Moving through the world, participate in your own life!, RetirementLeave a comment

The Silver Tsunami and the Downsizing Myth

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When I was growing up it was always assumed that the “kids” would take over, and later inherit the family home if they didn’t buy and/or build one for their own family unit. Parents who had acquired and made a home for their family would pass it on. Later, as I got into my 20s, homes were being seen as ‘investments’ to be liquidated when it came time for the older members of the family to move into more modest accommodations. This was considered to be the natural order of things. One of my maternal aunts and her husband built … Continue reading The Silver Tsunami and the Downsizing Myth

Active Aging, Command and Control, Disaster Preparedness, I'm Not Done Yet, Memoir, Moving through the world, Retirement, Watching The WorldLeave a comment
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The Architecture of Duty: From the Trenches of Courcelette to the Frontlines of Disaster Relief.

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Every November 11, our nation pauses for two minutes of collective quiet. Our moment of silence wherever we are is our moment of respectful observance.  We stand before granite cenotaphs, listen to the mournful bugle of The Last Post, and … Continue reading The Architecture of Duty: From the Trenches of Courcelette to the Frontlines of Disaster Relief.

Active Aging, I'm Not Done Yet, Moving through the worldLeave a comment

Anxiety After Retirement: When the Usual Coping Tricks Stop Working

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Retirement anxiety, post-stroke emotional regulation, medical trauma, and the uneasy business of becoming human again after the detours. In Brief Retirement can remove the structure that once helped keep anxiety contained, especially after major health detours like cancer treatment and a hemorrhagic stroke. In this Active Aging reflection, I look at retirement anxiety, post-stroke emotional regulation, medical trauma, irritability, and the practical search for counselling The Uncomfortable Thing I’m Noticing I have been thinking about retirement, aging, and the uncomfortable possibility that I am becoming harder to live with. That is not an easy sentence to write. It is tempting … Continue reading Anxiety After Retirement: When the Usual Coping Tricks Stop Working

Active Aging, I'm Not Done Yet, Moving through the world, participate in your own life!, RetirementLeave a comment
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The Art of the Stumble: Finding Balance in the Uncharted Journey

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The journey into retirement sometimes begins abruptly, when we aren’t completely ready for it. We thought we were ready. Are you ready? Have you got your finances in order? Do you have an activity plan? We are pitched on the … Continue reading The Art of the Stumble: Finding Balance in the Uncharted Journey

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Wildfire Smoke and Your Garden Health

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Flames and smoke rise from the South by U.S. Forest Service (source) is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0 Safeguarding Your Garden and Health During Wildfire Season Wildfire season is no longer a distant concern for specific regions; it’s an intensifying global challenge with far-reaching consequences. Wildfires are affecting big chunks of North America, from Western Canada and the Northwestern United States to the Midwestern United States, Central Canada and Quebec, and even the Maritimes and New England States.  Canada’s north is not immune, and in fact may be a surprising source of wildfire smoke. Communities big and small are facing the … Continue reading Wildfire Smoke and Your Garden Health

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Creating a balcony garden or container gardening in a tight space

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A beginner-friendly guide Balcony and container gardening is one of the best low‑barrier, high‑reward activities for seniors and singles—especially those looking for something calming, purposeful, and easy to maintain. It offers routine, beauty, fresh food, and a sense of accomplishment without requiring a yard or heavy physical work. This is the time of year when you start seeing your neighbours out on their balconies planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Maybe you’re thinking, “Could I do that too?” The answer is absolutely YES! Balcony gardening is one of the easiest ways to begin growing something beautiful or edible, even if you … Continue reading Creating a balcony garden or container gardening in a tight space

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Still thinking about starting a container garden?

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🌿 What You Can Still Plant Right Now (Late June) Fast-growing veggies (30–50 days) These thrive in warm weather and do great in pots: Heat-loving container stars These will produce through August and often into September: Herbs (excellent for beginners) All of these establish quickly in summer: Flowers that still bloom beautifully Perfect for seniors and singles who want colour and low maintenance: 🌞 Why Starting Now Actually Works Well 🪴 Easiest “Start Today” Options for Seniors & Singles If you want zero stress, these are the most forgiving: 1. Herb Trio Basil + Chives + Mint(One pot each, water … Continue reading Still thinking about starting a container garden?