The blogpost is back! (I HOPE.)

 There is nothing as frustrating as being unable to determine why you cannot do something on your new computer when it was perfectly simple on your old computer (or maybe the frustration of having to get a new computer because technology has changed?).  I've been struggling with this for the past few weeks.  But fortunately, I had the help of a levelheaded friend!  I am HOPING that we have solved the problem. It is my sincere hope that Windows 11 outlives me.

We'll see when I try to post this - the last post of 2025.

I wish each and every one of the members of TPW a very happy holiday.  

What I learnt in the Galapagos Islands: (BY PHILIPPA)

It was my trip of a lifetime to visit the Galapagos Islands this November. The islands are extraordinary because of their uniqueness and interplay of nature, but the trip was not for the faint of heart – small ship, top bunk bed (no ladder), in and out of zodiacs, walking on lava rocks, snorkeling and kayaking in the open ocean…and so I was grateful for my sufficient level of fitness, thanks to TPW and our steady schedule of walking and training. It adds such a benefit to our daily lives. (It was interesting to note that the other people from Ontario on the trip were members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy – clearly, they all walk a lot too.) In addition, I learnt a powerful and profound lesson while I was there. We were walking on one of the islands; it was dry and desert like but land iguanas and tortoises were evident, clearly they had enough resources to survive. Our naturalist asked us what the chief predictor of survival was and of course we thought we had the answers: natural selection, no predators, geographic isolation, sufficient resources etc. No, he said, it is their adaptability to change that will ensure their survival Oh my goodness, I thought, that answer applies to us too, we too must also be adaptable to change as we age physically and mentally in our rapidly changing world. That is our challenge! Thankfully, at TPW we are doing it together.

Thoughts On My Holiday Cactus

My Thanksging or Christmas(?) cactus has bloomed again. She is a lovely pink. Her flowering consists of about a half dozen blooms on one side of the plant. I don't blame her for the paucity of flowers; she's old and crowded into the pot she came in. Each year I promise that after she blooms I will repot her and each year I forget. But this year I really must do it! How often can I disappoint her before she gives up? I wonder who else I've given commitments to and then forgotten to follow through? Or what I've promised myself to do better and then moved on to other plans? Or when someone else has given up on waiting for me to complete a pledge? Have I ever left someone waiting in a restaurant? I don't know but the thoughts make me uneasy. So this year I MUST repot my cactus after she finishes blooming! And pay more attention to the expectations I raise!

The Joy of the New (BY DANIELLE)

While we love our traditions and the comfort of familiar places and people, many of us seek out new and interesting destinations and experiences. We love our beautiful Saturday morning walks in the cemetery, but getting to see a sparkling new park in Toronto’s port lands was a joy for those of us who had the pleasure of that visit. You can tell we enjoyed ourselves- we were playing on the climbing frames and zip lines like the kids we really are. And travel! TPW members are currently about to go, are there now, or have recently been in Thailand, Kenya, England, South Africa, Italy, Greece, and the Galapagos Islands, to name only a few of our destinations. Those of us who are staying closer to home are going to see new (and spectacular) ballets, concerts, garden shows, and art galleries. Some of us are eating in new restaurants and others are reading and recommending wonderful books to one another. That is one of the many things I cherish about our group. We share our photos and our stories. We include one another as if we actually DO wish we could all have been there. This is one of the many things that brings us all together. No matter where in the world we happen to land, we know the rest of us are taking pleasure in our new and joyful experiences.

Musings (BY BARB)

 

Nothing like travel to bring into sharper focus all the different aspects and meanings of 'home.' A few decades ago, the word "home"was the most emotional in the English language.  Depending on research, it either still is or is second to the word "love". 

And then to have these musings dovetail with being completely enamored with the Jays, and how the team has brought the city and country together.  They became Canada's team. But the unexpected deep sense of connection to the team and the motley crew of likeable players - and their deep connection to one another - was quite inspiring to observe - and I'd also say to feel. 

The Rogers' ads in the World Series captured some of this essence of home, knowing it would resonate with viewers: As in:

"Bring it Home" and 

"home is not just a place on a map......it's a feeling in our heart "(apologies to Rogers and their ads) 

And how could we not get emotional watching that giant Canadian Flag unfurled, on the field by members of the Canadian Military.  My brother in law was in the stands for game 6.  He readily admitted to coming to tears seeing that in person.  Clearly the flag evokes deep feelings of not only pride but our sense of home, belonging and community. 

Now onto a completely different topic.  If you have not seen this article from the Globe, check it out - and let's pat ourselves on the back for continuing to walk and challenge ourselves. 

--https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-how-long-will-you-live-walk-speed-fast-slow/