There has been a certain amount of 'grumping' around here lately, aimed broadly at the consequences of aging and the things we have left, or are being forced to leave, behind. Whilst I am in tune with a lot of that grumpiness, can I offer another perspective?

My point is that as you get older, compensating unexpected pleasures can be found. In my case, having "retired early" a few years ago, I have taken up Ballroom Dancing. Not my first choice of retirement activity, but the GLW wanted to do it and so I acquiesced. A couple of years on, I find that I don't have the two left feet I always thought I had, I enjoy the sense of moving together in synchronised harmony and it's really great fun. This has surprised me.

My other example is the fact that I have gone back to school to learn Italian. As a child of the 60's, I have certainly left it late to develop my language skills. With enthusiastic support from Patrick C of this parish, I decided to go to an evening class for a pre-GCSE course. It's proper school mind, homework, tests and evereything! I have amazed myself with my progress, developed an accent and become able to understand some of what is being said to me - in a foreign language. It's also great fun. This too has surprised me.

So, at a time when I felt I should either be tramping the golf course, stacking shelves or digging the garden all day, I have found unexpected pleasures to reinvigorate my life when I feared it was calcifying. I guess my point is that aging changes us and stuff falls away, but other stuff can take it's place and bring different, unexpected pleasures.