My Little Snowdrift of Thoughts

Why do I have a blog?

I don't blog about anything exclusively. I just enjoy writing, enjoy expressing how I feel about what's happening in my life or simply sharing what's on my mind. That's it. That's the answer to my opening question. I take that and run with it on impulse. 

Usually after slight deliberation, I have a subject that floats to the surface of my consciousness. Today, nothing is coming forward. To kill time, I will write about what I see:  As I look out my window, directly above my laptop screen, I see snow falling on our front yard, on the road and on the neighbor's house and yard. Since early today, we have received a few inches and are expecting a few more before nightfall. 

I have an appointment tomorrow at 11:00 in Roscoe, IL, only a few miles from here. I don't foresee any travel problems but do miss our Silverado pickup truck when there is snow. I haven't driven very much with our GMC Terrain on treacherous roads so it's something to be concerned about. I'll allow plenty of time to get to NorthPointe. I should be fine. I may go to a class at the YMCA early morning depending on what I decide after I wake up.

To go or not to go. That is my biggest dilemma now that I'm retired. Whereas, for 28 years, I went to my place of employment Monday through Friday, now I am free to go wherever, whenever, within reason. My decision making skills are getting daily opportunities, thus I'm hopeful that before long, I will be a polished, practiced retiree, capable of navigating through the many hours in my days with little concern. 

It just dawned on me that rather than posting everything I put on my blog, I could make my entries entirely for myself, as a journal of sorts. I believe that writing one's thoughts can be therapeutic. Over the years, I have kept spiral notebook journals somewhat regularly. Somewhat means I've made months of daily entries and then have gone months and even years without a word. Perhaps regularly is the wrong adverb. Intermittently may be more accurate.

Sitting here at my laptop, I'm operating without much inspiration. That's a good reason to bring this post to a close. 

Solitary words aren't my choice for this post. Today, I will share and hope it is worth reading. 

Bye.

   

A Breath of Fresh Air

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I took a short walk today, about 15 minutes. The temperature is 44 degrees and the sun is full throttle, that is, not a cloud in the sky.

The fresh air was much needed. Walking north was a bit chilly on my face but the sounds of birds singing erased the discomfort.

I submit this post with wishes that you, also, are finding joy in your Monday,

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.