We know colder weather is coming, and so we prepare for it by bringing in our houseplants, disconnecting the rain barrels, having firewood delivered, decorating the house for fall, and making plans for how we are going to spend the holidays with family and friends. Other families may have a different ritual to prepare for fall and winter.

Preparing for colder weather reminds me of how we prepare for our older years. Are you preparing?

We are, and opening the health club for seniors is a big part of the preparation. Of course, ultimately, what happens to us is determined by God’s will, and not our own. God wants us to use the talents and gifts he has given us wisely, however, and many instructions are given in the Bible on how to prepare for life’s trials and challenges.

One of our challenges is to find a suitable building in which to open the health club for seniors! I looked at several properties last week, but each one of them had a problem that excluded them from the running. One used to be a terrible nursing home and is probably haunted by past residents; one was located in a building that seemed more like a lab/research setting. Another looked very promising until I discovered that a large portion of the potential space had been walled off and was not usable. Yet another had just been taken off the list because the building was going to be leased to someone else.

Our weekend was spent with family. Our oldest son, who lives in VA came to visit Friday night with his new love. The engagement is not official, but they have been dating for almost a year and seem very compatible. I am happy for them both. We had a wonderful Saturday with them and playing with the grandchildren at a local commercial orchard. On Sunday we attended a family reunion in Southern Indiana, where we always have a hayride on my aunt’s farm. Our son has a Hummer and gave rides through the woods and over rough terrain after the hayride.

Tomorrow is the monthly Bluegrass Aging Consortium with a guest speaker from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Blood disorders are some of the most common diseases and conditions seniors face as they age.

http://www.medicinenet.com/senior_health/page2.htm

It is also our annual committee chair and member formation. The chairs become the board members. I am stepping down from the role of Chair of the Consortium to volunteer to serve as Chair of one of the committees, the Legislative and Policy Updates Committee. The older I get the more I realize that the lawmakers have a bigger impact on our daily lives than I previously imagined.

Today I have a terrible cold. Hope I feel better tomorrow. I will drink lots of fluids and stay warm.

Wishing you well with love and prayers,

DG