I cannot believe it has been THREE months since I retired!
Honestly, I have to admit, it has been a little challenging filling my time. I am not one to be content finding things to keep busy around my house. We anticipate a move sometime in 2021 (after M retires) so there are several decluttering projects I have taken on and more to come, but I need more mental and physical stimulation. For many years my time was so structured that this new opportunity for more “freedom of choice” is taking some getting use to. Some of the things I thought I would try to get involved with are either very limited or just not available due to COVID.
But the good news is I am discovering I have time to do some things I have always made an excuse not to do on a regular basis. Such as….taking an early morning walk. It is something I look forward to each and every day. There is just something so very special about watching the birth of a new day. The colors have been spectacular some mornings. This is also a wonderful time for me to give thanks and praise as well as talk over a few things with Him as I trudge along. I marvel at the beauty I see and these photos are but a few I have taken. They just don’t offer the same clarity and beauty my eyes see each day.
I always hear the early birds singing their wake-up songs ~ busily tending to their chores. Here lately I have been treated to the almost daily sightings of geese honking as they fly overhead getting an early morning start on their journey.
I tried to take along a special furry friend – my Havanese -MooMoo- but after a while she would have enough and stubbornly refuse to continue walking. Carrying her and her additional 10 pounds of added weight the rest of the route – especially up and down hills – was not what I had in mind – so I no longer take her with me. Instead, once I get home, she is eagerly waiting for me to take her for a short 15 – 20 minute “stop and smell everything walk” on a flat section in our neighborhood.
Once I have completed my route I usually sit on my back patio to enjoy my coffee as I watch the backyard light up with sunshine.
Retirement is off to a very good start!
Savoring Sixty and Beyond 
Okay–everyone else is congratulating you on your retirement. Me–I still look for you in your room when I walk into school everyday. The young woman who is in there now is very nice–she is one of our face-to-face teachers, so I see her with her whole class in the Media Center every week–and we are becoming friends. But it will never be the same as a friend who is in your same stage of life, who shares stories of grown children, and who has known–for years–all the same children. Although I wish you all happiness in this new stage of your life, i miss you, my friend. And while, yes, this year is more difficult, I very selfishly wish we were going through it together.
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You are such a sweetheart and thank you so much for your lovely words. I miss you and the opportunity to support each other during these trying times at school. I am sure you are a rock star in the media center!! In all honesty, I would still rather be here trying to figure things our than there trying to figure things out! Give my love to all my sweet friends.
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yay!! for you!! I too love the birth of a new day Oh how i long for retirement. Your dog is too cute. I will think of you in the early mornings.
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Thank you! I will think of you as well! 😊
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Congratulations on your retirement! I retired from a 31-year teaching career 3 years ago and I am loving it. You will figure out how to best use your time. I am doing a mixture of writing, running and fitness, visiting family and friends, and volunteering. All the things I didn’t get to spend enough time on when I was teaching.
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Thank you, I am looking forward to getting into a steady routine of things I enjoy ~ like you have found!
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Good for you!
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So glad you are enjoying it, it just gets better. Once you get over being the teacher and everyone standing up when you enter a room (classroom) you will become you and , you will love it 💜
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Thanks for starting my day with a smile!😊
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You are better off retired I mean you have worked for this now you can enjoy it 😉
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Lovely post! I love retirement, though it did take awhile to destress from having ‘to do’ to just ‘being’ 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thanks! I am finding each day a little easier especially when I am reminded of what I would be facing in the classroom environment this year.
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Oh yes, that is very sobering!
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Congratulations on your retirement! I loved your photos and will think of you when I go out to walk before the sun rises. It is marvelous to walk with God. I’m going to be reading your posts and will watch for the time when you can’t fit everything into your days. Meanwhile, enjoy your leisure time. You’ve earned it many times over.
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After six + years of retirement, I still haven’t gotten bored (maybe I’m easily entertained 🙂 ). I love the IDEA of early morning walks than I do actually getting my bod out of bed and taking one. I do take daily walks, though… just a little later.
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Congratulations on your retirement. After years and years of a busy career, it makes sense that it takes a while to get used to a new routine (or lack thereof). But it WILL happen. I’ve been retired from education for over five years now. I loved my job, but have to admit that retirement is absolutely, positively the best gig yet!
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Thank you! Yes, I agree, an adjustment period is definitely part of this change. I am looking forward to when things begin to settle down and I can better appreciate this gift of time in my life.
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Even with the challenges of entering retirement at the onset of a pandemic, it has to feel better than virtual teaching, or possibly even being in a classroom. Glad you are enjoying your walks and easing into a new day. Beautiful photos!
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Oh, yes I agree ~ this is so much better than virtual teaching or being in the classroom! Thank you!
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It’s a weird year so retirement looks different than it normally would. I love early morning walks. I know most dogs on my route and enjoy seeing them. I have gone walking with my walking group but I find that in great weather, I much prefer to be outside with nature. I worry that winter will bring a more “cooped up” feel to it as we continue to confine ourselves. Maybe I’ll learn to walk in the bitter cold or I’ll go back to my walking group (they walk inside a mall). Somehow I’ll have to figure it out so I get enough stimulation.
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💗💗
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