we created has remained strong and we cherish the times we can get together and build on our friendship.

This time we were gathering for the “Annual Meat Loaf Dinner”. This food fest is one of our more recent traditions that began as a one-time event five or six years ago (Helen and I can’t remember which) and thankfully has been repeated every year since. We love hosting the event and extremely grateful that our dear friends continue to make time for us during a very busy time of the year in spite of their very busy schedules. This fact makes preparing for the occasion a labor of love. The house was ready, the flowers were out, the table was set, the tree was lit, and the meat loaf was in the oven. Our guests were to arrive at around 6pm. They did. Game on!

This year we told everyone that we were wearing tacky Christmas sweaters and encouraged them to do the same or at least be creative with their costume.  Our friends are a creative bunch, and, while nobody went “Lady Ga Ga” on us, they did their best to entertain and add levity the evening as can be seen in a few of the pictures posted here.

In the past we have spent the time waiting for the food to finish cooking by doing fun things like a blind wine tasting where each couple brought two wrapped bottles of wine–one to taste, and one to be awarded as a prize.  Each couple would taste and rate the nameless samples and the couple who brought the winning entry would win all of the unopened bottles. Some of the comments on the wines were priceless.  “Soft as a Virgin’s kiss” and “Ugh! Broccoli in a bottle” were some of the more memorable comments. My favorite moment of the wine tasting was when a $2.95 cent Cabernet placed second, proving that price is irrelevant in good wine. But, I digress…

This year we were content to relax and enjoy each other’s company so there were no contests. The majority of this group is either retired or soon to be, and everyone is engaged in a wide and diverse collection of interests and activities and the conversations usually are equally wide ranging.

As an example, one couple in our group recently took a trip abroad that followed the path of the Allies in World War II, beginning with the invasion of Normandy and ended with the march into Berlin. Hearing about that experience is an education in itself and I listened intently as it was shared with us. That same couple has hiked most of the Appalachian Trail.

Another member of the group is an accomplished artist who is now involved in a pottery class as are others among us and she brought samples of her work to our dinner to share with us.

Other interests involving our friends, but perhaps not discussed on this occasion, include one person with a prominent membership in a national gardening association.  Another participates regularly in regional contract bridge tournaments. Another has a passion for fly-fishing and travels throughout the country, as well as the Caribbean in pursuit of gamefish.

One couple told us of a recent trip to the upper Midwest where they made a spur of the moment decision to travel to Fargo, ND “just because they had never been there”. As one could imagine, this made for a lively and interesting discussion.  I’ve never been there either, but it sounds like a lot of fun. Will put that on the bucket list.

In addition to the many hobbies and interests, these folks have been active participants in Board of Director and leadership positions of businesses, charities, non-profits, churches and civic groups. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity, The Alzheimer’s Association, Kiwanis International, The Symphony Society, banks and hospitals, have benefitted greatly from the talents of these individuals.  Individually, each person contributes much to our gatherings by bringing something of themselves to share.  Collectively, each of us benefits greatly for having known the other.

As dinner time came, the anticipation rose.  Several of our group share my passion for cooking and for good food, and a pot luck dinner with this group is always a delight.  I had prepared my favorite meat loaf recipe, and it was paired up with a delicious broccoli casserole and a gourmet, creamy potato recipe. We had a strawberry, kiwi, cream cheese dessert that was prepared to perfection.

Conversation continued throughout the meal and covered everything from world events, local politics, events in the lives of our children and grandchildren, and pop culture. Several had seen a recent television concert featuring Adele and gave it a big thumbs up. We were also treated to a spirited rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot, Short and Stout” complete with arm movements to the delight of all. Things like that don’t happen everyday, trust me!

