I'm actually not extremely busy. I have a fairly simple life--no children or grandchildren, just a loving husband. We live in a cozy condo that requires little maintenance, and virtually everything we need (goods and services) is within walking distance. People get sick and have other emergencies, so cancellations to my social schedule are expected. What is scheduled for once a week might actually be three times a month. I have friends my age who struggle with being too busy, but they go to the symphony/opera/theater/book club on a regular basis, and schedule several events for every day of the week. That is more than my husband and I want in our lives, after many years of doing those things.

I am frugal. For our coffee I serve French press coffee and a home baked banana bread or inexpensive treat from the grocery (usually a $4 purchase). I do serve my guests on my good china, which I never use for any other purpose. It makes us feel "fancy." My friends might bring fruit or nuts to supplement our snack.

When I meet people I ask questions that show my interest in them without being too personal. At the garden I might start by asking what they are growing and move on to how long they have been gardening, what have they found to be successful, and what they do with the harvest.

What I have found liberating is living in the moment and accepting each new encounter as a gift. Not everyone wants a deeper relationship, and circumstances may not allow for it, but those deeper relationships that are meant to be do happen.