I loved your last essay. This one is on point as well. I too battle squirrels around my bird feeder (a collar has helped) and the metaphor to describe what is happening nationally was spot on. Inner questions I am wrestling with include a sort of "survivors guilt". I came of age with the benefit of choice around my body; I'm financially secure enough at 64(I think) to weather this political storm and wholesale government takedown. I want to advocate for a better future and different national priorities but I am also in the 4th quarter of my life and don't want to be bitter all the time. I tried that in 2016 and although they agreed with me, my family said I was no fun to be with. How do we be wise and joyful and informed and proactive at the same time?
You are more eloquent than I in describing what so many of us are struggling with right now. My next post will be about your question as one to conduct experiments about.
How do we be wise and joyful and informed and proactive at the same time?
>>much of the public focus and social media attention on older women is now on the 40-60 group
Thank you. I thought I was imagining this. Enough about perimenopause and even menopause. I want to hear about the true, inner growth that happens later.
I read that if you use a metal slinky and thread it from the top of the bird feeder down, it will detur the squirrels because they will fall off. I have a bunch of slinkys set aside. For the time being, I cannot get to my bird feeders (ice, snow, snow melt, more ice).
Yep. This entry pretty much describes my experience of this brittle season, both outside my window and inside my skin. Having recently been told that my osteoporosis is now at the stage where I need daily injections, I struggle not to see myself in the landscape you paint. Fortunately, I am a knitter; if my bones won't knit back together, at least my family and I will get some nice sweaters and scarves out of this season.
That's exactly the kind of creative response that needs to be our response when limitations start creeping in. There is a whole movement called craftavism. You might like this book by Diana Weymar, Crafting a Better World.
What a very thoughtful and thought-provoking post. I'm sending more light and good wishes to you and Calvin.
We (both age 70-ish) are learning how to navigate too. If it isn't adjusting to the squirrelly, scary behaviors in DC, it's the furry-tailed fatsos on the bird feeders! Our feeding station areas are looking like low-tech zones of defense, with pointy-edged metal straps wound around the 4x4 poles while using strategic feeder locations to outsmart the little acrobats who can jump incredible distances. (Meanwhile we knock on the glass and yell out the back door! My husband even grabbed a tail one morning!)
Nobody knows what the future brings but I'm learning how to live without sugar (prediabetes diagnosis in spite of good efforts to avoid it) since it can predispose me to cancer. Funny (not) that my mother was diabetic and died of cancer. Cancers love sugar??! We were never told of the relationship. I'm not struggling much, and mostly just feel lucky to have access to good food and people who love me.
Our feeders are on metal garden hooks. I spray the lower part with olive oil cooking spray. Watching the squirrels jump on and slid down never gets old. Full disclosure: they get their share of seed which is thrown on the ground.
That sounds entertaining. We actually put peanuts out for the squirrels (and blue jays) so there are golfball-sized divets all over the yard where peanuts are buried!
P.S. I took a slide on the ice last week while walking the dog (like you, I am 71.) A soft landing for this fluffy body, but it certainly could have been worse than the few aches I felt. Stay safe!
"Such times we live in." But it seems like a broken record said of every age. I'm 70 now. I've witnessed a lot of squirrels, but also crazy women who rap on windows, making noise, or who step into thin ice to dispell current or predictable danger. We may be older, but I'm not older/older yet. And I don't think you are either.
Oh ..I have been "following" you for years and I seriously could not help myself from zooming in on your pajamas label! Very cute BTW.
Beautiful and so well observed. We too "discourage" the squirrel--or should that be squirrels--in our midst. As for discouraging the biggest and fluffiest squirrel among us, I write our Congressman and Senators often, donate to causes that help us stand together, and wear my resistance t-shirts. Then I grab me-time as a reminder that we will get through this and build back what is good.
So many beautifully expressed comments about your equally beautiful post. Your insights, reflections, and acceptance around older woman (70-80-90) and our challenges was a comfort to read. Thank you.
Thank you again. You articulated everything that I have been feeling.
Like a garden, there is much work to be done. Changes are occurring, and I must accept them. Life seems more precious to me than at any other time.
The ice coating everything makes walking feel like I’m on a tightrope, but it reminds me to find balance in all aspects of life. The freezing temperatures contrast beautifully with the warmth of our home, symbolizing the resilience we possess. I've read that walking like a penguin helps maintain stability, and that’s how I approach life now.
