Over the last few weeks, because of personal changes and events, tragic and scary current events, and historical markers on the national calendar, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on change in my life, my family, my neighborhood, my country.
I am a student of history and the events replayed and reviewed in the media the last few days about the events of September 11, 2001, got a lot of my attention. Although the terrible events did not touch me personally, I was affected by what happened and the changes on my life. I remember 10 years ago wishing above all else, I could gather my girls around me. Neither were in harm's way, but both were too far away for me that day. One was merely across the district in a different school building from me and the other was only down the road, but for most of that day, they might as well have been on the moon. I reached other family members by phone pretty quickly JUST to hear their voices, but only started breathing once I could hug the stuffing out of one daughter at day's end...and finally get the other on a long distance line. I can not measure what those most directly affected in such terrible ways that day felt. I only know how I felt when I could not be with my family simply because of distance and time.
Ten years later, because of events in my personal life, I have spent time with both of my girls in the last few days, and with other members of my family. I am glad about that. I spent today itself with one daughter doing unimportant things, but loving every minute we had together. Yes, we reflected on the importance of today, how we felt about certain stories we had reviewed over the last few days, but also included thoughts about things more personal that had occurred in our own little world.
Because of where I now live, and her current location, I have spent a lot of time recently watching the skies, smelling the air, and keeping an eye on what I might need to grab quickly. For many years, I had practiced hurricane preparedness (and put it into action a few times.) Now because of a new address and the severe and historic drought and record-breaking summer temperatures, we have had a new concern--wildfires. I had been following them from a different spot in the state and was very worried the evening of Labor Day when I realized some were very close to where both of us lived. Once again, time and distance separated me from my children and I really did not like it. As the parent of grown children, you get used to them not being around every day, but there are many days you don't have to like the idea.
We were and continue to be fortunate that we have escaped the fires...so far, but I checked in with her today...yes, both of us remain on alert...just in case.
Because of retiring and moving to a new community, I have spent a lot of time going through personal belongings and remembering the occasions behind items and in particular, family pictures. Also because of the freedom of a retirement schedule, I had the opportunity to spend time with other family members, my older daughter and my brother and sister. Once again the opportunity to indulge in "do you remember" conversations and reflect on how life has changed over the last few years came my way. I was very happy to have the chance to share this time...definitely one of the benefits of cutting loose of a demanding work schedule. The ability to "go" pretty much at the drop of a hat IS a nice retirement perk!
But I also found out how much, in such a short period of time, I have become accustom to my new little routine and my quiet, slow, small-town life. I missed my daily routine, my cute little new house, and my comfortable old bed while I was away having a bit of an adventure. I was glad to go, but ever so glad to get home. My time away allowed me the luxury of appreciating my life and counting my blessings.
However you spent today, whether reflecting on its significance, or not, I hope it was a good day for you full of people and pleasures that bring you joy. It was a good one for me, one among many I have found myself enjoying recently for a variety of reasons.
Hope you can count tomorrow among the good ones for whatever reason.
See you sooner next time!
September 11, 2011
August 19, 2011
7 Weeks: The Pieces Are Falling Into Place
Seven weeks ago I came home to my little hillside retreat and opened the door to retirement. I spent the month of July putting my household and, therefore, much of my life back together. I had lived in flux since January and was so happy to finally get things unpacked and organized (sort of). Dealt with all the requisite things associated with a move involving changing cities. There is a lot more involved then when you move a mere 5-6 miles across town. I had forgotten some of the finer details since it had been 32 years since I had changed locations! The house needed a bit of tweaking but nothing that required anything more than a bit of time by several pleasant and helpful workmen.
Of course, moving in the midst of a history-making heat wave added a bit of a curve ball to some of the plans. My newly planted grass is hanging on by a thread. I stand out and admire how well the weeds are surviving...in fact, I let the yardman start just so he could make the weeds look well-groomed! And my garage is still pretty messy and unorganized. It is just going to have to get cooler before I can attack the mess successfully.
So the boxes are unpacked, the furniture is in place, and I have only reorganized two drawers. No, the pictures are not hung yet...that is always the last thing I do. Just hate to poke holes in the wall so I try to be absolutely sure before committing myself!
