October Musings

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  Dr. Seuss

"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."  George Burns

As a fifty-something woman, my life these days is full of musings.  

I am sure this has a lot to do with more than five decades of living gone by, 

with a variety of sweet memories and sad remembrances.  

A musing is defined as a period of reflection and thought.  

"October is the one month when temperatures moderate in the daytime and invigorate us in the evening.  This month and change in the weather is conducive to reflective thought, exhilarating exercise, outdoor labor, charitable endeavor, courtships 

and pleasant romps with babies and small children." 

~Russell Baker, NYTimes, Ode to October~

Just sitting still for a few minutes on this beautiful October day, my mind wanders back to when our children were small and there was little time to be still and dream.  

Life was all a whirlwind, active and full.  

 Our life today, though definitely different, is just as much fun, but only if my husband and I make a conscious effort for it to be so.  On Mondays and Wednesdays, we go to a Hot Pilates class together on our local Marietta Square.  We prepare light evening meals to share afterwards.

We both enjoy the football season, time with friends, and frequent visits to nearby Blue Ridge Lake. 

This past weekend, we took a trip to see our son and his beautiful bride in their new hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. They thoughtfully planned a visit they imagined we would enjoy including a visit to the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (pictured above), the GROVE neighborhood Fall Festival, a stop at the Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, a walk through the nearly 1,400 acres at beautiful Forest Park (pictured below), a treat at the famous Ted Drewes, a frozen custard stand founded in 1929, and a Sunday morning breakfast at their favorite coffee shop, Cafe Ventana.  

Even with all of this, when we were not in our hotel room, 

we still had plenty of time to simply hang out at their homey apartment.  It was such a fun weekend!

Both our daughter (as of 03/29/14)and our son (as of 06/21/14) are now married and have begun a life on their own with their new spouses and 

we couldn't be happier with their chosen partners and the lives they have before them.

While our son, Walker and his bride live more than 500 miles away, our daughter, Leah and her husband are nearby.  We will celebrate Leah's 26th birthday this Wednesday, October 8th!

Life is Good.

Just as we started our lives as a young couple more than 32 years ago, 

the four of them are beginning theirs.

The beat goes on...