Did you find the cat amongst the owls in today’s Hili Dialogue? If not, I’ve circled it below.
There’s not much news today, it’s cold and gray, and my building is empty, as all the sane people appear to have already buggered off for the holidays. Feel free to talk or rant about what you want below. For example, here’s one thought I had: “Increasing decrepitude with age is nature’s way of preparing you for death. In other words, by the time one gets really old and hobbled with many ailments and pains, it becomes easier to die.”
Here is a corollary to your thought…. “Your loved ones’ increasing decrepitude with age is nature’s way of preparing you for their deaths.”
Not exactly cheerful, but maybe has a ring of truth for some?
Personally, nothing will reconcile me to suffering, decrepitude and death. I’ll be saying fuck you to the universe to the bitter end.
All the same, I do what I can to put off the inevitable and encourage others to do so, too. Decrepitude, in particular, can be delayed or even to a small extent reversed. The not-so-secret means is exercise and, even more importantly (imo), weightlifting.
I’m a female in my 60s. I began serious weightlifting over 5 years ago and I can honestly say that I’m in better shape and overall health today than I was in my 30s. I have vastly more strength and stamina, better posture, and far fewer aches and pains. Not only that, I’ve actually reversed my osteoporosis without medication (though I still have low bone mass). For all these reasons, I’ve become an evangelist for weightlifting.
And that’s the end of my plug, since I’m literally off to the gym…
Amen to the weightlifting. Likewise in my 60’s, started seriously at 18. Peaked out in my 40’s, but still pushing (and pulling) it. I highly recommend to all!
My version of your take is running and cycling as opposed to weightlifting, though of course I do some weights as part of my gym training. I’m 71, nearly 72, been running for over 40 years, and agree with your sentiments regarding health benefits. Recent research suggests it can serve as a major way of preventing dementia.
Is the “find the cat” missing in the original Hili dialogue or am I just getting old.
Same question. Although I know I am getting old.
Guess what? I put it in TOMORROW’S HILI dialogue and then put the reveal up today. I am an idiot!
Shoot me now.
Which means I’ll finally get one of these right !!!! Result.
Me first…
Ok, Daffy. Then the wabbit.
(I’d guess most of the people here will get the reference)
No worries. I have so many moments like this. The fun question to ask someone is “When you buy something, do you put your wallet away before you get your change back?”
They inevitably answer “…yes….”
And then you say (while shaking your head) “Oh, you poor bastard!”
Good. I thought it might be a sign of old age!
When I say that “now I have reached ‘three score years and ten’ every additional year is gravy” people look at me a little strangely.
Mmm, gravy.
Since our good host has opened up the conversation, and since he’s mentioned death, let me direct you to the website of Spring Grove Cemetery, located in my beloved Cincinnati. One of the largest cemeteries in the country, with a number of prominent burials, and some great views.
https://www.springgrove.org/gallery/arboretum/?_gl=1*13725l0*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTI1OTgwOTQ0Ni4xNzM0NjQzNTYy*_ga_DM338KQ1LD*MTczNDY0MzU1OS4xLjEuMTczNDY0MzYyOS4wLjAuMA..
https://www.springgrove.org/?_gl=1*1ebbhxg*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ0MDI2MDUwMS4xNzM0NjQzNzMx*_ga_DM338KQ1LD*MTczNDY0MzczMS4xLjEuMTczNDY0MzczOS4wLjAuMA..
Very nice!
Yes. I think seeing the changes in oneself as you get older, if you can accept them, does make the inevitable end easier to contemplate. Doesn’t mean you can’t try to enjoy what you have now. And I think winter is harder when you get older, but I still like it.
Just saw the above post of the cemetery in Cincinnati. My mom grew up right near Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, KY. Has areas for soldiers from both sides of the civil war. My grandmother Olivia is buried there.
I’m 78 and still raring to go – I view arthritis and other health issues (Triple by-pass, hypertension etc) as signs of good fortune – in an earlier age, and in many other countries, I’d be long gone. I’m still making music (my blues band gigs around town), my brain is fairly intact and I don’t give a fuck for fashion.
Death? – huh, that’ll happen to someone else (until it doesn’t).
Meanwhile, I’m eating life..
Good for you!
had to go full wizard to grapple with that quote:
“… and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
-Gandalf
Lord of the Rings
Tolkien
Etc.