That was a title of a book by Diana Athill, written when she was in her late 80s and published when she was 90 years old. The book opens with her buying a tree fern, knowing she won’t live to see it become a tree, but taking joy in watching its fronds unfurl.
That’s me with my bean plants. They are getting towards their end too, but I’ve enjoyed watching to see what they would do.
3 1/2 months old.
Andy and are also enjoying watching my birthday balloon.
4 weeks old
When I first retired people asked what I was doing with my time. I would always say,
Enjoying my second childhood even more than I did my first one.
No one asks any more, but the answer would be the same.
January 16, 2026
me too me too on the enjoying my 2nd childhood. I do as much reading and coloring book stuff now as I did in my childhood. I love your bean plants and that might be a record for the age of 3 and 1/2 months
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That’s a good way to spend your retirement.
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That ballon is amazing – I am used to them collapsing after a few days.
I know!
…a GREAT answer to the question!
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I think you have a great answer….Enjoying your second childhood. And it is allowed at our age. I sure am hoping that your bean plant keeps growing…it may not produce enough beans for a meal, but its all about the fun of watching it grow.
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That is a fantastic answer!
Thanks. 🙂
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This explains why I take so much pleasure watching my little lemon seed sprout — a whole 3-1/2″ now.
I would love to see pictures of it. 🙂
I am going to look this book up as soon as I leave here. It sounds good, yet powerfully sad. Hey, maybe I just need to think of my senior moments as a second childhood to be enjoyed!!
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This book looks wonderful, and I have ordered it!
Please let us know what you think of it. 🙂
Yes, me too on the 2nd childhood!!!
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Yes! Second childhood says it really well! I read and play games most of the day now at age 78.
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I love ?? this.
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