We are a country of nearly 33.5 million people.  Think about that.  It’s a big number!

We, apparently, rank 5th on the “world happiness report”.  Wonder what that means?  Are we only somewhat happy?  Who ranked first and how are they different from us?  Maybe a shorter winter – or maybe even no winter at all!!!  Maybe lower taxes?  Maybe fewer politicians?

Just under 15% of all Canadians are over the age of 65.  I am only speaking for myself of course – but I am mostly glad to be part of this group of “seniors”.  Granted, my income has shrunk considerably, my body has started to fall apart and there are days when I’m convinced my mind is keeping in lock step with my body – but ohhhhhh the benefits! – no more stress from a “must-do” job…….no more panty hose…..on most mornings, no more alarm clock…..no time restriction on lunches…..I can play bridge in the afternoons, no more Saturday grocery shopping……etc. etc.  We can’t change our age so we might as well find ways to enjoy it, right?

The average Canadian is expected to live to be 81.1 years old and there are 5,825 people living in Canada who are more than 100 years old!!  Wonder what their secrets are?  Are they the ones drinking the average 4L of beer, 1.9 L of wine and 2.1L of spirits a year?  Are they the ones drinking 2.8 cups of coffee each day?  Are they part of the 40% who have a favourable opinion of Don Cherry?   I’d like to know the answer to these questions.

The Canadian flag is proudly flying from my front porch and I will watch the celebrations on Parliament Hill from the air-conditionned comfort of my living room, feeling lucky…….very lucky……to be living in such a great country.

I think this is the third in a series of why I am so lucky!

I live in the best  neighbourhood one could hope to live in – and it was all an accident.  Bad hips and knees forced me to looks for a place to live without lots of stairs.  I fell in love with a semi-detached bungalow down the street from my former townhome and acquired with it, an entire lifestyle, great neighbours and new friends.

I live on a court.  There are 50 semi-detached adult-lifestyle bungalows and just over 90 friendly and caring people.  When weather is decent, and folks are no longer in winter hibernation, one can walk around the court in a few minutes…..or a few hours, depending on how often you stop to chat.  Need help?  There is no end to the offers ! Need a ride somewhere?  Same thing.   Need a recommended service provider?  Somebody will know of a good one.    Going away?  There are many who will keep an eye on things, notice strangers hovering, feed the cats, etc.  Feel like a party?  Not a problem – and you don’t have to drive anywhere….although raucus behaviour does get noted!!

I can’t think of a better place to be at this stage in my life (retired and loving it!)!  I am very lucky!!

This is another of those “I am so lucky” posts !

Have you ever thought what your life would be like without good friends?  I can’t even begin to imagine it.   I am so very fortunate in that I have a wide circle of good friends – some from my childhood, some from various work places, etc. My longest friendship (we never say oldest)  goes back 62 years…..NOW THAT IS SPECIAL.  Another group goes back almost 50 years.  It’s a good thing they aren’t blogging about me – they all know way too much!!!

Whoever said it gets more difficult to make friends as you get older is or was full of baloney.  I have recently made wonderful new friends in my new neighbourhood……and I met and made another good friend when we both had knee replacements at the same time, in the same place.  If you are open to making friends, it will happen.

Friendships last if they are cultivated – just like a garden.  You may not talk or meet often, but you must stay connected.

To all my wonderful friends – THANKS FOR BEING THERE!

I am a very lucky person!

I’m retired after working nearly 30 years for IBM Canada Ltd.  Sounds good eh?  Well – given that achievement provides me with a private sector pension based on a non-contributory plan (interpret that as SMALL with no cost of living index), I need to work for such extravagances (is that even a word??)  as travel, gadgets and new cars.

I found the perfect job – working for the best Real Estate Sales Representatives in town – 6 of them, and occasionally 7!!….and I get to work from home – pretty much on my own schedule!  I also work with a fabulous website designer/developer and have learned a ton!!  Can it get any better than this???

Know anyone who needs home buying or selling services or great website design/developmentservices?  I will gladly set you up!!