"Many live with dread of what is coming. WHY SHOULD WE? The unknown puts adventure into life. The unknown around the corner gives a sense of anticipation and surprize. Thank God for the unknown future".
ANTICIPATION IS THE SPARKLE IN LIFE!
I am not personally acquainted with anyone who has done more, seen more or enjoyed life more than I have and do. Really, I HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT. I have travelled throughout the world, been the guest of royalty, dined with heads-of-state and shared in the wonders of life.
I am "old and grey but not in the way". I still live in daily anticipation of life.
Today, I am going back down to our lakeside retreat with my wife and Donna, our girl Friday. Being down with a strained back for a few weeks, I was unable to tend to the lawn and the grass is higher than an elephant's eye. They will take care of that.
My garden is in and the eating is great. The girls will not get down until late, Julie works today, and I'll cook green beans for supper tonight along with tomatoes, squash and cucumbers and sweet onions in a sweetened vinegar sauce. I like to eat! I anticipate supper tonight.
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DONNA, HIRED 3 YEARS AGO Watching a "tear jerker" at the lake She helps Julie with the work I can no longer do |
I am putting a chain link fence around the property at the lake and Donna will help me with that this weekend. I anticipate the peace of mind of having the property fenced in during the winter off season.
In the next few days I'll plow and prepare a strip of ground along the west property line where I want to plant a grape arbor next spring. I'll plant both juice and table grapes. If there is time, I'll put up the posts and support wire so all I have to do next spring is plant the vines. ALSO, THERE WILL BE LESS GRASS TO MOW! I sure anticipate less mowing!
Next spring I plan to install an 8' x 50" carpet covered, cement bochi ball/game court and also add a 12' x 20" half covered, cement patio with a fireplace onto the existing raised deck. WHEN THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THERE WILL BE NO GRASS TO MOW ON THE LAKE SIDE OF THE RETREAT!
I JUST KNOW, NEXT YEAR IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR! I can hardly wait! Last year was a bummer with my bad hip and this year is a challenge trying to break in the new hip replacement.
Next year? I am four years beyond my life expectancy. Yes, "next year" is THE GOOD LORD WILLING AND THE KRICK DON'T GET TOO HIGH! But, I know a secret which I often share.
Yesterday is just a memory and tomorrow is but a hope. The only time that we know for certain is today. I ENJOY LIVING EACH AND EVERY DAY WITH ANTICIPATION!
People spend their lives in anticipation, in determing to be vastly happy at some period when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other time--it is real and ours! We may lay in a stock of pleasures as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we delay the tasting too long, we find that both are soured by age.
This a quote from anther wise person, Charles Caleb Cotton.
Don't wait! Enjoy life today! Anticipate tomorrow. But, do more than just anticipate tomorrow, prepare for it as if it is a certainty!
On April 9th, this year my lovely daughter, Kimberly, gave me two tickets to Ohio State's opening football game. My wife Julie has never been to a college football game. What a joy of anticipation it is to introduce her to the biggest and best! GO BUCKS!
A week from today we will drive down to Columbus, and check in to the University Plaza Hotel, which is nearby the stadium. I anticipate two nights in this lovely and convenient establishment. The hotel will shuttle us to the game and we will walk back afterwards to spend another night avoiding the crowded, after game highways.
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A FAVORITE OVER MANY YEARS |
OUR LIVES HAS BEEN ENHANCED FOR MONTHS NOW IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS EVENT! Thanks Kimberly.
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BEACH VIEW FROM OUR PENTHOUSE SUITE |
WE HAVE ANTICIPATED THIS SINCE OCTOBER 1ST OF LAST YEAR WHEN WE RENEWED THE LEASE.
The next few weeks will be full of preparations for the beach. Julie and I sat on our porch late yesterday evening and went over our traditional menu. We will be busy from now on just getting every thing ready. We buy food locally as prices at Myrtle Beach is so much higher than at home.
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I ANTICIPATE SETTING THE TABLE NEXT CHRISTMAS |
After New Years, we look forward to a Romantic Evening, a special dinner we create for good friends at Valentine's Day. In addition to a many course dinner, we arrange for entertainment. We anticipate our guests enjoyment.
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SPREAD EAGLE TAVERN AND INN, CIRCA 1837 A Delicious B & B and a visit to Earlier Days in America |
Mixed in with all of this is family gatherings, dinners with our dining group and other fun events. I have also undertaken a large writing project. My life is so full each and every day! I DO NOT INTEND TO LET THE WINE OF LIFE SOUR ON ME!
"IT MUST BE NICE!"
I hear this so often! So many times those living boring lives, and there are more who do than who don't, act like we are somehow more blessed than they. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE! More often than not they are much better off financially than we are. The simple difference is that we plan to have a good time. We decide what sounds like fun and make long range plans to enjoy our plans. The more it costs, the further out we plan. Money does not have to be a deterrent to the good life.
A dear friend and relative of mine, Ruby Pierce, may she rest in peace, when she heard of my plans for Myrtle Beach ten months away commented "How does Walt know what he is going to be doing ten months from now? I don't know what I'm going to be doing ten minutes from now!" Most people are just like Ruby!
Let your good times roll!
It is not a question of money, health or family relationships. It is a matter of planning and action.
DON'T DRINK THE SOUR WINE OF AN UNPLANNED LIFE!
God Bless!