It was -11 this morning, is now up to 6 (probably the high for the day). I'm looking for a friend on Facebook, my former sister-in-law, but am having no luck. I'm also watching Martha Stewart, who always makes me laugh. She's adding honey to whatever it is she's cooking--"Greek honey is the best but I'm using MY honey." Oh Martha honey, what a joke you are. I did get the best ever pumpkin pie recipe from her, though--the secret ingredient is 1/8 tsp of chili powder. That makes it.
I ended up in Platts. yesterday, running errands. It was snowy and the roads were a bit slick but it was an easy trip. Too many stops--pharmacy didn't have my happy pills so I had to go to another one at the opposite end of town. Then back to town to pick up things like prints to send to my mother, money, and I can't remember what else. It was all fine. Now it's the weekend and the only difference that makes for me is that a) it's a Dump Day, b) daytime TV is totally different, c) I talk to my mother in the morning. I feel incredibly lucky to have my life right now. I spend a lot of time pointing that out to the dogs. People ask how the dogs react to having me home and I think the only thing they notice is that they have no privacy and no time in the house when I'm not here. Aw shucks. Tess tried to do one of her "I'm such a bad dog" tricks RIGHT in front of me this morning and all I did was laugh.
My friends are here, at their camp below my house. They come every January. I truly enjoy being with them. They remind me of my brother and his lifetime friends in Rockford (when they all got along)--these 3 have been friends since childhood and love being together. We're planning to go out for breakfast tomorrow, yay. I love going out for breakfast.
No big plans for the next week. Have to return to Platts. to get more prints and hit the pharmacy for a new inhaler. Next weekend Jim turns 80 and we'll take him out to dinner in Plattsburgh. Next Sunday I may head to Potsdam to see my great niece (and her daughter, ha ha ha).
What do I do all day every day? Not much. I try to do one constructive domestic task each day and have met with some success at doing that. I read books. I have a long list of projects but most of them will need warmer weather. Or maybe that's just an excuse. Anyway I'm outrageously happy.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Winter pics
Friday, January 23, 2015
Warmer Friday
It's warmed up to 25 today but there's no sun and a cold wind so it feels pretty crappy. I just walked to the mailbox, which I'm hoping to make a daily habit. The dogs are getting used to the walk and always check out the bog on the way to the mailbox, so I walk most of the way without them, talking to myself. "Am I doing this for my health? Where ARE you? Actually, I AM doing it for my health" It's all good.
I need to develop organizational skills for my errands and chores. Yesterday I went to Saranac Lake to the bank, to the post office and I tried to send a UPS package with no luck. When I got home I figured out that I needed a bunch of groceries, so this morning I went to Plattsburgh. I thought the whole point of retiring was to NOT go to Platts.? So far I go twice a week--poor planning.
It's very quiet in the 'hood right now. There is somebody down the road, probably Dennis at Silver Lake Camp. The plow man plows just about every day--we get an inch or so of fluffy stuff just about daily. When he gets bored with plowing he sands the road.
It was an uneventful week for me, and I got a few things done at home. Tuesday I had lunch with my friend Barb, always a pleasure. I was hoping to meet Julie this morning but she had a meeting. Instead we mad plans for lunch next week. Monday I'm meeting my friend in Keene Valley for a walk and maybe lunch, depending on the weather.
Dogs are fine, I am fine, life is still good.
I need to develop organizational skills for my errands and chores. Yesterday I went to Saranac Lake to the bank, to the post office and I tried to send a UPS package with no luck. When I got home I figured out that I needed a bunch of groceries, so this morning I went to Plattsburgh. I thought the whole point of retiring was to NOT go to Platts.? So far I go twice a week--poor planning.
It's very quiet in the 'hood right now. There is somebody down the road, probably Dennis at Silver Lake Camp. The plow man plows just about every day--we get an inch or so of fluffy stuff just about daily. When he gets bored with plowing he sands the road.
It was an uneventful week for me, and I got a few things done at home. Tuesday I had lunch with my friend Barb, always a pleasure. I was hoping to meet Julie this morning but she had a meeting. Instead we mad plans for lunch next week. Monday I'm meeting my friend in Keene Valley for a walk and maybe lunch, depending on the weather.
Dogs are fine, I am fine, life is still good.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Christmas is over
I took the Christmas tree down this morning--I'd kept it up for book group, which was scheduled for yesterday. I really enjoy having a tree, even if I'm the only one who ever sees it. I'm happy to have the dinner table back to being a table, and pleased to put away the Christmas stuff. Let's get on with winter...
It's very pretty here right now, we had some heavy snow last night and more today, so the trees are coated with white. Nice. Temp is 30 and due to drop to single digits tonight. Ah, it was nice while it lasted, and I don't mind single digits. It's the -20 that I mind most.
