Playing catch up and fascinated in these thoughts and comments. I find myself in a state of surprise when I consider my age…which I have been, so I thought, but not really deep down.
I am deeply comforted in and challenged by my faith. My goal to Love God and Love Others is constantly on my mind and asking Him to allow me the opportunity.
God be with us all as we search for opportunities and answers.
You will always be the age you were when I read your first China Bayles book. But isnt thst true of all our friends they never age in our minds. They will alway be the age they were when we first met. I have read all 28 plus some of your other books. I am of the boomer generation and wondering what is next. I have been a widow for 16 years and discovered I am perfectly happy being single. Dating isn't worth the effort. The Senior Chronicle speaks to me in ways that make life a little more clear. Getting older is not for sissies. Life sometimes is so much sweeter at 70 than it was at 30.
You're right, Peggy. We still live with the image of that person as we knew her when--and even after she's died. Interesting: we all have different needs for companionship. I have the feeling that those of us who could happily live alone (I'm in that group with you) are in the minority. And especially those who can say that life is better at 70! Kudos to you for earning that self-knowledge!
Well, not all of us are women. To be honest, I remembered your name because you arrived on the faculty at U.T. Austin just as I was graduating and moving on. I never got to know you then, but I thought that I might have some interest in what you would be writing about, if only because of our nearly overlapping time in Austin. I'm not much of a gardener, but I know some, and I appreciate their dedication, some might say fascination, with their projects.
I have a tendency to over-commit, especially in selecting things to read, so I don't promise to read everything that you post, but I will check in from time to time. And, I am interested. Best of luck to you.
You're right, David. Over the years, at book signings and library events, there are always a handful of guys in the audience. And when it comes to fiction, women definitely outnumber men. 🤨 Substack is a little different (54% male) but I think my group is about 5%. It's a little hard to know how to address/include that 5%. Apologies.
I came to UT in the 1972-73 academic year and stayed through 1978-79, before moving on to Tulane. You were in the English department? Undergrad, grad? Next port of call? I'm interested in intersections, especially those that persist in the memory after 50 years.
I went to Tulane my freshman year, 1964-65, then transferred to UT Austin. I finished a BA in Plan II in 1968, an MA in English in 1973. I taught in a couple of private schools for two years, then got divorced and moved back to Austin, which really was the kind of magical place that many people have described.
To make ends meet, I took a job as a carpenter's helper and discovered that I enjoyed the work. I did a combination of carpentry and home construction supervision for several years, then got my real estate brokers license (Austin cashier to man writing a check, "May I see your broker's license, please." "You mean my driver's license?" "We used to ask for a driver's license, but not everybody has one of those.")
Then, in 1987 I entered UT Law School, after which I was a criminal defense trial lawyer until I retired about five years ago.
I remember the old Austin, too. My then-husband owned an oyster bar on Sixth Street, back when it was still safe and fun, long years ago. So now I know a real criminal defense attorney I can call on in case China Bayles attempts more legal stuff in one of her mysteries? The next book is in production and I'm not sure there'll be another--but I hope to be doing some short stories.
I often wished I had someone like that, but alas, no. I've had to make do with the internet. I dig around for actual cases that exemplify the legal issues involved. So far as I know, I've only erred by omission. A lawyer once wrote to me to say that in BLOODROOT, China could have solved the property problem by claiming adverse possession. The biggest challenge (and most fascinating) was all that Medicare fraud in BLOOD ORANGE.
Loved the times we spent in Gulfport, Fla, and on Fort de Soto beach. Enjoy your football-free time! It’s around zero here (or about 32 to you!) so cold is a relative term 😁
And I must tell you that I probably became a nurse in part because of Cherry Ames. I wanted to be like her, and in the student nurse volume, you and others I guess have preserved the way things used to be. Cherry was my idol!
Susan, it’s so much fun to see that you are reading now too. Our 40 day Europe trip was fun but I got Covid mid trip-a challenge-and because of that and my general health I couldn’t do everything I wanted. It was still wonderful and now I’m thinking of it as the basis for a story (That just came to me. This is wonderful!) We probably won’t travel like that again. I think I’ll start rereading China from the beginning. Thank you, and I hope you are doing well. To be able to communicate directly with one’s writing favorites is fun and obviously giving me new ideas!
I love Substack's platform--probably spend way too much time here! 😉 Too bad about your trip, but maybe a good suggestion that it's time to slow down and enjoy what we can do, rather than keep reaching for something new/different. (I feel that way about my cranky back.) And hooray for new ideas! Watch out: they can be dangerous (in a good way).
