We were about five years into retirement when I started writing for a now defunct, on-line publication. My job was to write articles to inspire other retirees to visit the forum. Adjusting to retirement was still new. I had a lot to say and a lot to learn.
The words I wrote then can still be applied to today (although we have slowed our pace a bit) and what separates us from stereotypical retirees still holds true.
I have recently hinted that Malcolm and I will be leaving for a fifteen day road trip in about a month. We are heading north, with Rhode Island being our furthermost destination. My goal is to visit and photograph as many waterfalls as possible along the route.
After a lot of research, I decided to upgrade my camera and have settled on a Panasonic DC g9. I also purchased a new ‘walkabout,’ or multipurpose lens (14-140) which will allow me to leave behind a few lenses that I don’t want to carry. Both items arrived last week, and as with any new equipment, there is a learning curve. I decided I should practice as much as possible before we get on the road. Most of my practice time has been spent shooting the manmade waterfall in my neighborhood at different times of day and in different camera modes.
Read MoreWe have been a bit overwhelmed with the work of selling our tiny condo and helping our daughter relocate back to Miami to a larger place after living with us this past year, so we didn’t have our usual Easter celebration. Typically, Malcolm’s mom would dye eggs with red onion skins (they look just like the ones in the picture below) and I’d dye a few traditionally colored ones. We’d set a pretty table with dishes bought specially for the occasion at an estate sale many years ago. If they are available, I always add yellow tulips for the centerpiece.
Read MoreMarch roared in like a lion, bringing high winds and roller-coaster temperatures ranging from lows in the 40’s to highs in the 80’s. Despite the winds, we have enjoyed being outside, tending the yard, washing windows, biking, and playing our new favorite sport with the strange name. We have also managed to complete a few indoor projects, including another closet decluttering (I just did this about 6 months ago) and a complete pantry overhaul.
We met with friends for lunch a few times, hosted family game night twice and even ventured out to dinner, where we chose an inside table. (How daring!)
Read MoreHave you ever purchased a few bottles of wine at a great little winery, where you had a wonderful tasting experience, just to realize six months later when the shipment arrives, that you really don’t like the wine you purchased? Sadly, that has happened to me, more than once.
I enjoy drinking wine, but I know little to nothing about choosing a good wine. Once the bottle is open and I taste it, I either like it or I don’t. I tend to equate good or bad with the overall experience, and not necessarily with just the taste of the wine. The people I am with, the place I am in, the food I am eating and even the glass the wine is served in have a definite influence on whether or not I like a wine. So, what makes a wine good? Are all ‘good’ wines expensive? Do all good wines come from France, California, Germany? What kind of grapes make good wines? If it is highly rated will I like it? When is the right time to open the bottle I just purchased? At this point, there are more questions than answers.
Read MoreReflections on places traveled and photos taken.
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