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.

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.