I guess I have always thought of “new and different “ as a way to combat boredom and maybe even depression. One thing I like about your work is enjoying small things that I have often bulldozed over. Like savoring the scent of fresh thyme as I harvested it for a pork roast. (My enjoyment often seems to come from the kitchen.) The quiet of the bedroom on a cozy rainy day as my husband watches football somewhere else! One friend at a time instead of a party. I look forward to your senior posts. That may be enough writing for me right now. But I’ll keep trying to be more aware of the diamonds in my back yard. Thank you!
Hello from Pasadena, CA. I am 74 yo and have lived in the same house for over 44 years, about 10 miles from where I grew up. I married my high school sweetheart . We got married after college and my first year of law school. We were together for over 20 years of highs and lows, both practicing law and raising a family of two children. I kept the house in our divorce. My second marriage was happier, but I lost this dear man to an aggressive cancer 6 years ago. And I still live in this house. As I write this it sounds like a pretty humdrum life, but it hasn’t been, not at all.
I have been retired for about 10 years and live alone in a good walking neighborhood, and know every one on the block. During covid I was pretty much alone, but I enjoyed having a lot of ‘puttering’ time. I have always been comfortable alone, and realized that didn’t want to add back everything I used to do. Laughing I would tell people that during Covid, I felt like I was living the same life I lived at age 10yo, except that I cooked my own dinner. And my 10 year old’s life was pretty good. I’ve added back a few activities and responsibilities after carefully evaluating—what do I really want to be doing.
My son and family with young grandchildren live about a mile away. They are a high priority, with the clear understanding—I can always say no and they will keep asking. My daughter and her family with three children live 3000 miles away in NH and I visit once a year. They are always welcome to come here—-usually once a year. I am part of a lay ministry at my church which is important to me, but I’m no longer a leader, therefore less meetings, more ministry. I enjoy sharing the Huntington Botanical Gardens with visitors as a Docent in the Herb and Rose gardens. I meet people from all over the country and the world, and share thoughts and interest in plants and gardens, and now climate and plant diversity. Even a highly introverted woman needs some people.
I find myself making the time to istudy and research and write stories about family members. As a child and young adult, I enjoyed spending time with older relatives and learning about their lives and I have ended up as the repository for a lot of photos, detail and information for several aunts who died without children. Lots of California and Los Angeles history in those lives, I want to tell their stories, but in a format that future family members will want to read. And more and more, I want to tell my own "not really humdrum" story.
It is starting to come together now and this substack seems a great place for motivation.
Love this article. I am 85 and going through similar experiences as you and your husband and feeling about it much the same as you. Looking forward to more articles that address this phase of our lives. Seems we all have the same challenges and solutions.
I’m 73 and am astonished that I have made it this far!
I have outlived two husbands and am attempting to survive one divorce. Up until two years ago, I have been healthy; but at age 70 it seems my health has gone down hill. One never knows what body parts will decide to be in working order when the morning alarm sounds.
Divorce can be very hard--was for me, anyway. Hope your health improves, Mickie. Just have to smile at your last sentence. Sounds like you've salvaged at least some of your sense of humor (which can be a huge accomplishment, at our age).
I have been following you for about 30 years thanks to my sister introducing you to me, My sister is now 81 & I am 75. The years have flown by. I will enjoy spending whatever time is left growing older together.
I am 100 per cent here for whatever writing you want to share. If you don't publish other books, I'll be sorry as hell, but there's a season to everything. I'll be over here re-reading my Susan Wittig Alberts. :)
I'm ten years behind you, turning 74 in September. Libra and I don't know the rest of my horoscope signs. I wound up in college just before I turned 17 because I didn't want to move to Mississippi for my senior year. This is when they were lynching people who were working on voter registration. So I started college instead (summer school and one class by correspondence to make that happen). I married at 23. It did not go well. Got out without having any children and moved on with my life. Learned more than I want to about writing sheet metal repair specs on cars, fire damage estimates and dealing with attorneys.
Married again after years of being single and began traveling the world with my husband. Studied a two-year writer's program at the University of Washington. Many years later during Covid quarantine, I finally finished my first book. Sending in out now for a vigorous round of rejections. Will self-publish eventually.
Wow Susan - I really needed this - thanks - we met and talked several times many years ago at book fairs where I too was there selling books and gardening CDs . I love your books and read them several times over while waiting for the next one. You have already created so much joy with your books about gardening in Texas with China and Ruby ( where I live) and mystery.