Tonight I'm taking dinner to Pat & Jim--I have a chicken to roast so will cook it here and take it to them. I bought it for book group, but we cancelled last night so what to do with a 5-lb chicken? Share it, of course. I had a nice time yesterday at P&J's, good visits with Bill and the Atkinsons. Everyone is fine, feeling pretty good for January. Things are moving ahead--we started the ice-out pool. Duncan & David come at the end of the month, Joe comes in Feb. for The Burn, and in March I hope to get to RI (if not in Feb.) then I go to Georgia. Time goes by soooo fast.
I'm enjoying being at home, not sick of anything yet. This morning I drove to Redford for milk, gas and coffee. Tomorrow I go to Plattsburgh to have car work done and maybe have lunch with a friend. Friday I went to Platts. and had lunch with a friend from work. I did go inside and visit a bit with a couple of people but that's not really something I like doing--I've always said, once you're gone you're gone.
The house is warm, too warm but I'm keeping a good fire going. I still have a lot of wood--more than 8 cords. I'm burning old wood from Ken's, which is fantastic and dry. Now I'm mixing it with this year's wood, which is not as dry but still burns well.
So what do I do in retirement? A little of this and a little of that. Too much TV, still, but mostly I just have it on instead of NPR, which is what many of my friends listen to. Noise, just noise. I'm taking Joe's advice to heart--little things become bigger things in the context of the day, and that works really well for me. I write letters, clean a bit, do chores, talk to the dogs, and read at night. I get the paper every day but it doesn't entertain me for long.
Am I still glad I chose to retire? Yes, more than ever.
It's very pretty here right now, we had some heavy snow last night and more today, so the trees are coated with white. Nice. Temp is 30 and due to drop to single digits tonight. Ah, it was nice while it lasted, and I don't mind single digits. It's the -20 that I mind most.
Tonight I'm taking dinner to Pat & Jim--I have a chicken to roast so will cook it here and take it to them. I bought it for book group, but we cancelled last night so what to do with a 5-lb chicken? Share it, of course. I had a nice time yesterday at P&J's, good visits with Bill and the Atkinsons. Everyone is fine, feeling pretty good for January. Things are moving ahead--we started the ice-out pool. Duncan & David come at the end of the month, Joe comes in Feb. for The Burn, and in March I hope to get to RI (if not in Feb.) then I go to Georgia. Time goes by soooo fast.
I'm enjoying being at home, not sick of anything yet. This morning I drove to Redford for milk, gas and coffee. Tomorrow I go to Plattsburgh to have car work done and maybe have lunch with a friend. Friday I went to Platts. and had lunch with a friend from work. I did go inside and visit a bit with a couple of people but that's not really something I like doing--I've always said, once you're gone you're gone.
The house is warm, too warm but I'm keeping a good fire going. I still have a lot of wood--more than 8 cords. I'm burning old wood from Ken's, which is fantastic and dry. Now I'm mixing it with this year's wood, which is not as dry but still burns well.
So what do I do in retirement? A little of this and a little of that. Too much TV, still, but mostly I just have it on instead of NPR, which is what many of my friends listen to. Noise, just noise. I'm taking Joe's advice to heart--little things become bigger things in the context of the day, and that works really well for me. I write letters, clean a bit, do chores, talk to the dogs, and read at night. I get the paper every day but it doesn't entertain me for long.
Am I still glad I chose to retire? Yes, more than ever.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Week 2
Wow it's been almost a month since I left work. I miss nothing about it, really. I'm having lunch with a work friend tomorrow and I'm sure she'll fill me in on what's up. Apparently they've found a librarian to replace me. This should be good.
It's been cold, was -13 yesterday morning but is now 21. It was sunny this morning but is now a bit cloudy. I should walk down to Holts to water Annie's African violets but will I?
I haven't been doing much but seem to have ways of filling my days. I went to Saranac Lake on Monday, which was good. Had to pick up my glasses and run a few errands. I picked up my goldfish, who is now safely installed in the living room. So far he hasn't frozen and seems to be just fine.
The dogs keep me entertained and busy--they stare at me when they want to go out (every 20 minutes) and eat (every half hour). They are good companions and don't seem to notice that I don't go to work every day.
I'm adjusting to my new status and am doing well. I should be more productive but I do get something done each day. Yesterday I took a big bag to the dump and I have another one loading up to go on Saturday. I'm slowly, very slowly cleaning the living room in prep. for book group onn Sunday. I've been reading a bit, nothing really of note but enough to make me feel as if I'm using my brain. I still watch too much TV.
I'll run errands tomorrow and will feel productive, trying not to spend much money. I am worried about money, haven't got a check yet. Social Sec will kick in in February, I think the pension won't come until then, either. Makes me nervous.
I made dog reservations at the kennel for my Georgia trip in March. That was a good thing to get done. I'm supposed to go to the dentist in Pbg on Monday but I think I'll cancel and reschedule. Next Weds. I go to Burlington to the car dealer to have the oil changed and tires rotated. That should be a nice trip.
Things are good. I'm happy, very happy to be at home. I just had my driveway plowed and as I pulled in today I thought there's nothing like a freshly-plowed driveway. I'm a girl who's easy to please.
