Chardonnay and Calm, Blue Seas

How did this happen? The last year of my 40s is slipping away like sand in an hourglass. The boys of summer are finishing up their run. My class is humming like a well-oiled machine. Evenings on the patio are crisp with the clear, fresh wash of cool breezes flowing across our valley. How on earth is 2011 almost over? 

My children are spending time with each other independent of me, or my planning. They now enjoy each others' company and call/text/email/message each other regularly. Life moves on without consulting me. Come on, I'm supposed to be in charge here!! I guess I should just relax into it and let it happen. It's inevitable, the passage of time and the changes in me, my husband, and those around us (most of our changes involve sagging body parts and unexpected aches and pains -god, are we really talking about our health issues??). Mo and I talk more about retirement planning and living trusts than what we are going to do this weekend.

I'm having a hard time with all of this. Anyone else? I can no longer keep track of the current stars of the box office or Billboard charts. I feel so.... well, so... hmmm. Behind? Old? Out of touch? Like I've stepped off the train and am sitting on the platform watching it roll by. But with a glass of really nice chardonnay in my hand, or maybe gin and tonic. With lime. In my gloved hand, wearing a nice wool coat. With boots. Really tall boots. But not the ones with the spiky heels.  Waiting for the other train. The one that takes me to the pier where the cruise ship departs. Yah, that's it. The cruise to the Mediterranean. Okay, I think I can slip into this phase of life now. As long as there is wine and calm blue seas...