Day 830 bookends

A morning walk at the coast, with the sun shining has a way of shaking out any cobwebs building in my brain. The cold, crisp air is always refreshing and although the wind increases the closer you get to the water, it's worth every drop in temperature to take in the spectacular ocean sights. Standing on the ledges and rocky coast It would be impossible to tell the difference between the Maine and RI shoreline.  The September day I spent hiking the rocky Maine coastline was as close to identical to our RI coast as could be, both even showcased old lighthouses. The last time I visited Beavertail was on Christmas day, so its been ages! I usually walk closer to home, my standard bike path or sea wall walks, creature of habit and a true Rhode Islander that hates to drive more than five minutes to get anywhere. After shaking out the cobwebs I went about my day, eager to get home. My friends, Carol and Gerard were headed to my house to play Mahjong, Gerard and Tim finally ready to learn, yay. The guys were great students, memorizing all the tile names and many of the rules. We  played two games, teaching as we went along with new rules and game nuances being revealed as we played. I'm sure they didn't finish with any great love for the game, it really takes a few lessons to begin to understand it enough to enjoy, but they'll get there. I'm equally sure that Tim is only learning because I asked him to, props to him for that. With winter settling in, why not learn a new game, especially one that improves cognitive function...after all, we're not getting any younger. I hope to be one of those old gals that can still walk miles every day for enjoyment, but figure I better round it off with a table game or two. Hopefully, I'll take after my mother, she's still going strong at eighty five....fingers crossed. She still walks several miles daily and plays Bridge bi-weekly although is aware there's not many Bridge players left...maybe she needs to hop on the Mahjong train...I sense another student coming my way! Hiking along the sunny coastline in the fresh crisp air was the perfect way to start the day, gathering with friends for games in the cold dark afternoon hours a splendid way to end it....bookends at their very best.