Ok, July was busy, but then along came August and I started one of my major objectives...getting involved in the lifestyle available in my new community...a major reason I chose to come here. I literally jumped into water aerobics and I go 5 days a week. Am considering adding some more classes next month. Water zumba! Why? Because I like the music they work out with. My new neighbors and old friends attend some of the classes so that doubles the fun.
I have joined the line dancing class along with four of my new neighbors...we have really bonded over this adventure. It is fun, but I also refer to it as torture..not the physical kind...torture of the mind. My head, not my feet, hurts after each class. Even with tutoring, both class and personal, I have only managed to mangle two out of the four dances set for the next social. O well! Can't wait to see what gets added next month!
I have signed up to be a volunteer at the city library...a really nice facility that is actually available SEVEN days a week. Having come from a major city that practically has no services on weekends (and hasn't for several years), I am so impressed that my new little town sees the value of its bricks and mortar service to the community. I have made several visits to check out what's available and to get back in one of my favorite library things...reading ALL the magazines! I am sure I will have tales to tell once the volunteer sessions get started.
And I really went off in a very different direction by joining the Fabric and Fiber group to participate in the beadwork SIG. I am NOT artistic at all, but I have wanted to mess with artsy stuff for some time and beading holds an appeal. I have wanted to do stained glass for years through the community education division of the school district I just left and never could work it into my schedule. I see that possibility on my radar here in my new community...after I get more comfortable. These artsy folks are SERIOUS about their creations and I figure I can do little damage to myself (and others) by starting small.
One more note this go-round. I am here to be involved, but to be involved with people. Moving into a brand new neighborhood still under construction. Only seven houses on our small street are currently occupied so we are all in the business of getting to know each other and help each other adapt to this new lifestyle. I have an old friend and new old friends who live around the community and that has been fun mixing with them and the neighbors. And most importantly, I have old friends (and family!) who have come to visit..for an hour, a day or a weekend. I really like that part too!
Yes, I will get some pictures going soon. Gee, did you notice, I finally added hot links. I am on a roll!
Hopefully, I can report next time from the porch!
Of course, moving in the midst of a history-making heat wave added a bit of a curve ball to some of the plans. My newly planted grass is hanging on by a thread. I stand out and admire how well the weeds are surviving...in fact, I let the yardman start just so he could make the weeds look well-groomed! And my garage is still pretty messy and unorganized. It is just going to have to get cooler before I can attack the mess successfully.
So the boxes are unpacked, the furniture is in place, and I have only reorganized two drawers. No, the pictures are not hung yet...that is always the last thing I do. Just hate to poke holes in the wall so I try to be absolutely sure before committing myself!
Ok, July was busy, but then along came August and I started one of my major objectives...getting involved in the lifestyle available in my new community...a major reason I chose to come here. I literally jumped into water aerobics and I go 5 days a week. Am considering adding some more classes next month. Water zumba! Why? Because I like the music they work out with. My new neighbors and old friends attend some of the classes so that doubles the fun.
I have joined the line dancing class along with four of my new neighbors...we have really bonded over this adventure. It is fun, but I also refer to it as torture..not the physical kind...torture of the mind. My head, not my feet, hurts after each class. Even with tutoring, both class and personal, I have only managed to mangle two out of the four dances set for the next social. O well! Can't wait to see what gets added next month!
I have signed up to be a volunteer at the city library...a really nice facility that is actually available SEVEN days a week. Having come from a major city that practically has no services on weekends (and hasn't for several years), I am so impressed that my new little town sees the value of its bricks and mortar service to the community. I have made several visits to check out what's available and to get back in one of my favorite library things...reading ALL the magazines! I am sure I will have tales to tell once the volunteer sessions get started.
And I really went off in a very different direction by joining the Fabric and Fiber group to participate in the beadwork SIG. I am NOT artistic at all, but I have wanted to mess with artsy stuff for some time and beading holds an appeal. I have wanted to do stained glass for years through the community education division of the school district I just left and never could work it into my schedule. I see that possibility on my radar here in my new community...after I get more comfortable. These artsy folks are SERIOUS about their creations and I figure I can do little damage to myself (and others) by starting small.
