Loved reading this :) You have a wonderful relaxed style of writing. Caught you via your whistling anecdote and wanted to know more. You've had an eventful life for sure, and at 50 still my very much younger sister, so plenty room to grow and shine even brighter.
I think something in your writing reminds me of Anne Tyler, whose books I used to devour one after the other at the library. They say we all have a book in us and I would love to read yours.
You have a new follower and I will watch your progress with great interest. I haven't got round to introducing myself yet - still trying to get my head around how this platform works! A pleasure to meet you x