The Ideal Pet

Having resisted numerous requests for a family pet, I finally relented. My middle child and I spent a glorious afternoon making a new house with soft bedding for the newest member of our family. Once this was complete we began our search. Much consideration was given to size and colour and whether we thought he would be happy in his newly constructed home. Finally, a perfect specimen was selected and carefully carried to his bed. The name Jackie was chosen and all were happy. Junior spent many days lying on his belly, talking to his new pet. He was also very happy to welcome any of Jackie’s family for an extended visit. Jackie has been an ideal pet. He doesn’t have expensive eating habits and does not need looking after during family holidays. In fact, I can’t think of another creature that would measure up to our snail!

What is old?

Arriving late to meet friends recently, I advised that I was delayed because I was taking my aunt to a hospital appointment. One friend asked if she was old and I confirmed that at 80, she was. Almost everyone jumped at this, insisting that 80 isn't old. It is! I hadn't said that she was a useless drain on society of anything else that would offend or insult my much loved aunt. She is many decades older than me but could still give me a run for my money on many fronts. I just said she was old. Why are people uncomfortable with this? If 80 isn't old, what is?

Is this a compliment?

As I smiled and thanked the cashier in my local supermarket this afternoon she said "your teeth are beautiful, are they your own?!"

A Quiet Night

Tight hug
Warm kiss
Heavy eyes
Soft breath
Cool sheets
Long sleep

Wide yawn
Arm stretch
Eyes peek
Head turn
Big smile
Morning

Looking for Mermaids

If you knew for sure that you had a relatively short number of years left to live what would you do?

Would you sit back for the first year or two and then cram everything you ever wanted to experience into the later months?

Would you make a list of all the things you ever thought about doing and begin working your way through them immediately?

As your time is short, would you put yourself first and expect others to indulge you or would you continue life as it is, making no changes so as not to discommode your loved ones?

For some time now I've been promising my children that I will call them long before dawn, with a warm packed picnic for breakfast and go somewhere beautiful to watch the sun rise. I've also told them we'll go looking for mermaids. I think I'll start with that.......

Incidentally I'm feeling really well and have no reason to believe I won't live to 100!

If you were to take just a few minutes to note the things you'd really like to do, what would you come up with?