My husband and I had traveled to many different parts of the world and I just loved being immersed in different cultures. For the past few years, knowing that I would not be able to travel the way I used to, I said that before I die, I must experience Barcelona and then finally, visit Cuba once more, but this time with my family.
I have been putting off Barcelona due to various health and personal issues and am beginning to feel like the plan is slipping away. Some of you know my motto “While I can, I will. When I can’t, I won’t, but I’ll be glad that I did when I could.” Well, it’s just beginning to feel that I can’t but while I still feel that I can, I am going to seize that feeling and plan to go there toward the end of this year.
Feeling old does has a way of creeping in….and that’s not always a bad thing. It’s good to know one’s limitations. So I am going to do this year what I think I may not be able to do next year – Barcelona, here I come!
Cuba will be the trip I will do when I turn 80 in 2015. I want to visit the country of my birth one more time and share that experience with my family – so I better start saving for that now.
I am fortunate that I enjoy doing many crafts and love when my creative juices get going and I discover a new way of doing whatever – whether it’s painting a piece of furniture, knit beading a new bracelet, creating a new soup recipe or even discovering a new computer/ iPhone ability.
We are living in an age of constant change and keeping up with it can be daunting but it can also be exhilarating!
ElderChicks 
Elena is a wonderfully talented and creative person. When she writes about doing crafts that is a definite understatement. Her work is undoubtedly on a professional level in its quality. I can truly say in her case, “you’re not getting older, you’re getting better”. Elena, just keep on “doing”!!! You are a model for us all!!
Dear Jackie, thanks for your lovely words, but I do believe that we are all creative in our own ways.
I totally agree….and I just turned 80 and am off to Hawaii. Betty
Good for you, Betty. Have a grand time and if you can, visit the island of Kauai – it is so beautiful!
This is so well done. I couldn’t agree more
What craft are you into a this time? I am also a person that loves crafts. I am knitting right now, scarves and hats. My next thing is going to be baby blankets.
I love practical things with great color and texture. I would love to hear what you are working on now.
Oops, I accidentally deleted my answer to you, Linda.
I love painting furniture & other household items. I am presently collageing bracelets made out of cardboard (looks better than it sounds) and also making bracelets out of buttons and beads. I am always looking for something new that will jump start my creative juices.
Another reply…. I have visions of Cuba in the fifties… Do you have any stories of this time in Cuba. I would love to hear them.
My husband and I went to Cuba in 1996 with a group that brought aid to various Jewish communities throughout the island. We also witnessed the first Bar Mitzvah in 30 years. Traveling there now is less restrictive, although you still have to go with a group or through a travel agent. Now you can go directly from Miami to Cuba. When we went, we had to go from Newark to a Caribbean Island & then to Cuba. Now, people can open a business and even buy property so they are becoming more Capitalistic.
yup………do it………turning 92 and, unfortunately, I can’t………………
Thanks for the vote of confidence, m0313
Elena, your motto closed our book (The New Senior Woman). In several of the radio interviews that Thelma and I have had, the hosts have quoted those lines to us. It has obviously resonated wiour readers, just as it resonated with us. These are wise words to live by. Enjoy your trips!
Elena, Barcelona is one city I would love to revisit, having been there twice, once with eight-year old grandchildren. The youngest and oldest eyes have so much to see in that extraordinary place. Of all the people I know, you would find it fits you perfectly.