Walk: Hood making post xmas returns
Distance: 4 miles
So, in this winter holiday season Ciwt looks at the winter scenes in so many Christmas cards and remembers her times skiing down mountains in Idaho, sliding down hills on flying saucers, skating on frozen lakes in Minnesota and other exhilerating activities in her youth. Would she rather still be living closer to nature surrounded by the wonders of winter, coming into warm hearths with friends after cross country skiing in the soft white beauty of new snow? Absolutely.
Same for paddle tennis, cycling, long country walks and horseback rides in the spring and winter. And glorious summers playing tennis, water skiing, zooming all over the lake in boats with friends.
Here in Northern California, we have one season: luckily it is fall, the one she resonates with most deeply, in all its various moods. Yet, yes, she misses the changing seasons. But she thrives in light and winters are often long, frigid and dark, spring is very short and muddy, after June, summer is muggy with dog days on the lake and mosquitos throughout, fall is short with the spectacular autumn leaves only lasting a few weeks. Plus, and most important, she was lucky enough to have enjoyed all these seasons and their wonders, sports, heartwarming get togethers with nearby family and friends. These are wonderful memories.
But now is no longer the time for sports that might break bones, twist ankles, wrench backs. And drives on icy roads or walks on icy paths to various appointments and necessary errands are best avoided. Friends and family who are still here are scattered.
It is time now for maintenance, resting, enjoying the life she has put together over decades with as much ease, stimulation, convenience and health as possible. And San Francisco, city living where she can easily walk, bus or drive to all necessary appointments, daily supplies and extensive parks and trails, cultural activities that challenge and keep her growing, is what suits her now. The place she chooses to be. But, yes, parts of her long for country, sports and all four seasons.
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