No, not me. I reached 40 a couple of years ago. I’ll hit 42 later this year.
During our busy weekend we managed to get along to a friend’s 40th celebrations. It was a wonderful time relaxing under the shady trees at Houghton Wines in the Swan Valley. Bruce, the birthday boy, (and a regular commenter here at The Journey) was one of those who cycled from Perth to Hobart with me in 2003. We have plans to cycle around Australia together when we retire. I’m glad I’ll retire a couple of years before he does because it will give me a chance to work on my fitness so that I can keep up with him. He’s not only a great bloke, he’s a very good cyclist.
There were a few others who were on the Hobart ride there yesterday as well so it was a great opportunity to catch up. Three of the other guests are part of my upcoming trip to India so we were able to discuss a few bits and pieces about our journey.
It was good to sit back and relax with friends while Emily climbed every tree in sight. I think she clambered up and down about 5 or 6 different trees. She would climb reasonably high in a tree and then proudly tell me that I wouldn’t be able to do that because I’m scared of heights. Of course what she doesn’t realise is that I’m even more terrified of seeing my little girl take risks but I don’t want to pass on my irrational fears so I just smiled sweetly and stayed where I could catch her. I sometimes find it hard to walk the balance of protecting our kids without stifling their creativity and sense of adventure.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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Thank you for your kind comments Rodney. Very glad that you had a relaxing and enjoyable time (well as relaxed as you could be with Emily scrambling up every tree in sight!)
It was a special and memorable day for me, sharing my 40th with so many friends. Looking forward to retirement!