My first Social Security check arrived last month -- and I was mighty glad to see it, given that I wasn't sure if it would actually be issued, things being as they are -- or were, around the time it came! It reminded me that I am a retiree and not just on an extended, joyful vacation! I'm off on the new yellow brick road!
I'm not sure what Lizzie makes of my constant contact, but she's hanging in there, sleeping on my desk -- and on occasion, the keyboard. And doing her window watching thing when I kick her off after she has made too many typos!
As you know, I have had time to gather with friends (lunch! what a concept!) and started to cook. more....
...and make art! (Our sale continues Nov. 8 and 9!)
I'm also working on the house, making an attempt to get the last two rooms in order before heading to the basement. As for the outside, here is before...
...and here is during -- meaning after I hired Mark the Garden Warrior.
This spot took him about four hours. He's been back again and I have plenty more work for him, but my guess is it will have to wait till spring. It's about time to bring in my potted plants (which means FINDING a place for the potted plants; I have bad light, which means the herb garden will look pathetic by Christmas.)
I also took off to Cleveland to visit my cousins and a good friend. For once, I had time to spend with everyone, rather than just the big gathering. And we had many chuckles as Woody the Cat rocked the mouse catching world. I wish I'd brought down Lizzie Cosette to get lessons.
On the way down, I met blog friend Vicki for tea at Zingermann's. I love meeting blog friends and as usual, I was not disappointed!
I have finished a couple books (and most heartily recommend "Bootstrapper" by Mardi Jo Link. It's fabulous.)
And as you know, when weather permits, I'm taking lots of walks. I suspect those days are close to numbered -- it's starting to get pretty cold here. But you never know...
I have time to have lunch and dinner with friends and more time for Rick, too! I've lunched a couple of times in Old Town, our arts district.
I can decorate the house for holidays during the day instead of at night when I'm tired.
I actually had time to prep for my art sale during the day!
I am digging through recipes for lovely autumn foods... warm, hearty soups... 
...and apple dishes. 'Tis the season.
Fall is almost over and I haven't been sick for several months! I savor the last of the autumn walks and dig out the Richard Simmons DVD for those cold mornings.
And I'm just loving my life. (And yes, Perry Mason and Ina Garten!)
Yes, life is very good!
29 comments:
You leave no doubt that retirement is agreeing with you in every way. It is so nice to feel the joy behind your words and pictures. It is great that you are feeling well...just one more sign that you have done what is right for you.
I have been mostly retired for more than a year and I have still not tackled the basement, but I have taken lots of walks. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to the basement sometime this winter. :)
I love the little Yellow Brick Road characters!
Well, you're clearly off to an excellent start! You look radiant and happy (which has got to be good for the immune system as well, right?), and it is thrilling and more than a little bit inspiring to see your life unfold in so many new and creative ways.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I love a good memoir, and this looks like a great one.
So glad you're enjoying retirement! My husband is retired, and it took some adjusting for him to find his place. He had worked for the same state agency for over 30 years, so it was a big change for him to no longer go to the office. But now he has time to do things that he enjoys, as you are doing. Having time to make art and read--heaven!
How lovely, Jeanie. Especially the part about being well so you can enjoy each day! Lots to be grateful for, I see:). Best of luck on your sale!
Loving your retirement right along with you. You are hitting all the right buttons. Bootstrapper sounds terrific. Got it on my wishlist and going to check at the local used bookstore and see if they happen to have a copy.
What a blessing retirement is -- and I'm so glad yours is going so wonderfully, Jeanie! The best news of all -- in a blog post filled with wonderful news -- is that you haven't been ill since retiring. Fantastic!
Happy you're loving the retirement life! I live all of your photis, and i will definitely look for the Bootstrapper Memoir. I live in a suburb myself, but i love to read about people who.live the farm life and their stories! :)
That's.. love all of your photos! Sorry about that! :)
How wonderful you look, and how wonderful your words are! Am I biased, or are your blog pix more saturated with color and light?
This retirement thing -- we'll have to get a new name for it.