Those of us over 70 are navigating exciting, uncharted waters, filled with growth and discovery. We are vibrant, exploring new aspects of ourselves, our world, and our connections with others. Like a garden, there is much work to be done, and each change represents new opportunities. Life feels more precious now than ever before, inviting us to cherish every moment.
This winter may seem endless, with many days and nights blanketed in 2-3 inches of snow, yet it teaches us the beauty of perseverance amid challenges. Though there are huge piles of icy mess everywhere, they remind us that we can overcome obstacles together. The situations faced by those close to me may break my heart, but they also inspire me to offer support and love even more fiercely. Much of what I offer is tossed aside, but that is to be expected. People have a need to face change on their own terms.
Your beautiful writing has inspired me today and has made me happy, thank you so much for your stunning and thoughtful prose. It's like an extension, a taking forward of what I wrote. Wow it might be fun to start writing essays in collaboration like the telephone game.
I gleefully turned 70 yesterday! Not 70 years old but 70 years young and spent the weekend on the back of a motorbike with my husband and friends. I may be getting older but I refuse to grow up, and I sense that in you too.
Your spirit and acceptance of life shines through and a lot of what you write resonates with me. I read your last email regarding Calvin's health and I know the fear you're feeling about what the future holds. I wonder if it's harder for the partner because they're the one who, potentially, will be left alone if it's not curable. I feel for you and send invisible hugs.
Good on you chasing that fat squirrel away and good on you not voting for the other fat squirrel!
I loved your last essay. This one is on point as well. I too battle squirrels around my bird feeder (a collar has helped) and the metaphor to describe what is happening nationally was spot on. Inner questions I am wrestling with include a sort of "survivors guilt". I came of age with the benefit of choice around my body; I'm financially secure enough at 64(I think) to weather this political storm and wholesale government takedown. I want to advocate for a better future and different national priorities but I am also in the 4th quarter of my life and don't want to be bitter all the time. I tried that in 2016 and although they agreed with me, my family said I was no fun to be with. How do we be wise and joyful and informed and proactive at the same time?
You are more eloquent than I in describing what so many of us are struggling with right now. My next post will be about your question as one to conduct experiments about.
How do we be wise and joyful and informed and proactive at the same time?
>>much of the public focus and social media attention on older women is now on the 40-60 group
Thank you. I thought I was imagining this. Enough about perimenopause and even menopause. I want to hear about the true, inner growth that happens later.
I don't think I have ever been so deeply reflective or gotten to my core issues as I have recently.
Betty, I so very much agree with you!! ❣️
Regarding the fat squirrel:
I read that if you use a metal slinky and thread it from the top of the bird feeder down, it will detur the squirrels because they will fall off. I have a bunch of slinkys set aside. For the time being, I cannot get to my bird feeders (ice, snow, snow melt, more ice).
Yep. This entry pretty much describes my experience of this brittle season, both outside my window and inside my skin. Having recently been told that my osteoporosis is now at the stage where I need daily injections, I struggle not to see myself in the landscape you paint. Fortunately, I am a knitter; if my bones won't knit back together, at least my family and I will get some nice sweaters and scarves out of this season.
That's exactly the kind of creative response that needs to be our response when limitations start creeping in. There is a whole movement called craftavism. You might like this book by Diana Weymar, Crafting a Better World.
Thanks! I just looked up this book.
Thank you for this.
What a very thoughtful and thought-provoking post. I'm sending more light and good wishes to you and Calvin.
We (both age 70-ish) are learning how to navigate too. If it isn't adjusting to the squirrelly, scary behaviors in DC, it's the furry-tailed fatsos on the bird feeders! Our feeding station areas are looking like low-tech zones of defense, with pointy-edged metal straps wound around the 4x4 poles while using strategic feeder locations to outsmart the little acrobats who can jump incredible distances. (Meanwhile we knock on the glass and yell out the back door! My husband even grabbed a tail one morning!)
Nobody knows what the future brings but I'm learning how to live without sugar (prediabetes diagnosis in spite of good efforts to avoid it) since it can predispose me to cancer. Funny (not) that my mother was diabetic and died of cancer. Cancers love sugar??! We were never told of the relationship. I'm not struggling much, and mostly just feel lucky to have access to good food and people who love me.
