This won’t hurt. But it will feel like it, before you finish with it.

October 18, 2026

One of my favorite bloggers, WrookieSchU, shared his answers to four questions this week. His posts always give me something to enjoy or think about. Take a look at his profile when you have a moment. I’ll share his responses following this post, but first, I thought I’d offer my own.

person pouring coffee in cup — ^{_{Photo by Ila Bappa Ibrahim on Pexels.com}}

Apparently, borrowing a conversation starter is something we older folks do. I heard that at an AARP meeting. Well, it wasn’t an official AARP meeting. It was a bunch of neighbors sitting around drinking coffee. There were enough of us eligible for membership that I figured it counted.

1. What is your favorite season?

At our age, every season is our favorite. After sixty, getting to the next one starts to feel like a milestone. You look forward to the next solstice with the same anticipation you once reserved for your senior prom—with more sensible shoes and considerably less concern about who’s taking you.

2. Would you like to live by the seaside or in the country?

Yes. Either would be fine. The important word in that question is live.

The seaside sounds lovely, provided I’m far enough from the water to stay dry. I can’t run as fast—or as straight—as I used to. If the ocean decides to move into the living room, I’d like sufficient notice.

The country would be fine, too, as long as I don’t wander off and get lost. I prefer trails that make a circle and bring me back to where I started. Ideally, near a chair and a fresh pot of coffee.

3. When was the last time you used the bus?

It must have been the early nineties, coming down from Aspen toward Glenwood Springs around two in the morning, after the bars had closed.

I couldn’t help it. I had to!

Enough time has passed that I feel comfortable admitting it. Let’s leave it there before this turns into an entirely different Morning Coffee.

4. If you took a walk, would it be in the woods, to the shops, with the dog, to a park, or somewhere else?

Right now, if I took a walk, there’s a fair chance I’d fall down. I have one good leg, and I’m trying to keep it that way.

Once both legs are back in business, that’s another story. I’ve walked enough places in my life that a destination needs to make a pretty convincing case before I put my shoes on.

But honestly, with everything the world is facing today, I’d like my steps to do some good. Whether that means helping a neighbor, standing up for someone, or simply showing up when I’m needed, that would be a walk worth taking.

Gratitude

This morning, I’m grateful for folks who give us something to think about, neighbors who keep the coffee conversation going, and Steve, who has kept dinner coming while I offer instructions from my chair.

He still isn’t listening. Judging by dinner, he may be onto something.

Signature of Benjamin Groff with accompanying attribution and copyright notice.

Below are the questions as answered by WrookieShu. Click on his name to view his site or click here!

BY. WrookieSchU OCT 13, 2026

1. What is your favourite season?

I used to love summer in Ireland as it was a real novelty to have some sort of sunshine. If we had 2 weeks of summer a year, we were doing really well. Now in Sydney, summer is way too hot and humid so I will say spring is my favourite season. You’re happy for the cold to leave and warmer weather to have arrived. However, I do appreciate all seasons for various reasons and I feel lucky to experience all of them, whether it be in Ireland or here in Australia.

2. Would you like to live by the seaside or in the country?

I would love to live by the sea for the beautiful beach walks. I really enjoy hearing the waves, it’s just so therapeutic. I have experienced both, living by the sea and in the country and have really enjoyed both.

We used to live near Bronte beach and I would take the walk along here on a near daily basis
We also lived in a country village where we would walk the forest park at least once a day

3. When was the last time you used the bus?

I never really take a bus unless the trains aren’t working and they have replacement buses. Sadly this was pretty frequent when living in the Shire as the trains were always having track work. I think they said there has been 11 weekends so far this year where there was track work. It becomes very frustrating and I guess that was one reason we moved closer to the city. So I will say maybe a couple of months ago I was on a bus.

4. If you took a walk, would it be in the woods, to the shops, walk the dog, to a park, or somewhere else?

Into the woods sounds good, as long as it’s during the day!!!