A personal reflection on arthritis, retirement, creativity, and discovering that some parts of ourselves were waiting for more room to grow.
Blog
Dinner with Chopsticks and a Side of History
For my birthday dinner this year, I asked everyone to put down their forks and try chopsticks. What began as a family challenge soon led me into the surprising history of spoons, knives, forks, bread, napkins, and the way we still eat with our hands.
Clear Pool Water, Small Habits, and Bigger Lessons
After heat, rain, and high winds, my pool still looked clear — but the small routines mattered. Testing, debris removal, circulation, backwashing, and family help all played a part in keeping the water from turning cloudy.
Watching Canada Grow
A Canada Day reflection on growing up with Canada — from 100 little penlights at the Centennial celebration in 1967 to thunder, heat, fireworks, family memories, Medicare, and watching Canada turn 159 from home.
From Reachers to Robotics: The Next Step in My Hip Replacement Journey
I thought I was simply going for another pre-operative test. By this point in my hip replacement journey, tests and appointments have become part of the landscape. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, a fluoroscopy-guided hip injection, and now a 3D CT scan have all helped move the process along from “something hurts” to a clearer diagnosis and,… Continue reading From Reachers to Robotics: The Next Step in My Hip Replacement Journey
The Practical Side of AI
Artificial intelligence may sound futuristic, but its most useful side may be surprisingly practical. From talking plants and garden mapping to voice dictation, checklists, and plain-language explanations, AI could become a helpful tool for seniors managing everyday life.
What I’m Building in Retirement (And Why It Matters to Me)
Retirement isn’t just about stepping away—it’s about discovering what comes next. Here’s what I’m building now, and why it matters to me.
The Accidental Tea Granny
I thought herbal tea was just a practical solution to a caffeine problem. Years later I have tea inventory systems, emergency purse tea bags, and family members asking how many times I’ve reheated the same cup. Somewhere along the way, I became a tea granny.
Mother’s Day Visitors
This year’s spring weather here in Ontario has been unusually cold and wet. Overnight temperatures have been dipping down around 3°C, and daytime highs have barely reached 12°C some days. Definitely not ideal weather for opening the pool early. Still, the one beautiful warm weekend we had recently seemed too good to waste, so we… Continue reading Mother’s Day Visitors
A Bumblebee, a Garage Door, and a Thought About Nature
A garage door, a quick errand, and an unexpected moment with a bumblebee lead to a quiet reflection on nature, awareness, and the small things we often overlook.