Reflections on an Aging Body

Rich's News from Camp Webegone

July 15, 2016

The other morning as I awoke with my shoulder aching from overdoing raking, I thought about pioneers who lived “off the grid” before there was a grid. The physicality of life. Chop wood carry water takes a lot of physical strength that

they had to do all their lives. No wonder when we look around we find people overweight. But also a measure of my own age as I near 70. Each year another diminishing of my physical capacity. It is humbling.

I am reminded of a bus ride in Haiti during my Peace Corps days, 1998 - 2001. Sitting next to a man who was old but who knows how old. He was next to the window and I finally realized he was peeing into a cup and tossing it out the window. Now with prostate issues I have greater understanding. It was so discrete and done with dignity. Life closer to the edge.

Rich with his work lance.

Life at Camp Webegone takes more physical effort. I am in better shape. Now to figure out how to make that happen when we are trailer bound in the winter. A challenge for us to address as we noticed a slug quality in our life as we hide from the rain and cold.