Yesterday I spoke to Willow Wood Garden Club about the basics of herbs.Herbs 101.  What a delightful group of ladies! We talked about the basics of growing herbs and how to incorporate them into your garden and your meals. I kept referring to Rosemary since it is such a versatile plant. I use the woody stems as skewers and to flavor spaghetti sauce, the aromatic leaves in creamy mixed herb dips, and bunches of stems for lovely floral arrangements.  I even have two huge plants potted at my front door where visitors take pleasure in the pungent aroma. Rosemary is so multi-talented just like most every garden club member I know. I’ve decided that being a garden club member has many perks including retaining your youthful exuberance and enthusiasm which makes you appear younger.
I sat  beside the Club president while enjoying lunch. We chatted a good bit about our gardens and club activities. She shared that her husband died about four years ago , yet between her church and garden club activities she was content.
The ladies  at my lunch table seemed like good friends I had known forever!  They helped me realize that age is a state of mind, it really is relative.  I was shocked to hear the president say she is 74 years old, the  hip woman sitting beside me well into her 60’s!  These  women have 20 to 25 years on me and still so active and happy. One can be 65 to 70 years old and be old, but someone with a youthful, zesty attitude can seem maybe 20 years younger!
The Willow Wood girls gave me more today than a couple of volunteer hours as a Master Gardener.  They infused a breath of hope that as I age, life can still be engaging and filled with memorable moments. I don’t see myself plopped down on the sofa watching soaps. I envision warm days  of tennis, soaking up  sunshine,  pages of  garden memories and ideas, and hours spent with silly grandchildren. Meanwhile, I will keep tending my Rosemary, looking forward to a continued active, more focused lifestyle just like the ladies of Willow Wood.
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