Welcome back to SOLO at SIXTY!
Well Hello November! The thankful month. My birthday month (and my younger daughter’s). A month full of many fun plans. And the introduction of COLD weather and dark evenings (thank you time change).
“And suddenly you know… It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
So… did you trick or treat on Halloween or was it cancelled due to weather? We had some crazy weather up here and many Halloween events were postponed to Friday. I kinda bypassed Halloween this year. Knew I probably would not be home in time and had already decided not to buy candy. Worked out pretty well after all.
I was able to drive myself to Chapel Hill for our game against UVA Saturday morning. Knee did well on the trip. The Halloween storms brought in some cooler weather and it was sunny and rather chilly when I left. I was so thankful for my seat warmer and steering wheel warmer. Felt right toasty in my car. Met my younger daughter at our hotel in Chapel Hill so we could go together in one car to our tailgate. As usual, my older daughter and son-in-law had everything all set up by the time we arrived. Yep, even though the game was not until 7:30 PM, the tailgate started early morning. Walked to the student store to see if the basketball team posters were in yet. They weren’t, but should be by the next home game. I have collected these posters for about 25 YEARS, first from our dentist in Winston-Salem who gave them out to patients (BIG UNC supporter), then from the Carolina Student Store when we moved to Charlottesville.
“There is a big blue sky waiting just behind the clouds.” Meher Bano
The skies were Carolina blue Saturday, and we were Carolina “blue” as the final seconds ticked off the clock to end our game with a loss by 1 touchdown. Poor defense and strong offense by both teams was the name of the game Saturday, with UVA stronger by 1 touchdown. But the tailgate sure was fun! Several of my kids’ friends came. And my cousin (also a big UNC fan) drove up from Greensboro just for the tailgate. Said she wanted to experience one of our tailgates because they looked like a lot of fun. Late afternoon we walked up to the Bell Tower to see the football team arrive for their “walk” to the stadium. Band was playing and fans (including us) lined the path. It was really cool! Just imagine how great that must feel for these players when they get off the bus and the band is playing the fight song, fans are cheering for them, and reaching out to slap their hand as they walk by. Adoration. This week a group of military families led the team on the walk to the stadium. They also held the huge flag during the national anthem. It was Military Appreciation Day after all. And even though we lost, we had a great day. Plus we have already doubled our wins from last year!
“Don’t let today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams.”
Since this was an evening game, we all decided to stay overnight in Chapel Hill instead of driving home after the game. I mean, I am a road warrior, but still, I don’t like to drive late at night by myself. Besides, I got to have a sleepover with my younger daughter! Happy mom!
Another reason I am happy? The doctor said my knee looks great and released me, took my 4 stitches out, and I got to rock the bike in physical therapy. Plus I was cleared for cycle classes and will start the “Return to Running” program in 2 weeks y’all! I’ll be back to running in no time… well, maybe by Christmas (when it is freezing!). Can’t wait! I’ve been using the weight machines in the “old people” section of the club while waiting to be cleared for classes. Although when I told my daughters this, they kindly reminded me, “Mom, most of those people in that area are YOUR age! You sound like Grandma talking about all the old white hair people living on her hall!” Oh Geez! I do! But hey, in my defense, I don’t feel I belong in “that” category. At least not yet!
Last week my older daughter and I had a couple of sleepovers, and this past weekend I got that special time with my younger daughter. With all of our busy schedules, I treasure any time I can get with my kids. It was a fun weekend, even with the loss. And another fun weekend ahead. Lots to look forward to, which I am so thankful for.
“Always find time for the things that make you happy to be alive.”
Do you have some fun things to look forward to? Are you having fun? Or are you just existing? I find my outlook is brighter when I have something to look forward to. Plus I am a planner. But maybe that is not your thing and that is ok. Just do what makes your outlook on life brighter and makes you thankful for each and every day, because as we all know, none of is us promised tomorrow.
“Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.”
Best,
Leslie
PS – Did you vote yesterday? Ever wonder why election day is always the first Tuesday in November (as long as it is not November 1st which is All Saints Day)? It was set in 1845 – voters could travel on Monday to the voting site, thereby not interfering with the Sabbath, and travel back home in time for Market Day on Wednesday. Who knew?
SOLO at SIXTY 