It's Been 8 Months and Counting Since I Retired

I see myself in this robin. Does he look uncertain to you? I selected this photo from my archives because that’s how I often feel.

Retirement is a challenging undertaking. I didn’t simply walk away from my job. From a routine that spanned 28 years, I stepped into a world full of possibilities. I have many interests. Each one is tapping my shoulder, whispering promises in my ear. I’m trying to undertake too much, too soon. My personality pushes me beyond my actual limits.

I’m stumbling. I haven’t fallen. I have good physical balance. I believe over time, I will achieve better overall balance.

I know my case isn’t unusual. Drastic change always demands adjustments. 

I can see the light. I will follow it.

Follow your light.

Nothing Nicer

My dear friend, B'Lynn, took me to lunch today to celebrate my birthday. She has been doing that for many years. Nothing could be sweeter.

Seventy-One Years and Just Getting Warmed Up

Birthdays are a blessing. I’ve always embraced them although the decade marking years have presented a challenge. This year isn’t one of those so I’m charging full speed ahead.

This past year, since I turned 70, was a winner. Besides reaching that milestone, Lon and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary by taking a Panama Canal cruise and I retired in November. Phew, what a year!

I’m excited by everything. Wherever I look, I feel blessed with the view. 

I thank Lon and Jared and all of my family and friends, for contributing (each in their own unique way) to the joy I am experiencing.

Libraries Still Exist and I'm Glad

I can't find my photos of our library so I posted this extremely unusual beer bottle label instead. I like to include a photo with every post to entertain my readers. This label is one of the craziest I've run across.

I visited the Beloit Public Library this afternoon to return a book I borrowed. I wandered around and was pleased with the atmosphere and appeal.
I'm happy that our city is maintaining and stocking this facility. The written word is available on all of our technological devices which I've been predicting would cause libraries to become extinct.

I didn't check another book out because I'm hoping to read a few books I wrote years ago. Yes, I wrote a couple of books just for the challenge and fun of it.  I'll share some information about them in future posts.

I hope to spend more time at our library even if only to spend time there for a change of scenery during these unpleasant winter days.

Do you visit the library in your area? 

Hi, How is Your Day Going?

I’m sorry. I forgot to put on a happy face.

Feelings don’t always work their way to the surface. Although, I look sober, I’m happy to the point of being giddy. I have recently experienced joy unlimited.

I would tell you how this is occurring, but I have no recipe. I can share that I retired this past November. Perhaps that’s the recipe. I’ll tell you what I think.

My stab at a Happiness Recipe:

Have faith in God and spend time with Him.
Pay attention to what you say and do.
Treat others with all the respect you can muster.
Exercise.
Eat healthy.
Rest.
Have a beer a day.
Smile every chance you get.
Love like there is no tomorrow.

My recipe works for me. I hope and pray whatever guidelines you are following, bring you joy. Feel free to use the ingredients listed above, if you wish.

Choose happiness and love at least three times a day and use a soup spoon.

I'm Not As Young As I Used To Be

Once upon a time, I was young.

Seventy years passed since that picture was taken. I don't recall anyone asking me to please pass the years. They independently went by in the blink of an eye.

I made a rather unexpected decision and retired less than 2 months ago. It would seem to be a perfect opportunity to slow down. My problem is that I am overwhelmed with all the choices I have to fill my days. I'm not good, yet, at pacing myself. I'm like a kid in a candy store. Everywhere I look, I see something that attracts me. Thus, I'm rushing from one thing to another, filling my cart to the brim.

Today, I awakened with plans to go to the Y's Way to Fitness class. I climbed out of bed at 5:30 and within about half an hour, I realized that exercising wasn't appealing at all. I've spent all morning, moving from chair to chair to couch to couch. I've been on my cell phone, laptop and i pad between many, many moments when I put my head down on a pillow or curled up in my chair.

Why? Because yesterday, I participated in an extra challenging one hour pilates class and then spent over an hour playing racquetball. A few months ago, daily leisurely walks were the only exercising I did. Oh, I should mention that I worked out in the Y's Way class on Monday followed by racquetball and then on Tuesday, I exercised my body with pilates and racquetball and a one hour walk. Wednesday I rested, hallelujah.

I really do need to pace myself. I need to think before I act. I need to prioritize. I need to do a lot of things differently.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Excuse me, it's nap time again.  

     

Winter Weather Warning

We will be getting snow this weekend if the weathermen are right with their predictions.

Our backyard snowman is in apparent distress.

Our snowman has never looked so concerned. Perhaps he can gauge snow related predictions more accurately than the rest of us.

We've had fine winter weather, thus, I'm excited regarding the forecast. Lon is ready with his snowblower and never complains about having to use it.

I hope everyone in this area finds something magical about this weekend, weatherwise and otherwise. 

My Son, Jared, On Vacation With Us Over the Years

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

 

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

 

Lake Vermilion

 

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Wedding in Michigan

Today seemed like a good day to share some photos of my son, Jared. I hope to share more in the near future. 

(Please don't tell him I did this. He'd rather I didn't, but I sure enjoy it).   

Racquetball Reunion

I don’t know when this photo was taken. It obviously doesn’t relate to my post but what the heck.

This morning, I played racquetball with Margie. We used to play each other back in the seventies and eighties. We’re both excited to be back at it again. 

Playing on the Y’s present courts requires adjustments. The old Y had concrete walls which the ball bounced off better. We can’t play like we used to but we will get used to these deader walls eventually.

We both are looking for aerobic exercise and we’ll get it as we chase after a racquetball in our competitive games.

Heated Hatha Yoga With a Side Order of Loons

These wood loons live on a shelf in our home. It just crossed my mind that I should float them in the sink occasionally. HA!

Totally unrelated to the photo, the Hatha yoga classroom at the Y was extra heated this morning. The large room was wall-to-wall yoga mats with enthusiasts perched on them. I think an hour long class is challenging but I kept up with all of the poses and was glad I participated.

I’m an exercise enthusiast and enjoy it in many forms. If you presently aren’t, try it. I bet you’ll like it. Walking is an easy way to exercise and a great way get started at moving your body.

                             Namaste🙏

Footprints in the Sand

Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

We get to decide where we leave our footprints. When we get to the end of the beach should we turn around and walk back? We could. That would be splendid. But, listen up. Why don’t we go where most don’t, that is, venture around Point of Rocks and see what’s out there?

Looking ahead into 2020 is invigorating. I plan to venture around corners into the unfamiliar. Will you make similar plans?

I bet it will be fun.

I'm Recycling

During the Christmas season, this was our message.

Going forward, after minor adjustments, this is our recycled message.