Since I turned 50!

I feel it already! Middle age is it? Hope so, unlikely though as I don't anticipate to live to be a 100. As it turns out I am not sure that I can afford to live another 30 years. Thanks to a wavering economy. But that is another matter.
Since my last post things have been happening in our neck of the woods. Melanie and David arrived at the end of July and stayed a couple of days before touring Alaska on their bikes, Bunny and Nancy were arriving on the 4th at one hour difference so I went to the airport to greet them and take them home. My Sister Carol and Brother-in-Law Jean-Pierre arrived on my BD (the 5th). We had a bit of celebration for few days afterthat. First with my friends for a luncheon organized by Terry. They had some fun making fun of my advancing age!!!! They were all giving me advices and what to look forward to... they are all older than me. ahahah. But I am honored to be in such wise company. Curt outdid himself by making a party to remember at our house on the 7th. About 40+ of my favorite people in the world, the only missing were my Mom, Emily and my french family. I did think about them a lot and wish they could have been here with us. Instead of a traditional cake I had a fabulous "Tarte Tatin" for dessert. Paris Bakery and Cafe catered the event. We had some great fun.
The weather had been rainy with just few hours of respite for the party. Yeah!!!
Since then we have gone to Homer for three days. Melanie and David who had started a bike tour on their own in Calgary then went on to Sitka and Anchorage had completed a nice loop around Alaska met us in Homer and drove back with us. Melanie has a special spot in my heart. One of those person that just happens in your life as a gift of fresh air. Thinking of that I have to tell that I got many wonderful presents from my friends but Bunny and Mimi did a surprising thing: Bunny arrived with one suitcase that she asked to open as soon as we were in the car. She extracted from it a huge handle gift bag filled with..... 50 presents!!!! all wrapped with beautiful papers and colorful silk ribbons... That was pretty amazing! I still can't believe the amount of time it took for them to gather those, wrap them and then carry them. I had a lot of fun opening them with Carol later on. I must say that I am very lucky to have friends that go out of their ways to make me feel loved and appreciated. So a big thank you for all of my friends that are vital parts of my life. I could not do it without you.
Where was I??? Oh yeah, Homer. The fireweeds are still going on strong in Kenai. We even saw giant ones by the Orthodox Church in Ninilchik!!! About 7 feet tall. We stayed at the Jenny Lane Cottage. I love that place. So conveniently located on the bluff. Few steps down and you are on the beach. Few steps on the road and you are at the Bunnell Gallery, the Fringe and Two Sister's Bakery. The weather was beautiful. Of course Fat Olives was on the Menu, then Boardwalk Fish and Chips, The Salty Dog Saloon for a drink, Jars of Clay for ceramic purchasing.
A new thing that I did was to take a walk in the back pier on the spit where old rusty ships are anchored. I had fun taking pictures of those silent colorful giants. I wanted to move and live in one of them. Install my studio and start working amongst the rust. Must be because of my new advanced age!!! Live where you belong... But it is true that it is a great waste of great space.
We also drove down East end Road in the Russian neighborhood, a real adventure with superb vista of the glaciers on the other side of Kachemak Bay.
Can you tell that I love Homer???
So now back in Anchorage and saying goodbye to Melanie and David this morning. They are off to Hawai to a wedding. They are so courageous to have tacked so many miles already on their bikes with all their gears. What great memories for them.
Carol and Jean Pierre are on their way to Talkeetna as I write this note.
Life is about to change for us. I guess it happens to everyone but let's say that we are a bit more aware of it then others at the moment. Turning 50 will not go unnoticed for me. It is engraved in my memory. I am scarred and excited at the same time of what is ahead. I am ready for it. I am going to pledge to age but not to get old. I want to keep my spirit how it is: a bit immature, continuing to nourish it with learning and add some depth to it as it experiences new things.