Did I tell you we’re building a house?

So what would make a reserved, conservative couple—one who buys new cars only when the old ones are exhausted and who live in the same house they bought 35 years ago and paid off the mortgage on 10 years ago—what would make such a couple (closing in on their seventh decade) throw caution to the wind and build their dream home?

I’m still not sure. I only know it began with a drive in the country, which led to the discovery of an ideal look (plan), which led to a realignment of investments and budget and then hiring the right builder to make it happen.

And I know that working on the house this spring brought hope to a time that could have focused on loss. I’d look at my students and smile at their futures, then drive to the country and smile at my own.

And I know that the creative process has brought a level of surprise and excitement we have not known since our early days at Hidden Falls Ranch.

I’m new to this retirement business, and it’s too soon to say whether building was a good decision. I only know it has filled us with joy. And, for now, that’s enough.