One more note this go-round. I am here to be involved, but to be involved with people. Moving into a brand new neighborhood still under construction. Only seven houses on our small street are currently occupied so we are all in the business of getting to know each other and help each other adapt to this new lifestyle. I have an old friend and new old friends who live around the community and that has been fun mixing with them and the neighbors. And most importantly, I have old friends (and family!) who have come to visit..for an hour, a day or a weekend. I really like that part too!
Yes, I will get some pictures going soon. Gee, did you notice, I finally added hot links. I am on a roll!
Hopefully, I can report next time from the porch!
July 13, 2011
The First Month
It's been a month since I signed my life away and became the owner of my little hillside vista. But only 14 days of actually living here so I get a pass on not being totally unpacked and organized! Of course the fact that I can't decide where to put some things and the fact that there is no space for some other things has nothing to do with the continued chaos I find myself living in! Time, just a bit more time, and this part will be a mere memory.
I have had family come see me and that has been great! Both girls have been twice. I reallllly want that to happen more often. It was fun planning for them and spending time with them on simple tasks and mindless conversation. I have missed that a lot. Another part of my little family made an impromptu stop on their way from point A to B through the state and I was so glad I was home when they called. I want those kinds of visits to happen too!
And now a Houston friend is coming tomorrow for an impromptu albeit quick visit. She is moving far away shortly and I am really glad to get this chance to see her before she takes off!
And I went to Austin on Saturday to do a little library-related volunteering. Will write a little more about that later. Am waiting for some info to share!
I am trying to develop my routine despite the unpacking and the fact that my days and nights are somewhat confused. I was warned that would happen, and it does cause the need for a little afternoon nap sometimes! O dear, having to work in a nap...such an interruption in my busy day!
I have started my walking routine and walked to the activities center the other day...even tho' 2 neighbors were concerned about the heat. No problem...a lovely breeze and smooth sidewalk. I have done orientation so I can now officially start using the facilities and take some classes...one small problem...need to finish the unpacking first!
Did make the farmers' market on Tuesday and got some lovely off-the-vine ripe tomatoes and great potatoes. Think I have missed many of the other vegetable opportunities because of the heat and lack of rain. But it was fun to come home and cook up a skillet of sliced potatoes and onions and eat those with a fresh sliced tomato. Reminded me of what we used to do when the girls were little on our visits to Hawaii back in my other life. Good eating!
Have enjoyed several days of beautiful skies filled with clouds making for nice sunsets, but NO rain from the back porch. Thanks friends to the south for sending them this way but could you manage to leave a little water in them. My grass really would appreciate the drink and it sure would help with the lovely dust created by the construction guys...especially when they are using the giant rock cutter...it makes such a lovely fine white dust!
Ok, no pictures AND no links...this might be a record of some kind for me. No camera access yet and there just is nothing to link at this point...breaks one of my cardinal rules...should always have links! O well, maybe next time.
See ya on the porch.
I have had family come see me and that has been great! Both girls have been twice. I reallllly want that to happen more often. It was fun planning for them and spending time with them on simple tasks and mindless conversation. I have missed that a lot. Another part of my little family made an impromptu stop on their way from point A to B through the state and I was so glad I was home when they called. I want those kinds of visits to happen too!
And now a Houston friend is coming tomorrow for an impromptu albeit quick visit. She is moving far away shortly and I am really glad to get this chance to see her before she takes off!
And I went to Austin on Saturday to do a little library-related volunteering. Will write a little more about that later. Am waiting for some info to share!
I am trying to develop my routine despite the unpacking and the fact that my days and nights are somewhat confused. I was warned that would happen, and it does cause the need for a little afternoon nap sometimes! O dear, having to work in a nap...such an interruption in my busy day!
I have started my walking routine and walked to the activities center the other day...even tho' 2 neighbors were concerned about the heat. No problem...a lovely breeze and smooth sidewalk. I have done orientation so I can now officially start using the facilities and take some classes...one small problem...need to finish the unpacking first!
