I woke up this morning feeling thankful for the opportunity to share some intimate time with our good friends Mike and Martha on the beautiful island of Hawaii. We have had a wonderful week together so far, shared some great meals and beautiful sunsets on the lanai. Our conversation has ranged from family, politics, wine, travel, old movies, sports, favorite childhood memories, art, science, hobbies, cooking…we have certainly run the gamut!

Being on the road will certainly change the parameters of our friendships and will make spontaneous events with old friends less possible. This is one of the things I have been concerned about but can see the benefits of spending longer, more intimate time with friends and family.

As we get older, and life gets faster – the time we once had for our friends, seems to diminish. You might not notice it at first, but soon your coffee dates are being replaced by meetings. Your carefree mornings are busy and rushed, and the phone calls you used to make daily to chat with your best friend are slowly turning into every other week (or month!) catch up calls. Fitting in time for friends is sadly one of the first things to go when life gets busy, and before you know it – you hardly know the person you used to call your best friend.

Having more time to spend with friends and family is one of the things I look most forward to in retirement and feel deeply thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Aloha …Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!