As dinner wound down, it was time to take a group picture.  I had the tri-pod at the ready and gathered all of the participants around the Christmas tree, making sure that all still had their tacky sweater or costume in full view.  This picture was to be taken using a self-timer to take not one, but three shots in a row.  The first attempt at that endeavor failed and everyone laughed, but eventually I got it together (after a second reading of the manual), and pulled it off.  It should be noted that there was several seconds between shots, so there was plenty of time for improvisation by some. The result is posted on this page.

The finale for the evening was a lottery drawing to determine the order of selection for the pottery pieces that were being given away by the artist of the group.  As mentioned earlier, the pieces were stunningly beautiful and the drawing created quite a stir. One cry of foul caused a re-drawing, and the lottery numbers were moved from the hat to the hand of one who claimed impartiality and the drawing continued. Helen took second, and anguished heavily before selecting a vase which was displayed proudly for the camera. Decisions were hard for everyone.

Late in the evening, with Christmas gifts handed out, and Christmas wishes extended, the guests departed. Everyone left more enriched by the experience and promising to meet again soon.  To me, this is what an active retirement – and Easin’ Along –  is all about, and it is a part of the slow walk that can’t be taken too often.

Four months into retirement and holding fast to a promise made to self that I won’t be a sofa slug.

I was sitting on my sofa last week when I was reminded that there was going to be a Christmas parade on Saturday night and it was only five minutes (or less) from my house.

This was to take place at a time when college football championships were underway on television.  It was cold outside.  There would be a fire in my fireplace and food and beverage within reach. A parade?

This was to be the second time that this event would take place in our small community.  I had heard from friends that the parade held the previous year was a rousing success and that this one promised to be bigger and better.  I missed last year’s parade.  I knew about it, but passed.  I can’t remember why. I was probably watching football. Did I want to make it 0 for 2?

The previous week, Helen and I had been in Charleston, SC enjoying Thanksgiving activities with our son, his wife, and our precious granddaughters. This was a lot of fun, but the Thanksgiving meal was also the culmination of a week in which we had helped them move into a new home. The move had generated a lot of anticipation and excitement among all of us and especially the girls who were getting a big new yard to play in. Nevertheless, back in the man cave, I was looking forward to some down time in the recliner watching football.

Around 3:00 on Saturday afternoon Helen says “What time are we leaving?” My initial response was an intense stare at the television, but I knew that I couldn’t hold that position for long. “No later than 5:30”  I replied. I was committed.  Another activity on the schedule of a retiree who promised to remain active.

We had been told that parking would be somewhat of a challenge, so we got in our car and drove to the local elementary school and walked about a quarter of a mile to the parade site.  It was a cool and crisp evening and it felt good to walk–I had also promised to exercise. There were several families who walked with us while leading their dogs on a leash.  The dogs were determined to prove who among them was the alpha male and created quite a stir. The big poodle won.

The parade was centered around the parking lot of a small to medium size shopping center with several adjacent shops and taverns going away from it to the west. When we arrived the parking lot was a beehive of activity. People were everywhere and I have to admit, I was somewhat astonished at the size of the crowd. The local tavern had cordoned off a portion of its parking lot and had set up a temporary bar there.  There were relatively few patrons and I found this a bit of a surprise as well.

From where we were located, the parade was to originate at the community ball fields about a mile away and follow a two lane road for about a half mile then turn left onto the main highway, also a two lane road, but a busy one. At exactly 6:00pm police blocked the highway and sirens rang out loudly from the local fire truck. Those sirens were matched in intensity by the squeals from young children lining both sides of the road and wiggling with excitement. From that moment on, this was a spectator’s delight. Everybody loves a parade!

The fire truck moved along at about two miles per hour with lights flashing. Then came a trio functioning as the obligatory Banner Bearers telling us what we were watching. They looked like they had done this before…big smiles all about.

The Parade Grand Marshall came through next sitting on the back of a big, black, Cadillac convertible. Serving in this position of prominence was a very popular anchor for one of the local television stations–an excellent choice I thought.  He waved enthusiastically to the crowd and paused the Cadillac right in front of me to chat with one of his fellow TV anchors standing just to my left. Wow! Imagine me, surrounded by celebrity.  Big fun!

