The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman

What are your favorite sports to watch and play?

Growing up in metro Detroit, I lived on a cul-de-sac with lots of kids of various ages when we played sports outside all year long.

Living on an island right on the Canadian border, my neighbors and I played lots of team sports including softball, football and soccer. Marco Polo in our family pool. Solo, I walked and rode my bike even more as I grew up.

About that time, my family bought a year around cottage up north on a small lake west of I-75. In the summer, we swam in the lake and water skied. In the winter, we skied at Boyne Country ski resorts.

Being a Detroiter, it was our duty to watch the Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings either in person or on tv. The old Tigers stadium was the location of a Hank Aaron movie as well.

Later on, my family moved to northern Michigan near Lake Michigan and selling the cottage near the freeway, I was starting high school and I experienced riding my 10 speed bike all over the small town. Plus, although not a sport, I walked everywhere. The exercise and the joy of being separate from my family was golden.

During my high school years, I raced downhill and trained with the only Michigan resident who made the US Ski Team. It was a learning experience. Plus, I was a cheerleader for basketball for JV and Varsity squads. Our flashlight dance routines put us on the map.

My college years at school, I walked for exercise. At home, my sport was cycling on my ten speed bike to ride through town and out to a factory. After my grandmother passed, I was fortunate to be thought of so I purchased my Raleigh Technium 12 speed Touring bike that I still ride now. My parents were mad that I spent so much money on it but I still ride it 40 plus years later. I keep it in my house.

Also, my family bought a Hobie Cat sailboat to use on Lake Michigan. The catamaran boat in a bright yellow frame and colorful sail was exercise cruising across the lake. My family made the local paper a few times while sailing with it.

Post divorce in west Michigan, years later, I lived in a walkable neighborhood full of adorable bungalows and school built in the 1930s. It was pleasant and peaceful to explore by foot. Later, The White Pine Trail, opened as a paved trail for bikers, walkers, hikers and skateboarders. Not far from my house, I rode my bike to other towns.

After my move to north Texas, I did ride the paved trails between gated neighborhoods and power lines. Although, it was meant to connect neighbors and build community, they didn’t have the same therapeutic results as the trail in Michigan.

As I sense my move back to northern Michigan, I look forward to riding my bike around town and hiking in the snow in the winter into town. The sense of peace while being outdoors is therapeutic.

Grateful that I’ve been active all of my life. And, I plan to continue. Life, to me, is meant to be lived the fullest of not necessarily the big events but of the small and precious moments that happen every day.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

After winning the big one of having all the numbers, I won $1,000,000,000 courtesy of the Texas players of the lottery system.

First of all, I would not allow my name to be announced for my own personal protection and security.

Secondly, I would pay off my mortgage then donate the property to charity. Plus, donate my vehicle as well to Vehicles for Veterans like I did before.

Next, I would contact my realtor up north to let him know that I’m buying a condo with a garage and need a quick close. Buy a new Toyota Corolla of the newer version than the one I donated in red LE version.

Fourthly, after arriving up north in person with my belongings, I would do my own research on the needs of the people in my city and my county of locals. For example, paying up on delinquent mortgages then those who are behind on rent. All done anonymously.

With what is remaining, I would work with a CPA to determine my needs reasonably with the occasional excursion that involves flying. Determine my budget with surplus, savings and cost of living adjustments plus medical. Finally, I would make the list of solid charities plus at risk families due to layoff or substance abuse, medical bills and other needs.

Regarding my family, I feel that I would send about 20k each plus extra for my niece who has the smarts like her parents so hers would be investments.

My goal is to share the wealth so that my hometown wins as well. Warren Buffet is my inspiration.

Sharing is caring for others,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

My family life and traditions, like others, have changed as children grow up. Since I am divorced and no children, my memories are from childhood to adulthood when life changes.

Growing up in metro Detroit, the Holidays were fun when I was young. Later, we moved to northern Michigan when Thanksgiving and Christmas changed. When I was in high school, my family drove down to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day to see the Detroit Lions play football. In my younger years, family came to our house in Detroit then my neighbors would go outside and play football thus the, “Turkey Bowl,” started which later local media told about the story of neighbors getting together for fun. As far as Christmas, every one was much like others until our move north. We did exchange of gifts to learn to give in a unique way although it was forced.

As I grew older, more independent and began seeing family members for who they truly are, I began to get weary of the pressure to attend family gatherings. Grateful that I didn’t participate one year and, after my move out of State, I stopped all together. The politics overruled the love. It seemed that going to church on Christmas Eve was more for appearance than the message of the birth of our Savior.

After I moved to Texas, I began to love the Holiday season again although my birthday falls on 12/21. Having peace and joy finally without the pressure. Being alone but not lonely. This past Holiday home with my cats was peaceful and joyful.

Final note: The Holidays aren’t easy for some. Listen to them and try to understand why.

Yours truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What books do you want to read?

Grateful that my life has value from sharing it with my felines, reading recipes of new dishes to try and learning about new adventures.

When I first got Bella and Luna who both were underfed, undersize for their age, and scared being given to another human. After they both reached their size for their age, they both went into heat. Although, being a lifetime cat Mom, I was seeking information about mental health. Earning their trust took forever, it seemed. Love books about felines about care and the pictures of these beautiful creatures.

Life is an adventure and so is food. Thanks to the television networks dedicated to food than the cookbooks that followed, I prefer the old Betty Crocker ones that my Mom and grandmothers used with the notes and the stains inside. Plus, at my high school graduation, I was given a four book set of cookbooks in a box years ago full of traditional recipes. Food gives us life plus gives us opportunities to learn about others.

Books on travel or even about particular destinations are golden. The Travel Channel and PBS both offer well written and informed airings about locations but written travel guides offer everything on hotel, food and transportation options. Local libraries often have books to read about the history of the area.

Reading about cats, food and travel makes me happy and brings joy into my life. Books open doors to dreams and to adventures!

Bella & Luna’s Mom,

Leslie Elizabeth David.