By Emily Reid
When I came to Orcas Island, I was pretty young, with three little children and a husband who was very demanding — an original do-it-yourselfer. I thought, “Good! Fresh air, sunshine, and a safe place for the children — and I won’t have to iron tablecloths.”
The change in the everyday routine was so stimulating, the weather was so cooperative, and life was so undemanding.
In our family, when people come to visit, we took care of them in our home, rather than staying in rental places. I once served 17 people in my little house, we provided the necessities of civilization, and it never occurred to me to use paper plates — and I never had to iron a tablecloth.
But my expectations didn’t go beyond getting into bed at night and doing it all over again in the morning.
Changes are still happening on the island, and they’re still stimulating, though some of us are slowing down and getting in a rut. People expect to retire and rest and not get around.
Some people don’t admit that they need a little help and encouragement to get out and look around.
We have so many opportunities here, one of which is lunch at the Senior Center, where people can quietly enjoy companionship, seeing old friends and making new friends.
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