Taking A Moment

One year ago today was my last day of work and I became a retiree.

That seems about right.

A Year Ago.

 

                                                                        Today.

Best.  Decision. Ever.

When I think about all the craziness this year would have been, with the covid madness, I just add it to the ever-increasing list of reasons I am glad to be done.  I can honestly say, I have not missed working one little bit.  Any misgivings I may have had about the whole experience (financial, social, etc) have all been laid to rest.

This year was full of many things:  travel (September and mid-December to March in San Diego), new learnings (glass work and painting), reading (30 books...and counting), helping reshingle the shed at the lake, miles and miles of walking, some practicing of yoga.

Alongside all that is also adjusting to the “new normal” of life during a pandemic (social distancing, self-isolation, economic disruption, travel restrictions:  crazy times).   Who would have thought this is what life would be like one year ago?

It’s hard to look too far into the future to make predictions and plans.   As of right now, I have given up my plans of returning to San Diego next winter.  It’s too unpredictable to commit at this point in time.  The Canada/USA borders are still closed to drivers and I am not all that keen to fly just yet.   Plus, the exchange rate and the ever-rising cases in the States right now makes it seem prudent to just put a pause on winter travel plans just yet.   I am not hopeful about a winter get-away this year, so will have to really work on a mindset to plan to survive it here.

And so, I continue to count my blessings and hope for the best!   Life is good, even though it is different.

I Now Have Roofing Experience 😂

I spent Monday to Wednesday out at the lake helping Fran and Bill reshingle the shed.  It was quite a production, but the weather co-operated, the “site manager” was patient and my co-workers were cooperative.   It took all day Tuesday and half of Wednesday, but it looked pretty good when we were done.   It was great to break the quarantine, interact with others and see Deed, Fran and Bill again.

Who knew?

I have spent a large part of every day for the last 2 1/2 weeks painting!   I bought some watercolour paints and paper at Michaels, plugged into YouTube and set up a studio at the kitchen table!  

I really like it.   It’s nice having a creative outlet these Quarantine Days.   I’d like to take some classes as well, but I’m pretty please with how some of these turned out.

I made another stained/leaded glass window.   I love how it turned out.   But it’s nice to have a more “portable” hobby now!!