Not so old after all

Saturday afternoon I did a fly-by on a reunion of the Christian youth group I was involved with after college. It was marvelous to see old friends, but pretty overwhelming, too. The organizers had asked us to share an on-line one-page biography of the past 30 plus years to speed up the catching up process. Many people had become missionaries or ministers or theologians, or they were the prop and stay of their church, or they were teaching at Christian schools. I started my biography with, "I'm still a sinner," and went on to tell how my life is not all that holy and I don't even go to church any more. Everyone who came up to me said it was their favorite biography. And no one tried to convert me back to the one true way to heaven.

I was quite impressed with how well we have aged. When I was 24, I would never have expected a bunch of fifty-plus people to look so good. We are still reasonably trim and vigorous, and the lack of wrinkles is astounding! It has a lot to do with not getting much sun exposure, not drinking or smoking or partying late. We may not be tan and sophisticated, but almost all of the ladies have creamy, smooth skin. The only obvious sign of age is the fact that we are all going grey - and on us, it looks good!

I arrived early which was wonderful because I had time to talk to the other early arrivals. In about three hours, I was hitting sensory overload and the workshops were about to begin, so I hugged people goodbye and fled.

It was a splendid day for a drive, and the reunion / retreat was held in a stunningly beautiful place - the Menucha Retreat Center. It's a wide-spread scattering of cabins, dormitories and halls easing down the side of the Columbia River Gorge. Stunning views, huge shady maple trees and verdant lawns, forest and wildlife, good organization, and serenity like a thick quilt laid over the whole estate. There were two other retreats , a large wedding, and a family reunion going on as well, and no one ever intruded on anyone else. This could be a killer location for a knitting get away. But not in the winter. The area ices up all the time, and the roads are precipitous, narrow, twisting and shaded. I wouldn't try to drive 'em on a bet!