The Plan

I do not necessarily agree that “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks,” but I concede it is a slower process.
Merril and I have instigated a plan where she sets aside three four hour blocks for study, and I use that time for my own study and activities.  All I can say is so far so good.  We both definitely feel better for not only planning it - but doing it.  We are on our second week.
The other day we planned to go out early, then have breakfast with a friend, before collecting some brick pavers for laying.  Then a friend of mine was to visit.  After that was study time, sleep time, study time and veg time.
What we went out early to was a prayer get together we have with a few others of a Monday morning.  We figure that is a good way to start the week.  Not one of us there was not pleased to be there.  One works on yards and when they heard the showers they thought “showers of blessing” and came along.  Another had matters close to the heart we were really able to pray about and stand together with with the person.  Breakfast together at a new joint was enjoyable, and the discussion was as it usually is - really good.
That was where our plan diverged from what was intended.  The traffic was horrendous (school drop off time) so we went home instead of getting bricks.  Merril studied and I thought I would do that day some of what I intended to do the next.  Then my mate came over and we had an enjoyable time together.  Merril used it as study time.
After that we went and got the bricks.  We then had lunch and a rest.  After that Merril studied again and I worked in the yard laying the bricks as edging.  I was able to achieve a little more than I thought, and we are both happy with the result.
We have been inspired by someone who we pay, who is getting the joint to a level where we do not feel we need to do that before we can do anything else.  What has needed doing has gotten done and we have been able to take it further.  That is needed at this point.  Once upon a time we would have been into it, but now we are grateful for any help.  The desire is still there but the ability to make it happen has diminished.
So our plan is coming together.  What may be too hard for one or two, a team can achieve.  We all win.