A Home for Retirement

Daily writing prompt
Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on.

I come from a family of do-it-yourselfers. My father was a contractor and I grew up in the business. My family and I built a beautiful home for retirement on 2-1/2 acres. It is a ranch style home with 6 inch studs, a full basement, two car garage, an upstairs laundry room, and a brick front. After twenty-five years of marriage I lost it in the divorce. Come to find out later, the house was situated in a pocket of Radon gas. Everyone who lived there has developed cancer of some sort except my daughter, and she can’t seem to get tested with the healthcare we have in America. She is 42 and hasn’t smoked long enough. Building my own home was a great idea in the beginning, until it wasn’t.

The house has since been remediated for Radon gas, but alas, it was too late. I never thought to test for Radon Gas because the science was just not there yet. I know better now.

German Guest House

My version of a painting hanging in my house. My first attempt at serious painting. During my short military career in Germany, I managed to travel the countryside most weekends. In the small towns scattered across Europe, places like this are common.

The city of the future?

How would you design the city of the future?

My city of the future would be self-sustaining; transportation would be free as well as healthcare, and neighbors would treat each other with respect. Best of all, employment would be voluntary. Also, government would be minimal.

Call me a socialist-I don’t care. Everyone would be happy and life would be satisfying.

Todays American Pie

A long, long time ago,
I can still remember how my country used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had the chance,
that I could make those people dance,
and maybe they’d be happy for a while.
But February made me shiver
with every order he delivered.
Bad news on the doorstep,
I couldn’t take one more step.
No, can’t remember if I cried,
when I heard the news of his wounded pride.
Something touched me deep inside,
the day, democracy died.
So bye bye my piece of the pie,
drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry.
Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singin’ “This’ll be the Day that it dies.
This’ll be the Day that it dies.”

Adapted from Don McLeans. ‘American Pie’

Sorry folks, but I could not help myself. I am deeply concerned about the fate of our country.

Finding My Joy

What strategies do you use to increase comfort in your daily life?

Eat better, sleep better, exercise more, and avoid watching the ‘News’

Shut up & Listen

Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

People have a natural tendency to express their opinions, without taking into account the opinions of others. It’s a simple matter of pausing your thinking long enough to truly understand the rationale of others.

Letter to Myself

Write a letter to your 100-year-old self.

Remember to:

  1. Be Curious
  2. Be Open-Minded
  3. Be Kind
  4. Be Helpful
  5. Read
  6. You are we not as smart as you like to think you are.
  7. Be Humble
  8. Practice Listening
  9. Stay Calm

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