With the exception of a couple routine doctor appointments, a visit by a screen door repairer, and some Aussie visitors in August, I’ve got nothing on my calendar for the rest of my life. No travel plans, no meetings, no weddings, no holidays, no social engagements. Nada. Nothing. Zippo.

I like that. Particularly since Padma and I have had such a full calendar the past 14 months.

That doesn’t mean I’ve got nothing to do. Retirement didn’t suit me so I’m working almost full time on consultancies and freelance work. And there’s talk of a bit more work travel this year. But for now … for today at least… the rest of my life is wide open …

With nothing locked in to the schedule, it would be nice to sleep in each day. But I can’t. I’ve given up on trying to get back to sleep after my dawn awakening. So, these days I put on some shorts and walk across the street and take a barefoot stroll on the beach as the sun makes its spectacular appearance on the Indian Ocean.

The morning stroll loosens up my stiff body but it’s the awakening of the brain that I enjoy. I write stories in my mind while I walk. I wrote this story on this morning’s walk. I usually forget most of the stories by the time I get home. But it doesn’t matter. At least I enjoy the stories … an audience of one.

I suspect my calendar will eventually start to fill again. But for now, my morning beach walks are the only thing I want on my daily schedule.