Martha Whitmore Hickman

Most of the updating I've done is in the Biography section--most importantly in terms of change--our major move from Tennessee to California to be close to one of our adult children and his family. In a move of this magnitude,it isn't only the geographical shift, but the logistical and emotional uprooting and rerooting of large components of one's life. A new family doctor, new specialists now that eyes, joints, hearing are probably requiring more attention. A new church to affiliate with. Often a new cultural milieu. And even clothing--who needs a winter coat in California? And here even men wear wide-brimmed hats against the mid-day sun.

These transitions are still going on, and will, but against the background of continuing adaptation and change, singular events occur that are memorable and worthy of notation. Here, after the manner of newsletters, are three:

Last May we flew to Boston to attend the high School graduation of a granddaughter, our oldest grandchild. It was a lovely occasion. Of course she was the prettiest, her speech the best, her academic prowess stellar. A heart-warming milestone for us all. Now, a year later, she is finishing up her first year at M.I.T. She has loved it--has had a dizzying schedule of classes, including glass-blowing and 2 kinds of dancing, as well as more academic subjects. Next fall, her cousin, our next-oldest grandchild, will start at Carleton, in MN, and we are all sharing her excitement at that.

I have joined the staff of the community's bi-monthly newspaper, and have interviewed and written up bios of three new residents. See, (message to myself) I am still a practising writer. Speaking of which, I am Facilitator for our weekly Writers' Group. Seven or eight of us read what we're currently writing, cheer each other on.

Last yearI had joined the YMCA and enrolled in a water aerobics class. Now, instead of swimming, I am participating in a 4 mornings a week Shape Up exercise class, right here in our retirement community. Also right here: Since "here" is in earthquake-prone California, we are having disaster drills. "Duck and cover" is the word for today.

Happy summer. Use sunscreen when you need it, and catch up on some of those books you've been meaning to read. Or write?