It's been cold, was -13 yesterday morning but is now 21. It was sunny this morning but is now a bit cloudy. I should walk down to Holts to water Annie's African violets but will I?
I haven't been doing much but seem to have ways of filling my days. I went to Saranac Lake on Monday, which was good. Had to pick up my glasses and run a few errands. I picked up my goldfish, who is now safely installed in the living room. So far he hasn't frozen and seems to be just fine.
The dogs keep me entertained and busy--they stare at me when they want to go out (every 20 minutes) and eat (every half hour). They are good companions and don't seem to notice that I don't go to work every day.
I'm adjusting to my new status and am doing well. I should be more productive but I do get something done each day. Yesterday I took a big bag to the dump and I have another one loading up to go on Saturday. I'm slowly, very slowly cleaning the living room in prep. for book group onn Sunday. I've been reading a bit, nothing really of note but enough to make me feel as if I'm using my brain. I still watch too much TV.
I'll run errands tomorrow and will feel productive, trying not to spend much money. I am worried about money, haven't got a check yet. Social Sec will kick in in February, I think the pension won't come until then, either. Makes me nervous.
I made dog reservations at the kennel for my Georgia trip in March. That was a good thing to get done. I'm supposed to go to the dentist in Pbg on Monday but I think I'll cancel and reschedule. Next Weds. I go to Burlington to the car dealer to have the oil changed and tires rotated. That should be a nice trip.
Things are good. I'm happy, very happy to be at home. I just had my driveway plowed and as I pulled in today I thought there's nothing like a freshly-plowed driveway. I'm a girl who's easy to please.
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Home for goood
I know, it's been a long time. I'm adjusting to my new life but it's pretty strange. I went to RI for 2 weeks and had a good (but maybe too long) visit there. My mother is fine but is old and doesn't like that. She & Mark like having me there, and I enjoy being there but I think one week is probably long enough unless there's something like going to to be beach to keep us busy. Anyway it was a fine trip and my house survived just fine. That was a big relief, I worried about frozen pipes of course. Nothing happened. It got down to -5 while I was gone but the house was 42 at its coldest. whew.
I've only been home this week, just 3 days until today and I'm having a hard time adjusting to it. I'm really happy to be home to keep the stove stoked and the house warm, and to keep the dogs entertained but I'm having trouble finding things to do. It was -20 this morning and the house was freezing, so was the pump. I got everything set, though, went out & got wood, stoked the stove and now it's toasty and all is well. I spent one day in Plattsburgh--doctor's appointment and errands, but I got tired of being there before finishing all of my errands so will return tomorrow. Have to pick up a prescription and still haven't retrieved my goldfish from work. I don't feel like going there but maybe will tomorrow. It's a very, very strange sensation to be at home every day. There's not much to do. I need to get a lot of cleaning done and hopefully will feel motivated to do that one of these days. Book group is here on the 18th. I still have my Christmas tree up but am pretty tired of it. Will keep it up until after the 18th I guess.
I saw P&J last night and on Sunday, but other than that have been mostly quiet & alone. I've had phone calls, and have talked to my mother (she worries about me when it's this cold). I welcome the conversations. Am I lonely? Not at all. I think I'm just worried about my inactivity. I'll get used to this home life and will perk up I'm sure. I lie in bed at night and marvel at the fact that I don't work anymore. Did I do the right thing? I have no doubt that it was a good thing but I know I was unprepared for the magnitude of the change in my life. duh. It's all fine and so am I. I'm happy, just adjusting.
I've only been home this week, just 3 days until today and I'm having a hard time adjusting to it. I'm really happy to be home to keep the stove stoked and the house warm, and to keep the dogs entertained but I'm having trouble finding things to do. It was -20 this morning and the house was freezing, so was the pump. I got everything set, though, went out & got wood, stoked the stove and now it's toasty and all is well. I spent one day in Plattsburgh--doctor's appointment and errands, but I got tired of being there before finishing all of my errands so will return tomorrow. Have to pick up a prescription and still haven't retrieved my goldfish from work. I don't feel like going there but maybe will tomorrow. It's a very, very strange sensation to be at home every day. There's not much to do. I need to get a lot of cleaning done and hopefully will feel motivated to do that one of these days. Book group is here on the 18th. I still have my Christmas tree up but am pretty tired of it. Will keep it up until after the 18th I guess.
I saw P&J last night and on Sunday, but other than that have been mostly quiet & alone. I've had phone calls, and have talked to my mother (she worries about me when it's this cold). I welcome the conversations. Am I lonely? Not at all. I think I'm just worried about my inactivity. I'll get used to this home life and will perk up I'm sure. I lie in bed at night and marvel at the fact that I don't work anymore. Did I do the right thing? I have no doubt that it was a good thing but I know I was unprepared for the magnitude of the change in my life. duh. It's all fine and so am I. I'm happy, just adjusting.
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