Awareness of the outside world. My friends are retiring (waves Hi!). I’m starting to qualify for senior programs. I’m not ready to be the same age as old people.
~~~
Shaft Bells with Leather Strap from Big Black Horse.
Coach Kate, Whip Hand Farm, is also getting into the sounds of the season.
Bliss with bells. YouTube video
While we are on the subject bells, History.com: 8 Things You May Not Know About ‘Jingle Bells’, Klein 2016, 2023. Hat tip to Kate.
Admin note
I have enough lawyer blood in me that citations are important. The source of the opening sentiment has been lost in the mists of time. I saw it, I think, on a t-shirt. Or perhaps on social media. It stuck with me. So, thank you to the anonymous wearer or poster.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Old people! You are merely a senior citizen being honored for getting that far. Old isn’t 60 or even 70 these days. Maybe in your 80s you can think about being old.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Mom, age 83
P.S. the flower is beautiful. Thank you.
Mom
🌹
A neighbor, learning that I am trying to downsize, offered to take my “old yarn and old fabric” as if they were worn out clothing needing to be discarded and not treasures I have accumulated over decades of my life to use in artwork. I had n way of answering her. I know she meant her offer to be helpful, but I felt as if someone had struck me in the chest. Let me and my stashes be like a fine old instrument, a violin, not trash.
😦
I can’t say that I feel old, just that old signifiers are happening around me.
The hardest part of downsizing is properly rehoming things. I could give away so much if someone would take them.