I am wrestling with what next - because I too have mobility problems but still love my work and hobbies. I find myself wondering how much longer I can do the things I love .
thank you for letting us know that we aren't alone . Love & Luck, Lucy Harrell
I feel as if I’ve been blessed with a new acquaintance; which may rapidly become a part of my life. Oakland has become a war zone recently with a huge surge in violent & petty crimes.
I didn’t expect my recent retirement to be filled with “hyper vigilance” for safety.
I am blessed with a loving daughter (who lives in Wisconsin) & friends with common interests. I like your other readers struggle with health issues; but overall doing the “aging thing” fairly well ( or at least trying)...
Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to participate.
I am catching up on my email after 4 days of solo car camping near Mount Adams in WA. I am 64, a former freelance writer and community college academic advisor/instructor. Like you, I moved to a forested 5 acres at age 50 in the Columbia River Gorge (I am on the WA side) - my midlife crisis was major upheaval of my life. I live a homesteading life: 4000 sq ft garden where I grow a goodly amount of my food. I have been studying and practicing herbalism for three decades which is how I found you. (I am currently reading Hemlock) and make many herbal products and remedies. I was widowed in 2011 and several years later, found a partner who was happy to join me on my little slice of paradise. But as we age, we, too, have concerns about living 30 minutes from anywhere/anything, limited healthcare resources, harsh winters, and keeping up with the work of our homestead. I live in a delightful community and thought I would move into the village when the homestead became too much. But housing costs here have tripled in the last ten years and our area is popular so there are bidding wars for the occasional house that goes on the market. There is a growing number of eldering folks who are stuck in this position. I stay busy: I hike each week and camp once a month, read an eclectic array of books, knit daily, started a seed library in my village, and am at the beginning stages of designing a book project. I am politically aware and active though I have moments of despair as I watch what is happening throughout the world. Your continued creativity inspires me!
Playing catch up and fascinated in these thoughts and comments. I find myself in a state of surprise when I consider my age…which I have been, so I thought, but not really deep down.
I am deeply comforted in and challenged by my faith. My goal to Love God and Love Others is constantly on my mind and asking Him to allow me the opportunity.
God be with us all as we search for opportunities and answers.
Amen. We all need something to hold onto . . . And I join you in being totally surprised.
You will always be the age you were when I read your first China Bayles book. But isnt thst true of all our friends they never age in our minds. They will alway be the age they were when we first met. I have read all 28 plus some of your other books. I am of the boomer generation and wondering what is next. I have been a widow for 16 years and discovered I am perfectly happy being single. Dating isn't worth the effort. The Senior Chronicle speaks to me in ways that make life a little more clear. Getting older is not for sissies. Life sometimes is so much sweeter at 70 than it was at 30.
You're right, Peggy. We still live with the image of that person as we knew her when--and even after she's died. Interesting: we all have different needs for companionship. I have the feeling that those of us who could happily live alone (I'm in that group with you) are in the minority. And especially those who can say that life is better at 70! Kudos to you for earning that self-knowledge!
Well, not all of us are women. To be honest, I remembered your name because you arrived on the faculty at U.T. Austin just as I was graduating and moving on. I never got to know you then, but I thought that I might have some interest in what you would be writing about, if only because of our nearly overlapping time in Austin. I'm not much of a gardener, but I know some, and I appreciate their dedication, some might say fascination, with their projects.
I have a tendency to over-commit, especially in selecting things to read, so I don't promise to read everything that you post, but I will check in from time to time. And, I am interested. Best of luck to you.
You're right, David. Over the years, at book signings and library events, there are always a handful of guys in the audience. And when it comes to fiction, women definitely outnumber men. 🤨 Substack is a little different (54% male) but I think my group is about 5%. It's a little hard to know how to address/include that 5%. Apologies.
I came to UT in the 1972-73 academic year and stayed through 1978-79, before moving on to Tulane. You were in the English department? Undergrad, grad? Next port of call? I'm interested in intersections, especially those that persist in the memory after 50 years.
Best wishes for 2024.
Intersections. Indeed.
I went to Tulane my freshman year, 1964-65, then transferred to UT Austin. I finished a BA in Plan II in 1968, an MA in English in 1973. I taught in a couple of private schools for two years, then got divorced and moved back to Austin, which really was the kind of magical place that many people have described.
