No books to recommend but every time I read something like this, I always think of the John Prine song from around 1970 - Hello in There. I first heard it when I was in my 20s. Now 80. Really hits home
I just finished reading Raising Hare, a memoir by Chloe Dalton.
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton is a book about her experience rescuing and raising a baby hare (leveret) during the COVID-19 lockdown, exploring themes of freedom, trust, and the human-animal bond. The memoir details her journey of caring for the wild animal, which she never names, and the extraordinary relationship that develops as the hare roams freely but returns to her home, even giving birth in her garden. It's praised as a meditative and insightful book that reflects on nature, solitude, and our place in the world, contrasting with her high-pressure career as a political advisor.
It was such a calming read and that was the first time I can ever remember a book giving a feeling of peace. Also, I never knew there was so much to learn about hares. They are such fascinating little creatures, and the folklore surrounding them is as well.
Thank you, Diana, for sharing the effects of loneliness and practical ways to stay connected. Thank you, Tom, for sharing the song “Hello in There,” and everyone who recommended books.
I strongly believe in “Intergenerational Connections” my husband and I treasure our Saturdays, when our three children and three grandchildren come home. The weekly gatherings are the highlight of our week. Our first grandson started kindergarten this year, once a month his class visits a nursing home, a wonderful way to nurture connection across generations.
“Technology With Intention” also resonates with us. In 2022, during the COVID period, our street created a WhatsApp group to support one another. It has remained active and continues to strengthen our sense of community.
And when it comes to “Join Something” I feel very grateful for our senior group. We meet every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for yoga, Zumba, singing, dancing, table tennis, chess, chatting, sharing recipes/experiences. I served as Treasurer for eight years and now continue on the committee as an advisor. I also volunteer with our local biodiversity group, helping to plant, weed, and care for our local park. Clean Up Australia Day is coming up on Sunday, 1st March.
These connections across generations, through technology, and within community groups truly enrich our life and reduce social isolation.
This is so heartwarming to read. The way you’ve built connection into your everyday life — with your family, your neighbors, and your community — is really inspiring.
I love the mix of generations, technology used with purpose, and simply showing up each week. It’s a beautiful reminder that staying connected doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional.
Loving What Is, by Byron Katie. I don't think there are too many good things to say about this book. It's about something that can help anyone -- learning to deal with life as it is, whether that's relationships, health, finances, or literally anything else we think shouldn't be the way it is.
Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam, written more than 30 years ago, and documenting many of the social and economic realities you outlined in your wonderful note.
Audiobook “Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall is fabulous to listen to and would be a great book to read. Great story with memorable characters. Our book club choice this month.
I think that is why so many of us miss our work. Going from an active dynamic environment ( healthcare) to the isolation of Covid times has taken its toll on me post retirement. Although I must admit that as an extended family we did a better job of keeping in touch during those days than we currently do. It didn’t help that we lost our parents and older brother from ‘17-‘23. Dad and brother were both ‘keepers of the flame’ and good at marshalling the troops. Both my younger brothers have gone back to work one will be seventy this year the other turns sixty five. My husband is not one to explore or adventure out unless it’s to his doctors and now I need a kick to the posterior to get myself out.
My elders were gregarious travellers, even in their nineties always up for adventure! I need to resurrect that DNA and tell husband it’s now or never…can an old dog learn new tricks?
After reading this I don’t want to end up in our prison system as I am sure the Japanese institutions of incarceration have a far more pleasing aesthetic with more interesting food.
You’ve still got that adventure DNA in you — it doesn’t disappear, it just gets quiet. Start small. One outing, one trip, one new routine. Sometimes we don’t need a kick… just a nudge.
And yes — old dogs absolutely learn new tricks. They just choose the good ones 😊
No books to recommend but every time I read something like this, I always think of the John Prine song from around 1970 - Hello in There. I first heard it when I was in my 20s. Now 80. Really hits home
Fantastic song. John was one of the greatest songwriters of our time
I just finished reading Raising Hare, a memoir by Chloe Dalton.
Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton is a book about her experience rescuing and raising a baby hare (leveret) during the COVID-19 lockdown, exploring themes of freedom, trust, and the human-animal bond. The memoir details her journey of caring for the wild animal, which she never names, and the extraordinary relationship that develops as the hare roams freely but returns to her home, even giving birth in her garden. It's praised as a meditative and insightful book that reflects on nature, solitude, and our place in the world, contrasting with her high-pressure career as a political advisor.
It was such a calming read and that was the first time I can ever remember a book giving a feeling of peace. Also, I never knew there was so much to learn about hares. They are such fascinating little creatures, and the folklore surrounding them is as well.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Thank you, Diana, for sharing the effects of loneliness and practical ways to stay connected. Thank you, Tom, for sharing the song “Hello in There,” and everyone who recommended books.
I strongly believe in “Intergenerational Connections” my husband and I treasure our Saturdays, when our three children and three grandchildren come home. The weekly gatherings are the highlight of our week. Our first grandson started kindergarten this year, once a month his class visits a nursing home, a wonderful way to nurture connection across generations.
“Technology With Intention” also resonates with us. In 2022, during the COVID period, our street created a WhatsApp group to support one another. It has remained active and continues to strengthen our sense of community.
And when it comes to “Join Something” I feel very grateful for our senior group. We meet every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for yoga, Zumba, singing, dancing, table tennis, chess, chatting, sharing recipes/experiences. I served as Treasurer for eight years and now continue on the committee as an advisor. I also volunteer with our local biodiversity group, helping to plant, weed, and care for our local park. Clean Up Australia Day is coming up on Sunday, 1st March.
These connections across generations, through technology, and within community groups truly enrich our life and reduce social isolation.
Pham
This is so heartwarming to read. The way you’ve built connection into your everyday life — with your family, your neighbors, and your community — is really inspiring.
I love the mix of generations, technology used with purpose, and simply showing up each week. It’s a beautiful reminder that staying connected doesn’t have to be complicated — just intentional.
Thank you for sharing this ❤️
Loving What Is, by Byron Katie. I don't think there are too many good things to say about this book. It's about something that can help anyone -- learning to deal with life as it is, whether that's relationships, health, finances, or literally anything else we think shouldn't be the way it is.
Another fantastic article, Diana.
Thank you for the book recommendation Jeff 🙏 and thank you for the appreciation, means a lot!
Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam, written more than 30 years ago, and documenting many of the social and economic realities you outlined in your wonderful note.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Fascinating and understandable why they chose prison.
Enjoyed reading: This Beautiful Day: daily wisdom from Mister Rogers from Fred Rogers,
No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler,
Thank you for the recommendation!
Audiobook “Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall is fabulous to listen to and would be a great book to read. Great story with memorable characters. Our book club choice this month.
Thank you for the recommendation!
I think that is why so many of us miss our work. Going from an active dynamic environment ( healthcare) to the isolation of Covid times has taken its toll on me post retirement. Although I must admit that as an extended family we did a better job of keeping in touch during those days than we currently do. It didn’t help that we lost our parents and older brother from ‘17-‘23. Dad and brother were both ‘keepers of the flame’ and good at marshalling the troops. Both my younger brothers have gone back to work one will be seventy this year the other turns sixty five. My husband is not one to explore or adventure out unless it’s to his doctors and now I need a kick to the posterior to get myself out.
My elders were gregarious travellers, even in their nineties always up for adventure! I need to resurrect that DNA and tell husband it’s now or never…can an old dog learn new tricks?
After reading this I don’t want to end up in our prison system as I am sure the Japanese institutions of incarceration have a far more pleasing aesthetic with more interesting food.
You’re not too old. You’re just out of practice.
You’ve still got that adventure DNA in you — it doesn’t disappear, it just gets quiet. Start small. One outing, one trip, one new routine. Sometimes we don’t need a kick… just a nudge.
And yes — old dogs absolutely learn new tricks. They just choose the good ones 😊
Wendell Berry addresses community in many of his novels. “The Memory of Old Jack” is especially poignant.