Beneath My Feet

Some bus-riding feet in the aisle on a bus in Bucerias, Mexico. 2023 In Mexico we rely on our feet to walk us or public transportation to carry us -- mostly big old buses, collectivo vans, and sometimes taxis. Riding the buses here is like Forrest Gump's  box of chocolates ... "you never know what you'll get!" Sometimes the buses are like noisy old grain trucks with grinding gears and braying brakes. Window curtains flapping in the breeze, hard plastic seats and no remaining shock absorbers ensure a jostling journey. Other times, buses are new with tinted windows, air conditioning, cushy seats and fancy blue interior lighting at night. On rare occasions you'll have the entire bus to yourself, but, more often, there is standing room only. When you think they can't possibly cram another person on behind you, because you are already standing on the stairs, they manage to fit another 3 people .... no soul left behind. Hang on for your life to whatever railing you...

  On a wedding Party Bus in Las Vegas, 2022. I happened across an essay by Rob LaZebnik (writer for Simpsons ) where he explored How to Avoid Being Boring at 60 . He set a goal of trying 60 new things during the year he turned 60. They weren't daring adventures; as an example, he learned how to sew himself a shirt! This idea sparked my attempt to list 64 new things that I tried or experienced since I turned 60, four years ago. Here is an excerpt from my list: Most recently... audio books. I'm addicted now! Wordle. (Almost daily. If you don't know what Wordle is, you really need to get out more.) Sound baths Purchasing kayaks. We love kayaking now -- every chance we get. Walking rescue dogs at the shelter. (Mexico) Trivia nights. (Mexico)  Participating in a Flash Mob dance. (Apparently, they are still a thing.) Creating a macrame wall hanging Writing a blog! Ordering food/recipe boxes that are delivered to your door. Going to a wedding in Las Vegas and riding on their Party...