September 28, 2026Monday, September 28, 2026

Just a thought… None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. [Henry David Thoreau]

Lisa and I have a huge announcement about an upcoming opportunity to travel with us, coming this Thursday on our Gracefully and Frankly podcast Episode 196. Don’t miss it!

I’m weird, right? I count down to my birthday by months every year like a 10-year-old, and poor Rob is always trying to come up with ways to make the day special for me. This year, it was a totally DIY operation, and we both participated with terrific – and surprising – results. Even our late daughter “popped” in.

Saturday morning came gently and with a beautiful flat white almond milk concoction. As he said, “How do I make you a special coffee, when you get these (nearly) every day?” Good point.

The day was peppered with texts, messages here and there (thank you!) and a FaceTime with Colin and Jane in Ottawa, who helped me blow out candles from afar.

Because we spend most of our time on a small Gulf island with no finer dining options (which to me includes a place to eat without TVs or ball caps on; my bar is low), we decided to made our own little feast.

I bought frozen seafood and made a cream and white cheese sauce to have with lobster, scallops and shrimp, poured over pasta for Rob and riced konjac (a carb-free plant) for me. With the great assistance of my sous chef, we had a delicious meal. I could barely concentrate on eating it while waiting for dessert, though…my favourite rainbow cake from a grocery store in Sidney. Originally a Pride Month offering, it’s available now year-round and thank goodness. I mean, look at this!

There were two noteworthy moments. 

The funny one of the day was when it came to opening my presents. There was an incredible bath robe which I not only wear but sleep under; it’s cushy and plush and gorgeous. And a candle warmer to fill the cabin with my favourite smells. Although I have plenty on hand, my go-to is the rather redundant scent of fir trees. I can’t help it if I love forest living! Rob bought me a second set of AirPods so I never leave a pair at the condo and always have something to listen with on my long walks. But early last week I’d gotten a box of items I’d ordered online and suggested he wrap them. One of them – a set of artificial nails to help me when my bruised index nail falls off and we don’t cover it with polish – I opened and exclaimed how thoughtful he was to go into our shopping cart and see what I’d left there. But then he informed me that, no, I had indeed ordered them. “Take the damned WIN, Rob!” I laughed. Is this what my future looks like? Buying my own presents and forgetting them? Probably. It could be worse!

Then a moment that stopped us in our tracks.

We had the Beatles channel playing on Sirius XM in the cabin and were about to sit down to dinner. I reminded Rob of the sparkling de-alcoholized wine and he opened the cabin door to shoot off the cork. The moment it popped, the familiar clarinet notes began to play: “When I’m 64.” My age. My day. Our daughter. Thanks, Loo.

So as I’m settling into saying 64, I am grateful. Glad that Rob has promised he’ll still need me and still feed me (or help me prepare meals) and that is more than enough. Now just one more year ’til I ride the ferry to get to Pender for free, four days a week. ‘Cause freedom is what this part of our lives should be all about, right?

And thanks to Mali B. who made this in honour of my big day. Thank you, sweet Mali. I wish!