To make ends meet, I took a job as a carpenter's helper and discovered that I enjoyed the work. I did a combination of carpentry and home construction supervision for several years, then got my real estate brokers license (Austin cashier to man writing a check, "May I see your broker's license, please." "You mean my driver's license?" "We used to ask for a driver's license, but not everybody has one of those.")
Then, in 1987 I entered UT Law School, after which I was a criminal defense trial lawyer until I retired about five years ago.
I've yadda-yadded some details.
I remember the old Austin, too. My then-husband owned an oyster bar on Sixth Street, back when it was still safe and fun, long years ago. So now I know a real criminal defense attorney I can call on in case China Bayles attempts more legal stuff in one of her mysteries? The next book is in production and I'm not sure there'll be another--but I hope to be doing some short stories.
You mean you haven't had a defense attorney consultant on speed dial all these years? I have been sure that the Wizz was based on some real friend.
I often wished I had someone like that, but alas, no. I've had to make do with the internet. I dig around for actual cases that exemplify the legal issues involved. So far as I know, I've only erred by omission. A lawyer once wrote to me to say that in BLOODROOT, China could have solved the property problem by claiming adverse possession. The biggest challenge (and most fascinating) was all that Medicare fraud in BLOOD ORANGE.
Loved the times we spent in Gulfport, Fla, and on Fort de Soto beach. Enjoy your football-free time! It’s around zero here (or about 32 to you!) so cold is a relative term 😁
And I must tell you that I probably became a nurse in part because of Cherry Ames. I wanted to be like her, and in the student nurse volume, you and others I guess have preserved the way things used to be. Cherry was my idol!
Susan, it’s so much fun to see that you are reading now too. Our 40 day Europe trip was fun but I got Covid mid trip-a challenge-and because of that and my general health I couldn’t do everything I wanted. It was still wonderful and now I’m thinking of it as the basis for a story (That just came to me. This is wonderful!) We probably won’t travel like that again. I think I’ll start rereading China from the beginning. Thank you, and I hope you are doing well. To be able to communicate directly with one’s writing favorites is fun and obviously giving me new ideas!
I love Substack's platform--probably spend way too much time here! 😉 Too bad about your trip, but maybe a good suggestion that it's time to slow down and enjoy what we can do, rather than keep reaching for something new/different. (I feel that way about my cranky back.) And hooray for new ideas! Watch out: they can be dangerous (in a good way).
I guess I have always thought of “new and different “ as a way to combat boredom and maybe even depression. One thing I like about your work is enjoying small things that I have often bulldozed over. Like savoring the scent of fresh thyme as I harvested it for a pork roast. (My enjoyment often seems to come from the kitchen.) The quiet of the bedroom on a cozy rainy day as my husband watches football somewhere else! One friend at a time instead of a party. I look forward to your senior posts. That may be enough writing for me right now. But I’ll keep trying to be more aware of the diamonds in my back yard. Thank you!
Hello from Pasadena, CA. I am 74 yo and have lived in the same house for over 44 years, about 10 miles from where I grew up. I married my high school sweetheart . We got married after college and my first year of law school. We were together for over 20 years of highs and lows, both practicing law and raising a family of two children. I kept the house in our divorce. My second marriage was happier, but I lost this dear man to an aggressive cancer 6 years ago. And I still live in this house. As I write this it sounds like a pretty humdrum life, but it hasn’t been, not at all.
I have been retired for about 10 years and live alone in a good walking neighborhood, and know every one on the block. During covid I was pretty much alone, but I enjoyed having a lot of ‘puttering’ time. I have always been comfortable alone, and realized that didn’t want to add back everything I used to do. Laughing I would tell people that during Covid, I felt like I was living the same life I lived at age 10yo, except that I cooked my own dinner. And my 10 year old’s life was pretty good. I’ve added back a few activities and responsibilities after carefully evaluating—what do I really want to be doing.
My son and family with young grandchildren live about a mile away. They are a high priority, with the clear understanding—I can always say no and they will keep asking. My daughter and her family with three children live 3000 miles away in NH and I visit once a year. They are always welcome to come here—-usually once a year. I am part of a lay ministry at my church which is important to me, but I’m no longer a leader, therefore less meetings, more ministry. I enjoy sharing the Huntington Botanical Gardens with visitors as a Docent in the Herb and Rose gardens. I meet people from all over the country and the world, and share thoughts and interest in plants and gardens, and now climate and plant diversity. Even a highly introverted woman needs some people.