Calvin has also been avoiding sugar. Prior to cancer because his parents were diabetics and after since cancers do love sugar, it helps them grow.
Glad to know I am not the only crazy squirrel chaser in the world lol
Our feeders are on metal garden hooks. I spray the lower part with olive oil cooking spray. Watching the squirrels jump on and slid down never gets old. Full disclosure: they get their share of seed which is thrown on the ground.
Yes they do get their fill that's why outsmarting them is so satisfying
That sounds entertaining. We actually put peanuts out for the squirrels (and blue jays) so there are golfball-sized divets all over the yard where peanuts are buried!
I enjoy your posts. Praying for you and Calvin.
P.S. I took a slide on the ice last week while walking the dog (like you, I am 71.) A soft landing for this fluffy body, but it certainly could have been worse than the few aches I felt. Stay safe!
I so look forward to your posts, Lyn. You braid your words and thoughts together with candor and sage insight. Another impassioned piece. Thank you.
"Such times we live in." But it seems like a broken record said of every age. I'm 70 now. I've witnessed a lot of squirrels, but also crazy women who rap on windows, making noise, or who step into thin ice to dispell current or predictable danger. We may be older, but I'm not older/older yet. And I don't think you are either.
Oh ..I have been "following" you for years and I seriously could not help myself from zooming in on your pajamas label! Very cute BTW.
Blessings to you and Calvin.
Oh yes, it is now our month to celebrate crazy women. March is Women's History Month
To crazy women everywhere!
Love this! you are helping me to accept aging.
Happy about that, we are in it together!
A superb essay. Thank you for articulating my thoughts.
Beautiful and so well observed. We too "discourage" the squirrel--or should that be squirrels--in our midst. As for discouraging the biggest and fluffiest squirrel among us, I write our Congressman and Senators often, donate to causes that help us stand together, and wear my resistance t-shirts. Then I grab me-time as a reminder that we will get through this and build back what is good.
Yes, every small thing we can do is important and maybe we will build back something even better!
So many beautifully expressed comments about your equally beautiful post. Your insights, reflections, and acceptance around older woman (70-80-90) and our challenges was a comfort to read. Thank you.
The comments are the best part of this Substack!
Thank you again. You articulated everything that I have been feeling.
Like a garden, there is much work to be done. Changes are occurring, and I must accept them. Life seems more precious to me than at any other time.
The ice coating everything makes walking feel like I’m on a tightrope, but it reminds me to find balance in all aspects of life. The freezing temperatures contrast beautifully with the warmth of our home, symbolizing the resilience we possess. I've read that walking like a penguin helps maintain stability, and that’s how I approach life now.
Those of us over 70 are navigating exciting, uncharted waters, filled with growth and discovery. We are vibrant, exploring new aspects of ourselves, our world, and our connections with others. Like a garden, there is much work to be done, and each change represents new opportunities. Life feels more precious now than ever before, inviting us to cherish every moment.
This winter may seem endless, with many days and nights blanketed in 2-3 inches of snow, yet it teaches us the beauty of perseverance amid challenges. Though there are huge piles of icy mess everywhere, they remind us that we can overcome obstacles together. The situations faced by those close to me may break my heart, but they also inspire me to offer support and love even more fiercely. Much of what I offer is tossed aside, but that is to be expected. People have a need to face change on their own terms.
Thank you so much.
Your beautiful writing has inspired me today and has made me happy, thank you so much for your stunning and thoughtful prose. It's like an extension, a taking forward of what I wrote. Wow it might be fun to start writing essays in collaboration like the telephone game.
Keep writing Lyn!
I gleefully turned 70 yesterday! Not 70 years old but 70 years young and spent the weekend on the back of a motorbike with my husband and friends. I may be getting older but I refuse to grow up, and I sense that in you too.
Your spirit and acceptance of life shines through and a lot of what you write resonates with me. I read your last email regarding Calvin's health and I know the fear you're feeling about what the future holds. I wonder if it's harder for the partner because they're the one who, potentially, will be left alone if it's not curable. I feel for you and send invisible hugs.
Good on you chasing that fat squirrel away and good on you not voting for the other fat squirrel!
I'd love to take a ride with you on that motorbike! I will never be done growing, in my book no such word as being done!
If you come to NZ you're on 😉.