Growing Up in Bandera

Here in my retirement years I have gotten a bit spoiled by my own hands. I do things to pamper myself that would never have been possible in earlier times. I think I'm allowed since my earlier life was considered anything but privileged if you are counting worldly goods. I was totally unaware of lacking a kitchen cabinet where a snack or sweet treat was always available. Let me tell you, my world has changed.

I guess I could be called an abuser when it comes to things like keeping my favorite snacks available. Desserts were scarce back in the day at our house but now they are considered a must up until I once again discover the shrinking waistlines in my jeans.

I really enjoy jalapeno cheddar flavored Cheetos with my toddy in the evening even though I know I may very well be up during the night with heartburn. I suppose I could give up the Cheetos but the toddy is here to stay.

There is a plastic container in the kitchen cabinet where all the grandkids know there is an ample supply of vanilla cookies. Everyone around my house calls them "Pawpaw's cook ies" but they are readily shared with the kids of all ages. No chocolate cookies allowed.

I'm not sure at what point in my life the noontime naps became a habit for me but in retirement I have expanded them to include just about anytime during the day I feel like it. More than one nap a day is not considered a rarity for me. This may be due to my inability to break the 4 AM rising time habit I had acquired during my working years while commuting to San Antonio daily.

I did nap on the jobsite too back in my working days at lunchtime if the work environment allowed. Now that I control the work hours, I nap when I feel like it and I go to bed when I feel like it. Also I rise when I feel like it, not by anyone's schedule.

Recently while I was using a chainsaw to cut firewood a friend commented that he thought I was getting a little too old to be working that hard. I have had that same thought myself on occasion but to tell the truth I'm afraid if I stop I may not get started again. My Growing Up In Bandera life has always involved hard work and when it's done it makes a fella more appreciative of the playtime benefits we enjoy here in Bandera.