A few weeks ago I called to check in on my mom because I had heard about some awful weather that was pummeling the area just south of where she stays during the winter.
“I’m fine,” she said. “I’m just waiting for this wind to die down so I can take my walk.”
To be fair, my mom was unaware of the terrible tornadoes that had swept through Fort Myers when I called that day, but I still had to chuckle. Neither rain, nor sleet, no threat of night will keep Peggy from her rounds.
Today, my mom turns 83 and I am lucky enough to celebrate with her. We rose early to toast the sunrise, and then she’ll be heading off to her tennis match.
My mom keeps a rigid schedule that includes a rotating cycle of at least two exercises a day — swimming, walking, tennis, biking, dancing to music from the 50s and marching to band music.
Yesterday, a typical day for her, nearly wore me out. We walked, toured a diversity display she has been anxious to show me, had an early lunch, swam, walked some more, picked up our dinner (at 3:30 p.m.), strolled down to the beach to have a little wine at sunset, and headed back to eat. In between, she worked on her crossword puzzles. She does three a day.
My mom hangs out with equally motivated people. Currently, she and her tennis buddies are engaged in a spirited defense of their courts against the encroachment of the pickleballers.
“I’m too young to play pickleball!” she says, because she prefers a full court to run her opponents around.
Having met them a few times, my money is on the tennis players.
Recently, my mom has become fascinated with the term “super ager” because she knows so many of them, people who look decades younger than they are and whose physical and cognitive abilities have remained extra sharp. In the coming weeks, she’s going to guest blog about some of them and I think you’ll be as impressed as I am.
For now, though, I’d like to use this space to say Happy Birthday Grandma Peggy! So glad I can spend it with you.
Now, when do we nap?
Happy Birthday Mrs. K! I sure hope it’s a ‘Good One’. My favorite English Teacher of all-time (just hope my prose doesn’t make you cringe). Can’t wait to read Your Blog. Best & Cheers, Kevin
She says, “Thank you Kevin! I enjoy being friends with you on Facebook!”
A great tennis player and a delightful personality
She says “Thank you! We’ll see you on the court in a little bit. (Hopefully we’ll be partners!)
Happy Birthday Girlfriend!
It has fun growing old with you.
She says, “Thank you! Let’s get together in Florida!”
Give your mom a very special 83 rd birthday wish from all the ASASHON’S & have a sunset drink .
Thanks Nick! We will do that for sure!
This whole time I thought she was around MY age (will be 72 in Jun) !! All I can is WOW!
Well, I don’t think you look your age at all either so WOW! for you too!
My dad’s Vermont genes. Hardy stock. 😉
Laura please pass this on to your mom.
Michael and I have had the privilege of knowing your mom for some years now and the joy that she brings to us is priceless! Peggy has filled a place in our lives and in our hearts after the loss of our parents. Her loving caring and always insightful views are refreshing.
We love her and we can’t say that enough we wish we were there to celebrate this birthday with her and you!
But I think we would need a nap also she runs circles around us!
All of our love Michael and Steve
She can’t wait for you guys to get down here!
Happy birthday Mrs. Kostelnik🎉. A beautiful gift to have Laura with you on your birthday.
A day late, but Happy Birthday to the youngest 83-year-old we know! – Steve & Cary
She says thank you very much!