Downsizing

We are in the middle of downsizing. Everything in one house has to be assessed, and a decision made about its future value. This process is both cathartic and overwhelming.

While we are making the transition, we have to combine it with day-to-day living. We have been discovering new geographies, discarding some old geographies. We will enjoy the benefits of living within a community. We will miss being close to the trees on South Mountain. We will not miss the fast-driving traffic on Highway #201.

We will miss the birds, butterflies, and the array of shrubs and flowers planted over two decades. Hopefully, we will not miss the accumulated possessions from earlier lives and outdoor pursuits.

We will not miss the regular commutes to Bridgetown or Middleton for groceries, banking, health services.

With the simplification comes time to re-evaluate our interests in an ever-changing world.The road ahead is littered with decisions about the management of our own habitat: the local landscape in the Annapolis Valley; coastal protection in a time of rapid climate change. It includes the relationship between the politics in Canada, North America, Europe and the planet Earth.

Fortunately, we have lived and worked in many Geographies. Some will be worthy of a re-visit Just to benchmark our perception and understanding. Others will remain ‘once in a lifetime’ visitations. We started with very little. We have accumulated much. Now we can divest ourselves, and return to the basic needs: physical and mental health in a supportive environment. That includes ‘community’.

Acknowledgements

I look forward to Heather, Andrew, Patrick and Laurel and their families help in making this major transition. No graphics or links.