Something like "Jeanie-tide."
XOXO,
Maryanne in SC
For zee soup adventures! :)
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/11/perfect-uncluttered-chicken-stock/
...on its own, or with a little orzo pasta + rubbed sage.
That first image is my favorite. I really love it.
I am so glad you are loving your retirement...It's such a wonderful time of life when you get to do things you always wanted to but didn't have time. Keep having fun....
You look and sound so happy! It sounds like retirement really agrees with you and that you're taking full advantage of it. I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling well.
Your pictures in this post all made me happy. I especially liked the one of the cat with his kill. He looks so proud and victorious. So funny!
Enjoy the rest of your sunny fall days.
So glad to hear you're enjoying your retirement - and that you're feeling well.
I am so glad you are feeling well and doing the things you love. I have been retired 13 years and have loved every day of it. But since I am older than you I have to start being more organized, and do more ART. Keep enjoying, you earned the good times.
Hugs, Mary Ann
Welcome to this world of retirement. It's pretty great as I am starting my 4th year away from the classroom and not missing it at all. People are constantly telling me how great I look and I can only attribute it to not being so stressed and frazzled. Hope you hear the same great compliments. Enjoy these wonderful, glorious days.
I would say you have made a good start to retirement. Good for you!
BTW, do you make artsy bookmarks? Looking for some to tuck in a few Christmas cards.
wonderful, wonderful....just can't think of a better word
for the beauty of this season
in your life! Sooooo happy for you!
I just bet you'll stay a lot healthier now that you're not having the stress of a daily job.
Glad for you and your lungs
and all of these dreamy days
you're getting to enjoy:)
-Jennifer
Everyone's focusing right in on the same thing - your almost throwaway line that you're feeling well. That's the best news of all, and what makes everything else you've been doing glitter and shine.
I hope your sale's a great one, and that the sun keeps shining for you so you can enjoy an extended autumn. But think about this - when winter's really awful, you won't HAVE to go out!
Things are rocking along it sounds like! The side of your house looks great!
I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. I knew you would feel better in retirement. It's amazing what having the time to take proper care of yourself and the freedom to direct your life as you wish can do for a person. I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Enjoy! Enjoy! And stay well!
Yes, retirement has lots to recommend it.
We were only saying today, sitting over a long and leisurely Sunday lunch how marvellous it is to do no work and still get paid. Pensions are a wonderful invention.
I am so thrilled that you have been healthy and enjoying the first couple of months of retirement! You really really deserved these pleasure-filled days!
I hope your sale went well this weekend!
Great to hear life is Good. It seems soo too. You look awsome Jeannie. Wonderful you added that shot of yourself. And being creative with your cards as with your food, keep it up. To bad I can't attent at your sale. But wishing you all the fun.
Hugs to you from me.
Dagmar
VERY glad retirement is treating you so well, Jeanie--sounds like you're thriving already! :o) Miss Lizzie will always want to snooze on your keyboard probably, then sulk by the window after being scooted away... It's just how it works. It's the same with our Charlie. ;o) WOW--your shrubs got a grand makeover! Adding Bootstrapper to my reading list--this sounds good! Wonderful photos... Thank you for sharing so many windows into your life, Jeanie ((HUGS))
It sounds like you have really taken to retirement---BIG TIME!!!
CONGRATS, my dear....I THINK IT IS WONDERFUL!!!! And how good is that, that you haven't been sick....BRAVA to that, too!
I am enjoying reading about all you are doing and enjoying---That Is All GREAT!
Oh dear Jeanie
This is what life's all about.
Just like you I eased into it two and a half years ago - now I can't imagined how I worked as well as doing everything else too!!
It's liberating - enjoy every day!
Hugs and love
Shane xox
I'm so happy for you! Yeah for retirement. Hip, hip, hooray! This post brought a smile to my face. You look so happy and healthy.
You'd think that since I'm retired, I would find time to keep up with blogging, but I find I really don't keep up to well. Life gets pretty darn busy, even when you are retired. Enjoy.
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