– Marcus Valerius Martialis

A s I am walking around my yard enjoying the gentle beauty of this Labor Day afternoon, I am humming the tunes of hope, peace, gratitude and especially freedom. The tranquil blue sky inspires us to experience the kind of life that melts the soul.

I am quiet. I listen and relax. I find pleasure in the fresh breeze on my face and strolling through the grass under my feet. I marvel at the detailed beauty and lovely fragrance of flowers.

The delight of caring for flowers refreshes me in a simple but powerful way. I think of nature and changing seasons. My thoughts flow freely and simply as I tend to my plants. Today, it is about the beauty and details of our state.

Despite all its complexities, Maine is a beautiful, interesting state. It is a state of opportunity. The turning of the seasons is the continuous expression of faith in the sacredness of life. Change in the natural world is relentless, making Maine a good place to live.

As the seasons give way to one another, we have tourism, good agricultural land, apple picking, state fairs, sports, educational interests, artistic events, scenic coastlines, fishing, lumbering and many opportunities for jobs and economic growth.

In our state, after years of working, many people are retiring or nearing retirement, and are feeling anxious about funding their retirement. It is real; retirement is actually looming out there in the visible distance. Money and retirement are about real-life, everyday people and their dreams.

At this season in their lives, some are slowing down while others are busier than ever. They want to focus on what is ahead, to create a retirement paycheck that can last a lifetime and isn’t vulnerable to market ups and downs. No matter where we are in life, we need to prepare for retirement.

I am not rendering financial accounting or other professional advice. No matter our age, there are questions to ask. It is stressful for folks who hit senior years with no money and are suddenly unable to work.

The face of retirement in America has changed radically in recent decades. People are living longer. Advisers say it is important to get people’s attention and get financial plans intact. There are many confusing strategies.

Also in our state, there will be joyful fellowship at the 4th Annual Heritage Day in Arundel. It will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at the North Chapel Common site on the corner of Route 111 (Alfred Road and Limerick Road).

There will be exhibits and events from past Heritage Days such as crafts, spinning wool, wagon rides in the fields, working old engine demos and agricultural displays, as well as petting animals for the kids, food, music, local vendors, canning information and much more.

New this year will be a “wellness tent,” and due to the popular beans cooked by the Boy Scouts last year, there will be a supper starting at 4 p.m.

Speaking of cooking, there will be a pie-baking contest this year, to be judged by discriminating palates. Also returning will be the “reminisce tent,” which has historical displays and artifacts from Arundel’s past.

Other than a donation for the bean supper, this family event is free and open to the public, and parking will be available as always. For more information, call 283-9699.

I want to correct a mistake I made last week. The class at Michael Phelps Skill Center is called “Water Walking,” not “Water Works.” Thank you.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Zaffie at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.