I find myself making the time to istudy and research and write stories about family members. As a child and young adult, I enjoyed spending time with older relatives and learning about their lives and I have ended up as the repository for a lot of photos, detail and information for several aunts who died without children. Lots of California and Los Angeles history in those lives, I want to tell their stories, but in a format that future family members will want to read. And more and more, I want to tell my own "not really humdrum" story.
It is starting to come together now and this substack seems a great place for motivation.
Love this article. I am 85 and going through similar experiences as you and your husband and feeling about it much the same as you. Looking forward to more articles that address this phase of our lives. Seems we all have the same challenges and solutions.
Thanks--glad you're with us, Jean.
I’m 73 and am astonished that I have made it this far!
I have outlived two husbands and am attempting to survive one divorce. Up until two years ago, I have been healthy; but at age 70 it seems my health has gone down hill. One never knows what body parts will decide to be in working order when the morning alarm sounds.
Divorce can be very hard--was for me, anyway. Hope your health improves, Mickie. Just have to smile at your last sentence. Sounds like you've salvaged at least some of your sense of humor (which can be a huge accomplishment, at our age).
I have been following you for about 30 years thanks to my sister introducing you to me, My sister is now 81 & I am 75. The years have flown by. I will enjoy spending whatever time is left growing older together.
I am 100 per cent here for whatever writing you want to share. If you don't publish other books, I'll be sorry as hell, but there's a season to everything. I'll be over here re-reading my Susan Wittig Alberts. :)
I'm ten years behind you, turning 74 in September. Libra and I don't know the rest of my horoscope signs. I wound up in college just before I turned 17 because I didn't want to move to Mississippi for my senior year. This is when they were lynching people who were working on voter registration. So I started college instead (summer school and one class by correspondence to make that happen). I married at 23. It did not go well. Got out without having any children and moved on with my life. Learned more than I want to about writing sheet metal repair specs on cars, fire damage estimates and dealing with attorneys.
Married again after years of being single and began traveling the world with my husband. Studied a two-year writer's program at the University of Washington. Many years later during Covid quarantine, I finally finished my first book. Sending in out now for a vigorous round of rejections. Will self-publish eventually.
I love the China Bayle books, but I understand that you must do what works for you. I hope to chat with you and all who post here.
Wow Susan - I really needed this - thanks - we met and talked several times many years ago at book fairs where I too was there selling books and gardening CDs . I love your books and read them several times over while waiting for the next one. You have already created so much joy with your books about gardening in Texas with China and Ruby ( where I live) and mystery.
I am wrestling with what next - because I too have mobility problems but still love my work and hobbies. I find myself wondering how much longer I can do the things I love .
thank you for letting us know that we aren't alone . Love & Luck, Lucy Harrell
Good morning from Oakland, California.
I feel as if I’ve been blessed with a new acquaintance; which may rapidly become a part of my life. Oakland has become a war zone recently with a huge surge in violent & petty crimes.
I didn’t expect my recent retirement to be filled with “hyper vigilance” for safety.
I am blessed with a loving daughter (who lives in Wisconsin) & friends with common interests. I like your other readers struggle with health issues; but overall doing the “aging thing” fairly well ( or at least trying)...
Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to participate.
I am catching up on my email after 4 days of solo car camping near Mount Adams in WA. I am 64, a former freelance writer and community college academic advisor/instructor. Like you, I moved to a forested 5 acres at age 50 in the Columbia River Gorge (I am on the WA side) - my midlife crisis was major upheaval of my life. I live a homesteading life: 4000 sq ft garden where I grow a goodly amount of my food. I have been studying and practicing herbalism for three decades which is how I found you. (I am currently reading Hemlock) and make many herbal products and remedies. I was widowed in 2011 and several years later, found a partner who was happy to join me on my little slice of paradise. But as we age, we, too, have concerns about living 30 minutes from anywhere/anything, limited healthcare resources, harsh winters, and keeping up with the work of our homestead. I live in a delightful community and thought I would move into the village when the homestead became too much. But housing costs here have tripled in the last ten years and our area is popular so there are bidding wars for the occasional house that goes on the market. There is a growing number of eldering folks who are stuck in this position. I stay busy: I hike each week and camp once a month, read an eclectic array of books, knit daily, started a seed library in my village, and am at the beginning stages of designing a book project. I am politically aware and active though I have moments of despair as I watch what is happening throughout the world. Your continued creativity inspires me!
Hi Sue: I was recently in Lyle, WA. What a lovely place.. you’re so lucky to live there.