I got acquainted with video games via Tetris and Mario and Donkey Kong. And learned a bit about compulsion when one evening after my kiddoes were in bed, I started playing Tetris. Next time I looked at the clock it was 6 a.m., nearly time for me to get up and make breakfast!
My kids and grandkids play these video games that to me are so complicated. Yet my six-year-old grandson whistles, jumps and zooms through them easily. He understands and learns so quickly the complexities. I am pleased when I can figure out new apps on my phone!
I am also pleased when I swim a mile twice a week, which I have recently returned to doing after two and a half years of no swimming. Life. Decisions. Motivation. Self-care. Recognizing and owning consequences. O la la.
And as some of my friends and I have realized more deeply with time passing, connection with other people and with friends is of primary importance. I have gone to a couple community luncheons and meetings recently in order to meet and engage with people. I am truly enjoying the open mic near here twice a month – being present there, meeting people, as well as performing.
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Oh yeah, the 7 gallons. I recently completed donating my 56th pint of blood for a total of 7 gallons. Yes, it was over about forty years all told, yet I did it. Not that I had a number of donations as a goal, sometimes I went years without donating, such as when I was doing a good bit of international travel and was ineligible to donate for periods of time. Woo hoo, the world is a better place.
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Yup, I’ve got deer poop in my driveway. I smile and step around it. My kids are speaking to me, my grandkids hug me and want me to chase them when I visit them, I am connected to friends and making new ones, my dog loves me, my property taxes only went up a few dollars, I can count laps when I swim, and my novel is nearing completion.
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Double yee-haw on the novel. More about that soon~
Thank you for reading~~
Charlotte Seawell
February 26, 2026 at 2:43 pmLove reading about all of the updates!
Mary
February 26, 2026 at 2:47 pmMerci Char. So glad to hear from you~~
Donna M. Rudiger
February 26, 2026 at 4:31 pmThanks for keeping us informed of all your good works. Glad to hear you are back on track with swimming. Looking foward to Spring……making new plans now to get my work published this year. The “High Commander” says ‘this is the yeat to get it done!’
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Mary
February 26, 2026 at 6:14 pm2026! Yay for us. Keep writing and moving forward, Donna.
Buddy Miroslavich
February 26, 2026 at 5:12 pmEnjoyable, as usual. Sounds like you are more familiar with those games than me, since I know absolutely nothing about any. Not even the early easy ones. I just wish I knew how to use my smartphone to get the weekly digital deals at my local grocery store! I’m ready to read your book. Looking forward. I’ll try to call soon
Mary
February 26, 2026 at 6:13 pmBuddy! Yay. Talk with you soon. Take care and keep warm~~
Joy Ross
February 26, 2026 at 5:20 pmWhat a special sharing
Thanks so much
Mary
February 26, 2026 at 6:12 pmMy pleasure. You and I have talked about connection and how important it is.
Pat Moore
February 26, 2026 at 5:51 pmThank you for writing this – a great reminder that we are all on a path – as well as the importance of connectivity and fidelity to self and by extension others .
Mary
February 26, 2026 at 6:12 pmI am grateful for our connection, Pat. Yay!
Pat
February 26, 2026 at 5:56 pmMary,
I just spoke with a friend who relies on regular blood
Infusions in order to continue to participate
In her life with mobility and cognition .
So just wanted to say thank you for all the blood donations you’ve made and continue to make .
Mary
February 26, 2026 at 6:11 pmYou are so welcome. My privilege.
Judy Ridge
February 26, 2026 at 7:11 pmAlways enjoy your Blogs. So happy your life is moving along smoothly.
Mary
February 27, 2026 at 9:55 amGrazie. See you soon.
Katherine Bennett
February 26, 2026 at 7:52 pmCongrats on the blood donations … I just received 2 units about a month ago. Can’t figure out why my blood levels were down so much. You do seem to be having a good time with everything going on in your life. I am so happy for you! I don’t seem to be doing much of anything these days. I may have missed some of your posts, so I need to ask … do you have a working title for your book? Good luck with that, and take very good care of yourself. KathyB
Mary
February 27, 2026 at 9:58 amHow to great to hear from you, Kathy. The SC-CC conference is out here in Victoria this year. Thank you for staying in touch. By the way, the novel’s title is “In the Company of Secrets.”
DD
February 27, 2026 at 9:19 amSounds like a good life effort and a positive outlook. Way to go Mary. We all need to enjoy and appreciate what we have.
Mary
February 27, 2026 at 9:58 amHi Dave, thank you for checking in. Best to you and Linds~
Judith Alexander
February 27, 2026 at 9:30 amThank you for the update — and all the good suggestions for how to life life fully, age being NOT our identity !
Mary
February 27, 2026 at 10:00 amHi Judith~ Thank you for reading and commenting. I was at the Montreal Tellers monthly event last night. Very nice. Best to you.
Judith
February 27, 2026 at 1:34 pmI had hoped to come, but had to delay my flight from Munich to Seattle, due to a nerve problem in my face. Handled now, but the flight had to be rebooked. Missing some other events.
I donated for a long time, and ate raisins and bananas to keep from being rejected. Once met a former student who was taking the blood. Then I also helped as a volunteer, handing out juice and cookies. Met some interesting folks.
So glad the grandkids are in the picture — can you run after them?
Mary Ellen Johnson
March 2, 2026 at 11:30 amI love reading of all your good news!
As one of my friends affirms: All is well. Life is Good. And we are Truly Blessed.