Thoughts

Today is Mrs Skoot's birthday. Since we work during the week, we decided to have our family dinner yesterday.



We are not in the habit of celebrating in a restaurant as we are more relaxed having a meal at home but it is hard to fathom that we are now the elders of the family. In the past we used to take Mrs Skoot's mom (my MIL) as she enjoyed to eat out. We arrived early to stake claim to our table. I have one Aunt who is now alone since my Uncle passed on just before Christmas so we decided to bring her along. As with most Asian restaurants in Vancouver, if you bring your cake, they will serve it to you at the end of your meal. They also cut the cake and served it on clean plates.



It is tradition that we make our own Birthday Cakes, and this was made by our daughter. This was not a lavish affair, just our immediate family, our two grand-children & my Aunt



Lately I have been thinking more about aging and getting old(er). It's the cycle of life and I am on the wrong side of the declining curve, like a gas gauge where the needle is hovering around quarter tank. As I look out at the ocean and watch the never-ending waves that go to infinity I think they are rolling to shore just like they have for centuries. Time marches on and stops for no one, whether I am here to see it or not.



I don't know where the years have gone. Once we were young and now we are struggling to relive our memories, to do the things we have always wanted to do and try to make our dreams come true, while we are still in good health to enjoy what time we have left.

At work we subscribe to the local newspaper. Someone always leaves it open on the obituary pages, so when I pass by I can't help but look at the names, their pictures and their dates of birth. Recently I have been noticing that the dates are becoming uncomfortably closer to mine. On the radio they recently mentioned the average life expectancy for civilized countries such as Canada and I can count the final years left on less than 10 fingers & 10 toes.

The Markets have not been our friends since the big crash of 2008. My meagre portfolio crashed with those of the rest of the world and things were coming back to book value during 2011, until the problems in Greece sent the world to another meltdown. So while Retirement is supposed to be a happy time, and a reward for those who have worked all their lives, it is uncertain as to how to proceed.



At least obsolete equipment can be refurbished with new parts and continue to provide enjoyment for years to come, or put "out to pasture", like these boats waiting for their next journey to an exciting destination, or left to float, wondering when their master will let them roam free again



Sorry to bore you all with my musings, which were triggered by an early morning photo opp on the way to work a week ago which brought me to this idyllic place near the Fraser River, where the peaceful residents were enjoying a delightful sunrise on a crisp winters day




There . . . I feel better now. I feel like devouring a pair of delicious cupcakes