Friday, October 5, 2018

When I'm Sixty-Four by Alison Henderson

I'm sure you remember the old Beatles song, When I'm Sixty-Four. When that song was released, sixty-four seemed like a long way off for most of us. Well, it's much closer for me now. In fact, it's tomorrow.

I don't know how I managed to get so old in such a short time, but rather than bemoan it, I've decided to own it. Thanks to good genes, excellent make-up, and a top-notch hairdresser, I don't think most people would guess my true age upon meeting me. The very best part of turning sixty-four is that it's only one more year until sixty-five and MEDICARE! Let me tell you, as someone who has to pay $1,438 a month for bare-bones health insurance, Medicare is the shining light upon the hill.

Another good thing about turning sixty-four is I don't really need, or want, much of anything. OG is taking me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant, and that's about it. I did, however, give myself a present this year that I thought I'd share with you.

You may remember how much I love fairy gardens. Every year I build two new ones for my garden club's silent auction fundraiser. I also have my own, but after several years, it had grown tired-looking. For my birthday, I decided to replant it. OG also refurbished all the accessories that had been bleached nearly white in our strong sun.

Here's the planter before I started. It's really cute--looks like an old wicker suitcase.



Here are the plants in place. The little tree is a Monterey Cypress seedling from my yard. I'm going to try bonsai with it.



And here is the finished product. Isn't it cute? If I take care of it, I should get several years of pleasure before I have to start over again.



Alison
https://www.alisonhenderson.com 

14 comments:

Andrea Downing said...

Happy Birthday and many happy returns. I felt the same way about Medicare which I now enjoy. Too bad it doesn’t pay for hair color and Pilates

Leah St. James said...

Happy birthday, Alison! You're right, I never would guess your age--at least from your photo! Wishing you a joyous day. Sounds like you're off to a good start. The fairy garden is adorable!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Happy Birthday! What Leah said - you don’t look even sixty. Nice work on the fairy garden. Loved your comment about excellent make up and top-notch hairdresser. Both of which I plan to employ in preparation for my son’s wedding tomorrow. And, let me tell you, the cost savings each month once Medicare kicks in are pretty sweet. When the time comes...enjoy!

Jannine Gallant said...

Happy birthday! You look terrific! So does your fairy garden. One of the "old guys" I work with at the boat ramp asked if I was really young when I had my girls. I said, "No, I was in my thirties." He stared at me, looking like he was trying to do math in his head. I said, "Why, how old do you think I am?" He said, "I don't know, 45?" I just laughed. He's now my favorite "old guy" at the ramp.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Yup, Medicare is a grand incentive for wanting to be 65. And your sweet little fairy garden is the perfect way to 'arrange a world' just the way you want it...for your special day. I got the genes for looking younger than my age, too. And like you say, a little make-up helps me smile into the mirror and say: "not bad!" Celebrate wildly, Alison...have a martini!

Alison Henderson said...

Haha, Andi, but I'll be happy to pay for the hair color once I'm on Medicare.

Alison Henderson said...

Thanks, Leah. The photo is only a couple of years old, and I still look just like that.

Alison Henderson said...

Congratulations on your son's wedding, Margo! I'm sure you'll look fabulous. Have a wonderful time!

Alison Henderson said...

Jannine, from one "youngster" to another, you've got to love those old guys.

Alison Henderson said...

Rolynn, I figure the longer we can say, "not bad," the better!

Diane Burton said...

Happy Birthday, Alison. We're almost twins since my birthday was on the 2nd. And there are a few years between us. LOL I was so happy to turn 65 because of Medicare. I was working in a hostile environment, but couldn't quit because of the insurance. I celebrated big time! As you say, at this age, we need little. I enjoy getting a haircut and pedicure. My few indulgences, besides books. Enjoy your birthday. I love your fairy garden.

Alison Henderson said...

Thanks so much, Diane.

Brenda Whiteside said...

A very happy earth entry day, Alison. And your fairy garden is cute as always. You have the knack. They are just so much fun to create!

Alison Henderson said...

Thanks, Brenda, fellow fairy garden aficionado.