Category: Life in Retirement

  • My Summer Vacation

    Public schools here in Athens opened the first week of August. Fall semester at UGA started last week. Where did the summer go? My “What I Did this Summer” essay would be brief and more than a little boring. I didn’t go anywhere or read any good books. I rarely left the house except to…

  • Never Bored

    One of Mom’s friends recently asked her if I ever get bored. Mom laughed and said I have too many things I enjoy doing to get bored. It’s true. I haven’t been bored since my last faculty meeting. It’s a fair question. My life sounds pretty boring. I rarely leave home for more than a…

  • Retired Attire

    For the second time since retiring, I have reorganized all my drawers, cabinets, and closets. I got rid of a lot two years ago, but had just retired and had no idea how my lifestyle would change. Now I know. This time, I was ruthless. I wear sweat pants, gym shorts or pajama bottoms just…

  • Two Months with Tootsie

    Hard to believe Tootsie has been in my life for two months. Doesn’t seem that long. Time flies when you’re having fun. And Tootsie is fun — more fun than any pet I’ve ever had. It’s her personality. She wants to play all the time, with or without me. Her solitary play often revolves around…

  • Hello 2022!

    Hi, everyone! Long time, no see. I blame retirement for the extended absence. Contrary to expectations, blogging has not been a priority. My intentions were good. I bought WordPress for Dummies — a massive tome that combines multiple volumes on various topics into a comprehensive guide. Frankly, it’s more than a little overwhelming. Despite having…

  • Cool Running

    Weather has long determined if I go for a run or not. Preferred conditions include sunny skies with a temperature from 65- to 7degrees and a light breeze. There’s a little wiggle room, but anything beyond that is a deal breaker. An aversion to sweat is the issue. I don’t mind sweating so much these…

  • Nine Months Later…

    The end of September marks nine months of retirement. My new lifestyle is nothing like I expected. No surprise. Things rarely turn out as expected. I ain’t gonna lie. Not working agrees with me. Taking care of the homestead, Toodles, and myself are my only obligations. Aside from the occasional medical appointment, my schedule is…

  • Slow as Molasses

    I haven’t set foot in the gym since before the pandemic. Plantar fasciitis forced me to stop running last November. After months of foot exercises and tons of ibuprofen, I decided to try running again in April. The initial goal was three miles, every other day. After several pain-free weeks, I started walking four miles…

  • My Plant Babies

    Growing flowers and vegetables from seed this year has been largely successful. Nearly everything came up and, along with garden center acquisitions, found a home in the garden. I love them all, but my home-grown babies hold a special place in my heart. Sweet alyssum was the first of my plant babies to bloom and…

  • Running Man

    I’m not one for regrets. For better or worse, my life is the product of the choices I’ve made. What if’ing different choices is a waste of time. What’s done is done. Celebrate the good, learn from the bad, and move on. That said, I wish my early experiences with running had been more positive.…