Dawdling in Old Windsor

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It’s time for Rory’s Garden Dawdler again — nine questions posed once a week for our answering pleasure.

Today, I’m writing this while in transit from London to Shanghai after my first international business trip since 2019 (and first ever to UK). Here is a pic that tickled my fancy during my visit to Old Windsor.

THE GARDEN DAWDLER — Q&A

What is one of your deepest desires or fantasy?
It wasn’t that long ago when I would have had to put an adult content warning ahead of answering this type of question, but something has changed in recent years and I’ve been seeking a simpler life with simpler joys. My fantasy is to grow old with Mrs. Monty and enjoy sitting on a porch, veranda, lanai, etc. in a pair of rocking chairs enjoying easy conversation and a beautiful view. When I visualize this fantasy, I imagine watching weather work itself across the horizon over some type of body of water. It’s one of those late spring days or early autumn days when the weather is still warm but the breeze turns brisk and its perfect for a warm beverage. Just thinking of this makes me homesick and I’m glad I’m on my way home.

When was the last time you used a pencil to write with?
I went almost wholly digital about four years ago at work. The only exception is signing contracts and such which requires pen. I use a digital pencil (Apple Pencil) all the time, but that is not what Rory means. I’ve also recently used color pencils for drawing, but not writing. My best guess for the last time I used a regular pencil would be when playing miniature golf with the kids during a holiday maybe six years ago or so.

How tired are you daily, or do you get sufficient sleep to feel refreshed daily?
I sleep a lot. I need at least eight hours to feel rested and I do feel tired by the end of the day even with that amount of sleep. Generally I get my eight hours and if I’m working from home an added nap during the afternoon as well. I used to be much more exhausted but have been working on managing my energy by managing my work —- trying to incorporate activities that add energy between jobs that draw on my energy. Often doing something creative or interacting with someone one-on-one are energizing. Meetings or larger groups/social gatherings are tiring.

How quick are you at making significant vital decisions?
Very quick. I married Mrs. Monty less than a year after we first met. We’ve bought every home we’ve had in less than two months after starting to look. At work, I make decisions within whatever meeting I’m in unless we are missing something very critical and in that case I ask them to get the information to me by end of the day and make the decision then. Leaders that don’t make timely decisions make me very frustrated. There are very few decisions that are absolute and if they are they are easy. Just make the best decision that you can with what you know and move forward. If significant new information comes to light then pivot if necessary (but never change course without new information that makes it necessary — if you do you compromise all confidence in your decisions).

Do you use a brush or a comb with your hair of never do that and have a more natural look?
Never use a brush or comb other than my fingers (if my hair is on the longer side). I prefer a short cut that makes such tools irrelevant anyway.

How many true friendships do you think you need?
I’ve no idea what a true friendship is or if I have any. My deepest relationships are with family. I enjoy relationships with friends but I don’t have any that have lasted many years and survived long distances. I’m open to the idea of a true/deep friendship that has more longevity but I’m not going to force it.

How good is your memory, and how far back in your life can you go to remember moments with clarity?
Sorry, what was the question again?

How do you keep yourself optimistic day to day?
I’ve spent much of my life being very pessimistic. Being chronically depressed. Being in chronic pain. I don’t feel that way anymore and just reminding myself of this fact keeps me more positive than negative these days. I’m so grateful to have this additional chance at life.

When did you last wander freely out and about with no set destination instead of walking purposefully?
About 18 months ago while visiting Boston. I just walked to see whatever I could see then used my phone GPS to get back home after walking for a couple hours. I ended up with blisters on my feet from walking so far. I like to do this whenever in a new place to explore. I didn’t have the chance to do anything like that during this trip to London which is too bad.

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Thanks Rory for the interesting questions as always. I look forward to reading everyone’s responses.

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Be well,

Monty

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• Horizon
• Wound Up
• Playful