Update on me and life

Hello, fello(a) blog followers... it's been awhile since I've felt like blogging (aka, journaling)...
not a whole lot to report but I just wanted to say hello and keep in touch.

I have settled in pretty well w/retirement at this point. I LOVE the freedom each day of choosing my day's activities, whether it be staying at home doing things, garage sales on the weekends, exercise, meeting new people... whatever... sometimes I have my, what I call, "wacko days", where I feel disconnected, but I am adjusting. I think the best parts for me are getting connected with people. The immediate people that come to mind are the ones I am meeting in my new church, Tony's youngest daughter Stacy, her granddaughter Emily, and also neighbors. Did you all know I live almost across the road from Linda Evans, of Dynasty fame? Yes-siree! I haven't met her yet, but I saw her on a show, something like Entertainment Tonight.... I would love to meet her and get connected in her gourmet kitchen that I saw on tv. Wouldn't that be a hoot? One day I was bike riding I saw her electronic iron gate open for the FedEx person and I had a chance to ride my bike ride right into her compound. But no, I must not do it that way.

Tony is doing great but I'm sorry that he has such long days at work. I passed by a care center today and almost went in to see about work. Then I thought about a work schedule and said to myself, "Nah, I don't want a schedule. I want my own schedule."

Thanks for reading.  love you ......... E

sons are a blessing

Hi all, it's Monday and the sun is shining, which is a great thing!

Today my mind has been on my son, Tim, for many reasons. First of all, as a mom, I worry about him in NYC, starting out... it's always a struggle to begin in a new environment, for many reasons... employment, finances, stress on the body and mind, and so many other things. I worry from time to time, but I try not to... he's a grown man, with dreams of his own and a smart mind. Why is it, that mother's worry? Well, I don't have the answer, but I have to believe it's that nurturing spirit inside of women. Whether we live in the same house, or 3000 miles apart, the heart is always concerned. Anyway, I am encouraged because he's doing good -- yes, there are struggles, but his heart is where it belongs, in NYC. For now, he's meant to be there and he loves it. Which makes me wonder.... is your heart where YOU belong? Do you love it? I do. I hope you are are following your own dreams. Sometimes it's a struggle.... but have faith, and follow your dreams, as Tim tell me.

Shout out to my dear son, Tim.... love you, kid.. grown man.. E

I'm retired for real now

Good morning! Well, today is my first official day of retirement. I haven't been working the past two months, but that's been furlough, vacation, and personal leave... today is the real deal. It's great, but the bad part is that I don't get my first pension check for 3 months! So I feel like I'm living for free today... no one better expect anything out of me. Ha! I do have a long list of errands today, so I need to hop in the shower and get going here pretty soon.

I spent last week at my folks doing some much-needed painting of their living room. They have a huge wood furnace in the basement and a lot of soot had come up through the registers in a chimney fire and collected on the old 9' walls -- what a challenge. First I TSP'd the walls, then painted the walls and did the wood trim an off-white color... the reward of seeing my parents happy with the results was worth it. We got new cellular shades and sheers too which really spiffs up the place. This was the first time in many years that I was able to go to my folks and not have to worry about a time frame with work, etc. I missed Tony but he totally understood that our time with aging parents is short, so we need to make the most of it when possible. I really enjoyed being in Deep River -- not many people my age are able to go home to the house they grew up in, have both parents alive, and be able to explore in old closets to find treasures like I did... my 1967 Green Acres color book, my DMV driver's test results from 1976, and lots of other treasures. How fun!

It was wonderful to have Tony home for two days in a row (Sunday & Monday). We laughed a lot, did yard work, watched movies, just enjoyed each other's company. Now he's off to work for three days, then he gets Fri/Sat/Sun off this weekend! We may go to Nemah, then the Goonies 25th anniversary event in Astoria. Several cast members will be there... check it out at http://www.thegoonies.com/events/event_details.asp?id=82940.

Have a great day! I need to enjoy this first day of retirement. Interesting... my first day being retired and I post pictures of coloring... hmm, I wonder if this is what the future holds. Or maybe I'll become an artist in my old age. It could be a sign...  E

The smell of coffee brewing...

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be fancy! We have this deluxe coffee maker that you can set on the timer to grind the beans in the morning to make fresh brewed coffee, but we usually just put grounds in the basket the old fashioned way. Well, yesterday I bought some beans and thought I'd make a lovely pot of Starbucks quality coffee. It was going to be so excellent that Tony would be singing off to work... so about 5:45 we heard the grinder whirring... yes, it's happening... as per Tony's routine, he gets out of the shower, heads for the coffee... this morning I hear "We have a problem!" I run into the kitchen to find coffee and grounds all over the counter, dripping onto the floor - huh? Who would'da thought you'd have to put a FILTER in the basket? In my best Eva Gabor accent I say "You don't like my coffee, Oliver?" By now Tony is running late and has to have his joe in the morning, so he reaches for the instant stuff... drinks a few sips and says "This stuff is horrible." I am frantically wiping the mess, got another pot brewed, just in time for him to walk out the door and drink it on the way to work. We survived! ... and how was YOUR morning? E

Girl Cave

Hi - I don't usually post at night, but I had such a great day that I have to report. I finally finished painting one of the bedrooms in our house. I had most of it done for a couple weeks, but the part around the molding, trim, windows... oh that was tedious so I kept avoiding it. I really wanted to get that room finished because we were going to make it into an office........ well, plans change, don't they? After it was finished I loved it so much that it has now become my "girl cave". I have my laptop in here, rocker with side table for reading, a couple of antique dressers for "stuff", my pictures, lamps... oh, everything a gal could want for relaxing. It's the first space in the house that really feels like mine, because I created it. Love it!! Can't wait for the new house but it may be next summer... that's okay, because I have lots more to "create" here. Thanks to Tony, for letting me become what I need to be! E

What a beautiful day!

I had an adventurous day! Woke up late because I didn't sleep well last night. As a mom, I was worried about my son, alone in the big cities of the east coast. He was in transit transition, and not the best of scenarios. I'm waiting to to hear from him now but his phone isn't working. Oh well, I will trust.

Anyway, I got some pictures of Mt. Rainier, finally. Then I hopped on my bike and I am showing pics of the Rails to Trails bike paths here... they are awesome. After a day like today, I can't remember ever complaining about the weather... and tomorrow is going to be better. I shall brace for next week, but for now, I am enjoying every ray of sunshine!!  E

Gorgeous day... to be followed by another...

The sun is shining today in Washington! Oh my goodness, life feels lighter because of it!!! Anyway, I had a busy, but nice time in Corvallis last week. I'm trying to settle back down into a routine this week and it's already Wednesday... it's the first day I've actually felt settled. I hate being "jerked" around from place to place. I went to the gym earlier and now I have the windows open and I can hear the birds chirping in the yard. We put up a hummingbird feeder after I first moved in and now we have 4 birds coming to suck the nectar. They are so greedy and fight each other for the "alone time" on the feeder. I understand... I fight for alone time sometimes myself. :)
E