The Armstrong Old Folk’s Home Is Rocking, on chairs

What we do and no longer do defines our old age

Fifty-one years of marital bliss all cooped up in our little house by the side of the road. We’re loving it. Hey, we’re in our late seventies and early eighties and pretty much enjoying each breath we inhale.

I told my wife the first day of our marriage that I’m going with her if she ever left me. I have no Rubies, but I have a great wife, which is far better. I’m happy. Look up happy in the dictionary, my picture’s next to the definition.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. (Proverbs 31:10 NLT).

Real-life is in The Armstrong Old Folk’s Home

So, what’s life like for the two residents of the Armstrong Old Folks Home? Well, there are a few things we no longer do. See if you can identify with any of these.

1. We no longer plant a vegetable garden. My goodness, there are veggies already plucked from Mother Earth. They’re washed and ready at the nearby farmer’s roadside stand.
2. This means we no longer can or freeze a winter supply of food. Why put my hands in boiling water to pull out canning jars. My farmer neighbor’s hands are ready to do the labor-intensive work!
3. We don’t change diapers, period. Goodness gracious. Why not allow the grandkids to have this wonderful experience with our great-grandkids. We do hold the babies and take pictures.
4. Hosting holiday meals for 20-to-25 family members. This no longer happens at our Old Folk’s Home. We no longer get up at three a.m. to put Turkey in the oven. Even though I now have an Air Fryer. Local restaurants do a fine job cooking food, serving said food, and washing the dishes. The cost to us is about the same as us buying, preparing and serving the meal at home. Whew! Why didn’t we do restaurants fifteen years ago?
5. At seventy-nine, my ladder-climbing days are over. And that’s a good thing. My young neighbor man cleans our house’s rain gutters. I’m not as handy anymore, so I hire a Handyman to do what needs fixing at home. Lots cheaper than me falling off a ladder and spending four days in the hospital, wouldn’t you say?

So, we are open to change at our home, how about you?

There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles. Stephen Covey, American educator and author.

So, what do the Armstrong Old-Folks residents actually do?

Now, be aware the Armstrong Old Folk’s home is a private entity. It covers a sprawling half-acre estate, and it’s not open to the public, and that’s a good thing.

We live in our little house by the side of the road having tremendous benefits. I’m delighted to write five of the many extraordinary privileges.

1. We gave serious consideration to moving to a Life Plan Community. But we like our privacy and independence a little too much. This means we can do what we want to do since we own the place. We, alone, determine when the lights are turned off. I continue to give much thought to when it will be more beneficial to move into a Life Plan facility.
2. Naps are not optional. A rule is for naps to be frequent at the Armstrong Old Folk’s home. As a bonus, naps are free and can happen anytime. No one will come by my recliner telling me you need to get up and exercise.
3. Meals served at our convenience, not scheduled by the higher-ups. Yes, we eat healthy meals, but sometimes pancakes at dinner time are okay. No one hovers over us, instructing us to eat more veggies. Enough already; we ate turnips and greens years ago; now it’s time to level the table with some comfort food, right?
4. Here’s a significant benefit. Our home experienced no lockdowns during Covid-19. None, zero, nada. Masks or no masks, it’s your choice when you come to visit us. Yes, we are vaccinated, but it’s none of our business if you haven’t.
5. Years ago being with lots of people was most enjoyable, now not so much. Being alone with my wife is most enjoyable. Now, I’m not suggesting we don’t like company; we do. In fact, when family or friends come to visit us, it’s a highlight of our week. But we do like having the house to ourselves. It’s like our little hut in a far-off forest somewhere.

Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better. Henry Rollins. American singer and speaker.

So, here’s the wrap

When we are retired from a career, we become the chief CEO of our life. You get to choose what is essential and what to throw by the wayside. As I get older, I’m amazed that what I once thought necessary is no longer a top priority.

I’ve given you a peek into our lives here at the Armstrong Old Folk’s Home. You understand, we did not name it so; we just grew into it. The old folks at home, that’s us.

Your assignment is to determine what is and isn’t essential in your older years. You’re not required to report back to me unless you want to give your list.

I appreciate, you're reading my complete story. Doesn’t always happen, but when it does, I’m delighted. Thank you, Richard.

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