Solitude and togetherness.
Friday was a good day. Sunny, plus 27 C. I used this "window of opportunity" (we are troubled by English weather lately) to do a bit of kayaking. My son dropped me in Devon, and, not without certain hesitation, as North Saskatchewan River was rather high, I launched my kayak. It took me a few minutes to relax. The river was in fact faster than usual but at no point I was in any danger.
Normally quite busy with kayaks and canoes, the river was empty on that day. I had "her" (Polish word "rzeka" is female) all for myself. This, I guess, would be one of the privileges of retirement - opportunity to kayak on weekdays. It was only after two hours on the river that I encountered a fellow female kayak-er. She was also kayaking alone as her husband, in her words, was a "wuss."
Because the river was quite fast, I barely had to do any paddling. I let the river do the job. Being alone, I didn't have to keep up with anybody. I could enjoy the quiet, birds singing, sounds and smells of nature. It was very "meditative." Also just "flowing" with the river was so enjoying. Normally I try to be active and be "in charge" of things.
It was only around Anthony Henday Bridge when civilization caught up with me. Cars, helicopters, dogs playing in Terwilleger Park. But even this was OK. I "dismounted" right after Quesnell Bridge, which I reached in record 4.5 hours, again with a little help from my son.
After a short afternoon nap (I normally try to avoid them as they make me feel groggy), I found enough energy to clean my backyard. It was full of fallen branches after a nasty storm a few days ago. Taking a bag of these branches to the driveway, I met my neighbor, and spontaneously invited him for "beer and chips." He came with his wife shortly thereafter.
Neighborhood-ness (togetherness) - important concept as far as I am concerned. I remember years ago, when we still lived in High Level, the neighbors from our street used to get together at least once a year. The street was being officially closed, and neighbors met on it for potluck. People would bring out tables, chairs, benches, grills, share food and drinks with each other, and had this opportunity to catch up with what was happening in their lives.
I liked it so much that I tried to establish this custom, perhaps on a somewhat smaller scale, in Edmonton. We had our neighbors over a few times the last 15 years, and also visited with them. Though only having one couple on Friday, and not much of a potluck, we still had a good time. We shared a couple of beers at the fire pit and engaged in those wholesome conversations - about dogs, food, work, vacations, etc. Conversations that help to feel good and safe.
They told us that another couple from our neighborhood is "downsizing" and have already sold their house. These are nice people who visited with us a few times. I think with certain regret about the prospect of losing good neighbors. On the other hand, this is quite popular in Canada, unlike in Poland, where families often live in the same house for generations. When people are unable to keep up with maintaining of their houses, mowing loans, shoveling snow, they often simplify by selling and moving to a condo or apartment.
We may need to do the same, but not yet, not yet. I enjoy my open fires too much, reading in the backyard, having people over for "garden parties." I like the relaxing sound of garden chimes. "Garden Buddha" inspires me to meditate. It is easier to breathe outside! On top of this, Ged, our dog, needs his entertainment of chasing the squirrel and the birds. They seem to enjoy being chased and do a lot to get on his nerves. Backyard is his, and mine, kingdom.
We will try to hang in for as long as possible.
(PR)
Normally quite busy with kayaks and canoes, the river was empty on that day. I had "her" (Polish word "rzeka" is female) all for myself. This, I guess, would be one of the privileges of retirement - opportunity to kayak on weekdays. It was only after two hours on the river that I encountered a fellow female kayak-er. She was also kayaking alone as her husband, in her words, was a "wuss."
Because the river was quite fast, I barely had to do any paddling. I let the river do the job. Being alone, I didn't have to keep up with anybody. I could enjoy the quiet, birds singing, sounds and smells of nature. It was very "meditative." Also just "flowing" with the river was so enjoying. Normally I try to be active and be "in charge" of things.
It was only around Anthony Henday Bridge when civilization caught up with me. Cars, helicopters, dogs playing in Terwilleger Park. But even this was OK. I "dismounted" right after Quesnell Bridge, which I reached in record 4.5 hours, again with a little help from my son.
After a short afternoon nap (I normally try to avoid them as they make me feel groggy), I found enough energy to clean my backyard. It was full of fallen branches after a nasty storm a few days ago. Taking a bag of these branches to the driveway, I met my neighbor, and spontaneously invited him for "beer and chips." He came with his wife shortly thereafter.
Neighborhood-ness (togetherness) - important concept as far as I am concerned. I remember years ago, when we still lived in High Level, the neighbors from our street used to get together at least once a year. The street was being officially closed, and neighbors met on it for potluck. People would bring out tables, chairs, benches, grills, share food and drinks with each other, and had this opportunity to catch up with what was happening in their lives.
I liked it so much that I tried to establish this custom, perhaps on a somewhat smaller scale, in Edmonton. We had our neighbors over a few times the last 15 years, and also visited with them. Though only having one couple on Friday, and not much of a potluck, we still had a good time. We shared a couple of beers at the fire pit and engaged in those wholesome conversations - about dogs, food, work, vacations, etc. Conversations that help to feel good and safe.
They told us that another couple from our neighborhood is "downsizing" and have already sold their house. These are nice people who visited with us a few times. I think with certain regret about the prospect of losing good neighbors. On the other hand, this is quite popular in Canada, unlike in Poland, where families often live in the same house for generations. When people are unable to keep up with maintaining of their houses, mowing loans, shoveling snow, they often simplify by selling and moving to a condo or apartment.
We may need to do the same, but not yet, not yet. I enjoy my open fires too much, reading in the backyard, having people over for "garden parties." I like the relaxing sound of garden chimes. "Garden Buddha" inspires me to meditate. It is easier to breathe outside! On top of this, Ged, our dog, needs his entertainment of chasing the squirrel and the birds. They seem to enjoy being chased and do a lot to get on his nerves. Backyard is his, and mine, kingdom.
We will try to hang in for as long as possible.
(PR)
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