Next came another celebrity that is familiar to many–a Kharmin Ghia convertible. I don’t think the car knows it’s famous, but it happens to be owned by the county mayor and gets a lot of publicity from appearances on TV and in the newspaper. The Kharmin Ghia blinked its lights at us as it passed by. The mayors daughter sipped from a cup of hot chocolate while waving.

After the celebrity review we were treated to Floats–the things that make a parade a parade. We were not disappointed as one by one they moved in front of us.  It was obvious that much time and expense had gone into many of them which I honestly wasn’t expecting. The floats represented local retail businesses, construction firms, automobile dealerships, and restaurants.  The local tavern, mentioned above, had a float that was well done.  The Tavern float was followed by two very nice floats from local churches.  All three got along very well.

The local elementary school was nicely represented by a principal and two teachers looking resplendent in their well-done elf suits. They were having a grand time. Maybe Santa sent them to watch the kids. 

In between the floats, trucks were pulling trailers filled with all kinds of cuteness.  There was one trailer filled with the local cub scout pack that was quickly followed by a trailer full of Brownie Scouts. The Brownies were a little more lively than the Cubs I thought. Girls just love doing “pageant waves” while parading. Guys aren’t into it so much.  

More floats came by, then it was time for the animals led by the tiniest of dogs dressed in full elf costume, and hanging out the window of a big pickup truck.

Tiny elf dog was the prelude for a Poodle Parade consisting of several white, standard poodles who spent more time licking children’s faces than parading down the road.  This was a real joy for the children.  Among the poodles was the alpha male I spotted earlier, but he was on his best behavior–and a very short leash.

Bringing up the rear of the animal contingent were three beautiful chestnut mares ridden by three older cowboys who were truly in their element. These guys saluted, waved their cowboy hats at the crowd and guided their mounts gently over to the crowd for some “nose rubs”. The horses weren’t diapered and I kept waiting for a middle of the road “accident”, but it never happened. Those horses may have been on a slim diet for the day.

Finally, the crowd was kept waiting no longer. It was time for the Main Event…Santa Claus was comin’ to town. Parents hoisted kids on their shoulders and us old folks stepped back a bit to give them some access to the big guy.  Mommies told their kids that this was their one big chance to show Santa how good they are. “Be on your best behavior kids…don’t blow this!”

Santa brought Mrs. Claus to town for this event and they were sharing the spotlight like a pair of rock stars. Their float was low to the ground for better viewing by the children and decorated with a lot of lights that formed big wreaths. Santa was a big hit. He held the crowd in place until the end of the parade route which was in the church parking lot about a quarter mile away.

Thinking that the parade was complete, I began to look for a way through the large crowd, when Santa came whizzing by me in a white golf cart.  It seemed that Santa wasn’t through for the night.  He was dropped off on the lawn beside a restaurant where a huge fir tree had been decorated for the season.  Santa had the job of lighting the tree, but we had to wait for the cart bearing Mrs. Claus, who was being fashionably late. A choir stand had been erected beside the tree, and a group of carolers were singing into microphones for the crowd. Nice touch!

Sooner rather than later, Mrs. Claus made her way to the tree and joined the big fella’. On cue, Santa lifted a long wand outfitted with Christmas lights and, with dramatic upswing of the wand, the tree was filled with an outstanding display of white lights. What a show! The crowd, which seemed even larger now, lingered long listening to carols…A grand time was had by all.

Conclusion: Retirement is a reward for being in a hurry all of our adulthood. The aspect of retirement that I love most is that we have so many great choices  before us. The choice for this night was football in front of a fire, or watchin’ a fabulous Christmas Parade float by in front of me. Well, as it turned out, the parade finished in time to catch the second half. So, without hurry, there was still time to do both. After all, I’m just Easin’ Along…