Did make the farmers' market on Tuesday and got some lovely off-the-vine ripe tomatoes and great potatoes. Think I have missed many of the other vegetable opportunities because of the heat and lack of rain. But it was fun to come home and cook up a skillet of sliced potatoes and onions and eat those with a fresh sliced tomato. Reminded me of what we used to do when the girls were little on our visits to Hawaii back in my other life. Good eating!
Have enjoyed several days of beautiful skies filled with clouds making for nice sunsets, but NO rain from the back porch. Thanks friends to the south for sending them this way but could you manage to leave a little water in them. My grass really would appreciate the drink and it sure would help with the lovely dust created by the construction guys...especially when they are using the giant rock cutter...it makes such a lovely fine white dust!
Ok, no pictures AND no links...this might be a record of some kind for me. No camera access yet and there just is nothing to link at this point...breaks one of my cardinal rules...should always have links! O well, maybe next time.
See ya on the porch.
July 6, 2011
Turning the Page to a New Kind of Adventure
Ok, I finally am getting this reflection of my new retired life started...and yes, I am sitting on the back porch while I do so!
I closed the book on my long-time professionally-related blog (but retain the right to go back to it whenever the spirit moves me.) This blog will reflect more of my personal thoughts about all kinds of things. I am basically doing it a a record for myself, my children, and the few friends who will give up a few minutes to see what's going on in my new little corner of the world.
There is nothing significant about today's start date...except that I am starting. I had grand plans of journaling about the building of my new house as a part of this new chapter but that didn't happen. The girls and I (and other interested parties) got to share enough of that either in person or in bits and pieces on FB.
Today is officially the 6th day of my retirement and it is pretty much been a quiet time. Just trying to get my "house" in order as a result of my wayward life over the last few months, be it the actual house or the loose ends related to ending a job multiple decades old!
I have moved into a brand new neighborhood where the construction teams outnumber the residents at least 10-12 to 1! I enjoy watching all the comings and goings and watching the other houses in various stages of completion...my second time in life to be a part of a new growing neighborhood. One of the best benefits is that ALL the neighbors are new and many of us are working hard at getting to know each other...not always the case in more established places. Yes, I know..we have one pretty important advantage...we are all retired and have the luxury of time!
No pictures yet...too many cardboard boxes still sitting around...and no camera at the moment. Darn, they make you turn in all your toys when you leave a job!
So, here's to the first post. Not really what I had thought I would write when I first envisioned this new adventure, but it is what it is.
Oops, the sprinklers are coming on so I have to go in...and the bunny who regularly stops by to nibble of the excellent crop of weeds and crab grass that has sprouted up in my yard has scampered off home as well.
See you (maybe) around the back porch as I explore this new adventure.
I closed the book on my long-time professionally-related blog (but retain the right to go back to it whenever the spirit moves me.) This blog will reflect more of my personal thoughts about all kinds of things. I am basically doing it a a record for myself, my children, and the few friends who will give up a few minutes to see what's going on in my new little corner of the world.
There is nothing significant about today's start date...except that I am starting. I had grand plans of journaling about the building of my new house as a part of this new chapter but that didn't happen. The girls and I (and other interested parties) got to share enough of that either in person or in bits and pieces on FB.
Today is officially the 6th day of my retirement and it is pretty much been a quiet time. Just trying to get my "house" in order as a result of my wayward life over the last few months, be it the actual house or the loose ends related to ending a job multiple decades old!
I have moved into a brand new neighborhood where the construction teams outnumber the residents at least 10-12 to 1! I enjoy watching all the comings and goings and watching the other houses in various stages of completion...my second time in life to be a part of a new growing neighborhood. One of the best benefits is that ALL the neighbors are new and many of us are working hard at getting to know each other...not always the case in more established places. Yes, I know..we have one pretty important advantage...we are all retired and have the luxury of time!
No pictures yet...too many cardboard boxes still sitting around...and no camera at the moment. Darn, they make you turn in all your toys when you leave a job!
So, here's to the first post. Not really what I had thought I would write when I first envisioned this new adventure, but it is what it is.
Oops, the sprinklers are coming on so I have to go in...and the bunny who regularly stops by to nibble of the excellent crop of weeds and crab grass that has sprouted up in my yard has scampered off home as well.
See you (maybe) around the back porch as I explore this new adventure.
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