Chapter 1: A Reluctant Invitation

When I was 35, a friend of mine invited me to join her and two other friends at a health resort. Lynne, who owned a fitness center with her husband, had received a complimentary stay, and we couldn’t resist the allure of a week away from our kids. However, there was one significant issue: none of us were particularly health-conscious. But, as the saying goes, you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Surprisingly, I wasn't the worst fit for this health getaway. Among the four of us, I was the only one who abstained from alcohol at that time, though that changed at 42 during a trip with my husband. Two of my friends, however, did smoke.

The first couple of days left me feeling uneasy about what lay ahead. My spirits plummeted during our first dinner when I discovered that salt and butter were off the table. The vegetables were barely warmed, and I questioned why they bothered cooking them at all. And no sugar? Dianne was equally upset when we learned we were limited to just one glass of wine with our meal.

The following morning, we devised a plan. Our first stop was the nearby supermarket, followed by a trip to the liquor store. I picked up a bag of sugar, a stick of butter, and some salt, while Dianne, ever resourceful, bought a cask of wine. The challenge was how to sneak our treasures into dinner and keep them hidden.

Our beach bags became our best allies. We chose a table at the back of the dining room, far from the prying eyes of the dietician. Dianne cleverly concealed the cask under the table, ensuring our glasses were always full. My friends assisted in smuggling sugar for their breakfast cereals, which they were grateful for.

After dinner, Dianne and I would sneak out for a cigarette, using a film cartridge as a makeshift ashtray, leaving no trace of our rebellious escapades. If anyone noticed our less-than-healthy behavior, it was never addressed.

I didn’t engage in any fitness classes, but I did learn to ride a bicycle. I wasn’t a couch potato; after all, being a mother to two young children kept me active. Horse riding was my ultimate joy during those years. I often rode with friends through the nearby National Park, though I was wise enough not to own a horse due to the expense and commitment. Instead, I rode the same horse at a local stable for three years, which felt like a bond.

Picking my daughters up from school in riding jodhpurs and smelling of horses wasn’t met with enthusiasm, but they grew accustomed to it, recognizing how much it meant to me. If moms are happy, the whole family thrives.

At 73, I consider myself in good shape for my age. I’m grateful for every moment I’ve lived, especially the laughter from those days.

Chapter 2: Finding Joy in Unlikely Places

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