As We Age

Our digs in Mexico, 65 a night, pretty nice.

Change becomes challenging.

Last night we ate at Pei Wei and were kind of confused by the new menu. What used to have a selection of entrees that were clearly described we found a sort of four step process that was quite confusing.

Then we noticed that the napkins were cheaper, the drink machine was creating a huge road block, and the place seemed noisier than most times. We realized that old folks like us can't handle change as quickly. They may have lost us.

Star Trek Kid

Downtown Rocky Point from my hotel room.
I have always enjoyed Science Fiction and Star Trek was a favorite in all its different eras and forms. The newest remakes with a younger crew and amazing special effects have been outstanding.

Farewell Leonard Nimoy.

Am awaiting the release of Interstellar at the end of the month to own it. I often speculate that time travel and space travel will be a part of the next life. But that's because I enjoy Science Fiction.

Stacks of Books and messy desks

One of our Mexican sweet children on the Amor build.

Lots of people recommend I read this or that book, some people lend them to me or buy them for me, and I never accept a book without the intention of reading it. Therefore, between my own rabbit trails and my friends I am always by choice and necessity reading several books at once.

If you have never tried this its tricky. The way it works best for me is to keep the paper and hard backs at the office, or only handle one physical book at a time. The true and amazing multitasking takes place on my Kindle, which is why I have no maudlin praise for the look and feel of real paper.

I am reading six different books, and so far my brain is tracking on all of them. My methodology is to read the one that pops us as the most interesting when I am reading, but to keep making progress on the others, giving them some reading time each week till I get them read.

Will I read at this pace and in this matter when I retire? Probably not because many of my readings are project or subject related.

It is one of the pleasures of my life and I hope my brain keeps running as long as my heart keeps beating. The Kindle also turns times when I am forced to wait like doctors offices into productive moments. All good.

Learning about the Universe

Central Kauai from the road where the doors to Jerassic Park were placed.

I have half a dozen books on my shelf that helped me embrace an old universe over the last twenty years. If that makes me a heathen to you and the tribe you belong to so be it. We enjoyed a video series by Pastor Louie Giglio on his appreciation of astronomy and the discoveries from the Hubble telescope. Amazing and beautiful.

I was blown away by the movie Interstellar and decided to read Kip Thornes book on the science behind the making of the film. He was an associate of Stephen Hawking during his career. I am convinced there is alot more to the universe than we presently know, and I also have embraced by faith that the one we call God created it. I am not threatened by any scientist who struggles with that, I am not their opponent or their enemy. I see science and theology on the same task using different fields of study.

The secrets of the universe and the beauty of our planet reflect the glory of God the creator and it felt good writing about it today.

Frustrations and Serenity

Buddhists focus a lot on the state of serenity.

Had a discussion with a friend about serenity yesterday. It's an interesting concept, and I am sure some might think it a rather new age idea to be rejected in favor of a word like peace. ie. the peace that passes all understanding.

A state of being calm peaceful and untroubled, is the google definition. We have in the tradition of our faith what has been called the serenity prayer which I love and think is very cool.

If you asked me to be honest would I describe myself as being serene? Well, its a tough question. My answer is...sometimes. I know what it is and am often surprised by it, and it often dissappears for portions of time.

We had a church board meeting last night, which at times went well and at times was frustrating as points of view and issues rose and were dealt with or tabled. If it is true that wherever two are three are gathered in His name he is there, it is equally true that wherever two or three are gathered together these days there are tensions, frustrations, and pressures. It seems to be the nature of modern life.

Earlier in the day I had lunch with a team of volunteers from my church who give a day to help feed and cloth the poor. We have done this enough to make it relaxed and fun. We kid each other and laugh and tell funny stories and reflect on the strangeness of life and circumstances, and it was and is completely enjoyable and not at all frustrating. In that setting where two are three are gathered together for lunch there is serenity.

I like being serene, but sometimes real progress toward serenity lies on the other side of frustration.

Some movies to see and other random thoughts

My cat also prowls outside during the day.

We enjoyed Imitation Game, love historical drama. Now we have some more to see.

One day last month we turned on the heat and wondered if it was not functioning well, as it went cool after half an hour. We have not used the heat since. A whole winter without turning on the heat. Wow. Will have it checked out before spring because we cannot and will not survive the desert without A/C.

Somedays I get tired of thinking about Islam. They only exist for me on the news and have no effect on my life now. Its the looming doom I struggle with.

I grew up with RC Sproul's teaching and I admire him, I have loved the teaching of Rob Bell and I admire him. Do not make me choose whom to admire when theology wars are incited.

Our old cat prowls all nite and sleeps all day, nothing new, but interesting because nothing is going on at night.


I never know what to do when faithful attenders at church suddenly stop coming, I hate acting like a truent officer and the We miss you contact seems like thats what I am doing.

Now that I have Amazon Prime and Netflix I am discovering the beauty of small films. Everyone gets excited about the big five, But so many films are so well down. Watched one about fly fishing in Oregon in a coming of age, parental conflict and finding first love type movie and it was so enchanting. Think it was called Why Not? but can't remember.

Facebook connected with a Jr. High Friend, now retired. It's surreal to have that opportunity.

That's enough random thoughts for now.

Jim Jobe Fun Day

This is the kitchen of a single mother in Mexico who makes less that 60 a week. They make do with very little and have no real space to store and keep the place clean.

I have a loose connection to a group of golfers that have played together for many retirement years. I am kind of like their chaplain. They all retired well and travel and enjoy the life that many in a generation just older than mine expected to enjoy. Corporate jobs, regular promotions, large pensions.

Jim Jobe was one of those kind of men who attracted these kinds of friends. A successful fun loving, game playing midwest retiree who loved Arizona. We played golf and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the home of a good friend, Ross. Almost 40 sweet folks. The golf game featured a different game on each hole. A fun way to score and work together. Prizes were awared from 3M corporation, the company that provided well for Ross and his wife. This was the first golf day to honor Jim who passed during a surgery unexpectedly several months ago. We all miss him.

I am thankful that my love for golf has given me such friends outside my regular church folks. I am thankful that Sun Lakes has neighborhoods and homes that will knock your socks off with ameneties, I mean really fine homes, and then homes more modest like ours, and then downright affordable manufactured homes in our oldest community.

The east coast is locked into a winter blast and we are shirt sleeving our way through an 80 degree gorgeous Friday.