Skarpi, those are words of great wisdom. You have obviously been giving a lot of thought to what are the REALLY important things in life because of recent events. You are definitely on the right track, thinking of downsizing so you can travel more and visit friends. You are quite right. Spending time with people you care about is much more important than 'things', and those friends will not always be there.

I don't have much money - none in reserve and no property, but I am rich in friends. If I could get more money, I would use it to visit my brother in Paris, and/or go to the Getaway, because I would love to meet some of the 'catters I have got to know here, including you, my wise friend. Accumulating stuff doesn't matter to me at all, as long as I have enough for my needs. Meanwhile, I try to spend as much time as possible with the people who are close to me, and gardening, which I love.

We are all doing the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time, and we are all in this life school to learn. Some of us learn better than others. You seem to have learned your lessons well. Best wishes from Oz. May your life bring you a lot of happiness!