☕ Weekend Conversation: Head, Heart & Holidays

The Things That Make Us Smile

We’re back home after three wonderful weeks away. You know that feeling? The fridge is empty, there’s a mountain of washing, the garden suddenly looks twice the size you remembered, and Monday is already peering around the corner.

Here is a quick weekly update on where Ropho is.

For those of you following from the beginning, you might remember my early posts describing how I wanted to embrace new challenges. Mine was building a website—good or bad—using my long-held ambition of writing something I could share, while using the latest wonderful, slightly scary technology.

Learning the tech side (SEO, website maintenance) was manageable thanks to my industrial automation background.

I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with AI, especially generating images (though I’ve probably gone over the top with it, as I tend to do with new things!).

However, the next stage terrifies me. It’s something I’ve been dreading all along: creating a reel (video content).

For some, it seems like the easiest thing in the world—you only have to look at TikTok or Instagram.

For me, it is completely daunting. I regularly present to large audiences and speak at industry conferences, but in those environments, I have a shield: my products, my services, and a freshly laundered suit and tie.

So, here goes—start small, as I always say. My first attempt: no AI, no fancy lighting, just me first thing in the morning, sweaty before a shower and shave during my morning walk.

Looking back at it makes me smile—well, laugh, actually—at how rough it is. But (and this is a big but), I will hopefully improve. The point is, I’m giving it a go.

The Video Challenge: What Terrifies You?

• What terrifies you right now, and what are you actually going to do about it?

🚗 Buying a New Car After 60: Head or Heart?

“My daughter tells me we should be considering the environment. My brain tells me modern electric cars are sensible, efficient, and clean. But my ears? My ears miss the sound of an engine.”

After spending three weeks driving up and down the East Coast we stopped at a few dealerships looking at new cars, I’ve hit a wall. Modern cars are undoubtedly impressive—tech-laden, silent, and fast, but are they actually better, or just different?

It got me thinking about my 1990 Porsche 911 (the 964, for those who know).

Back then, driving it wasn’t about shouting success or showing off a status symbol; it was about pure, unfiltered power and that unmistakable air-cooled flat-six rumble, flying through the new forest like a lunatic.

It had power steering and ABS, so it was usable, but it was still totally analog. You felt every inch of the road, but i suppose that was the point.

Looking back, I realised I’m not really searching for a new car.

I am starting to understand why one particular car from another stage of my life has stayed with me for so long.

Perhaps after 60 we don’t simply buy with our heads or our hearts—we buy with our memories as well.

⛳ Can You Actually Get Better at Sport in Your 60s?

“I had one round of golf during our three weeks away, and I was smearing the ball straight down the middle in a way I couldn’t even dream of in my twenties or thirties.”

I like to kid myself that I’m in fantastic shape, and maybe the sensible strength training helps, but let’s be honest: why do some things get easier with age?

Is it the modern clubs with sweet spots the size of a dinner plate? Is it improved technique? Or is it something far simpler, less ego and more patience?

When you’re younger, you want to muscle the ball 300 yards off the tee, not giving a thought to where the bunker.Be damned, just hit it as hard as you can.

Decades later, you stop trying to prove anything to the course, relax your hands, and suddenly the ball goes exactly where you wanted it to go (sometimes).

I still spend too much time in the rough!.

Maybe getting older doesn’t always mean becoming weaker. Sometimes it means becoming more efficient, more patient and more aware of what really matters.

🌞 Do Couples Spend Holiday Time the Same Way?

“I spent three weeks along the coast focusing on writing, exploring local businesses, looking at cars, and finding great places to eat. I thought it was a brilliant break. Sharon enjoyed it too… but I know she’s secretly counting down the days until Crete in September and planning a shopping trip to prepare.” Wallet beware!

It’s the classic holiday paradox. For one person, a great break means keeping the mind active, working on passion projects, taking long walks, and checking out regional spots.

For the other, a true break means guaranteed warmth, a complete pause, relaxing by the pool drinking cocktails, and a bit of retail therapy before off-loading into the sun.

Neither approach is wrong, but it’s funny how two people in the same place can have completely different ideas of what constitutes a “recharge.

Three weeks away reminded me that life after 60 isn’t really about having all the answers. It’s about continuing to ask interesting questions.

Like should I take my laptop to Crete. I’m sure Sharon will have something to say about that particular subject!

This week those questions happened to be about fear, cars, golf and holidays. Next week they’ll probably be completely different.

That’s one of the things I enjoy most about writing Ropho. Every conversation teaches me something—and hopefully starts a few conversations of your own.

So, before we all head back into another week, I’d love to know…

Which of this weekend’s conversations made you smile the most?