With our one-year apartment lease coming to a close on May 15th, we started feeling pressure in late February to make a decision about extending the current lease or moving on. We are still not ready to build our ‘forever home’, and for a variety of reasons, we have elected to move on. We devoted almost every day of the first two weeks of March to finding a suitable place to live and securing a new lease. If all goes well, the move will happen around mid-June. The new place is a slightly larger (2,000sf) 2-level townhouse, and while I have a lot to say about that, I will share the details in another post. I’ll also share the pros and cons of apartment living in an age-restricted community. Let’s just say that once again, we have learned a lot about what we want and what we do not want in a permanent home environment.
We also spent what seems like an inordinate amount of time preparing for a ten-day Caribbean cruise. Malcolm likes to be thorough, and it matters not whether we are traveling for ten days or ten months – life must be in order before we go. Of course, a big part of that is making sure his mom has everything she needs to be without us for two weeks. BTW, she did just fine on her own. Whew…
Intertwined with all the necessary adulting I managed to play tennis a few times, we met friends for dinner once, I spent a few hours taking and processing photos from a family photo shoot, and we attended a tennis match to support our friends who reached the finals of the mixed doubles division at their club. We also had an impromptu wine party with a few neighbors at the firepit on a very pleasant evening. Cool nights are the norm for Florida in March, and thankfully, there were many to enjoy.
Of course, a big chunk of the month was spent relaxing (eating and drinking) in a floating hotel. I shared a few photos in my last post in response to Terri’s Sunday Stills, “I’d rather be” photo prompt, and will write a dedicated post about our adventure in the near future. Strangely enough, it was also a learning experience and I look forward to sharing. There are definitely pros and cons to all-inclusive, small-ship, cruising that I had never considered.
The Hobby Job
Last year I accepted my ‘first ever’ maternity shoot and you may recall the photo below from a previous post. It was a fun experience and I really enjoyed working with this sweet couple. So, when they visited Florida again this past month and called on me to take a few family photos with the new little one, I was thrilled. I spent about an hour with them on the beach, and another two-three hours processing their photos.
Every time I do this kind of thing, I love it and come away with a renewed commitment to improving my photography skills. Some days I want natural light portraiture to be more than just a hobby job, but then reality sets in. There is a lot of work, time commitment, and pressure involved when creating a business and trying to please clients. Right now, I can get away with a few ‘rough’ shots and nobody cares. My hobby, my terms. Yep, that works for me.
Blogging
WordPress has been sending lots of notifications about JetPack, and since the change seems to be inevitable, I recently decided to install the app on my phone. If you haven’t done that already, I highly recommend you do. It makes it easy to compose posts from your phone, review stats (if you are into that) scroll through Reader to discover posts you might have missed, leave comments, and respond to comments on your posts. You can turn on (or off) a button that alerts you to new posts and comments. I personally like that feature as it allows me to respond to comments from any location. I don’t have to be home, sitting at my computer. If you’d like more information about JetPack, read this post from Hugh at Hugh’s Views and News.
Returning to Real Life
I spent a few days restocking the refrigerator, doing laundry, putting away clothes that were never worn on the cruise, catching up on emails, reading blogs, and sorting through hundreds of photographs. I edited about a hundred photos and added them to my annual Shutterfly album and I prepared a WeTransfer album to share with our friend who was on the trip with us. He will combine them with his photos and those contributed by the other couple to create a movie of our trip. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with.
The kids (daughter & SIL) visited us the weekend after we returned, and while that was wonderful, my recollections of breakfast on our balcony, cocktails overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and elegant dinners served by an attentive staff came to an abrupt end. It was a brief, but good visit. Malcolm finished up their tax returns, we cooked a nice dinner, had a good sleep, lingered over breakfast with an animated conversation about future travels, (we will be traveling with them to France in July, and Canada in November) and then after kisses and hugs, they were off, back to their busy lives.
Reflective Moments
I have learned some good lessons this past month which reinforce my overall impression of how to live my version of a satisfying retirement. This isn’t the time to surrender to the notion that our best days are behind us and become complacent. It is important to remain diligent about our health, finances, and general well-being and to continue to make choices that are consistent with our values. What matters today is very different from what mattered twenty years ago, and ten years from now life will look vastly different. Having a positive mindset and being both proactive and receptive to change will serve us well at this stage of life.
Sharing with WBOYC ‘What’s Been On Your Calendar’ hosted by Donna, Sue, Jo, and Deb.
Picture Retirement 
More cruise fun, family visit, and new digs – busy but fun time for you two. You are right – enjoy your travels and other adventures now while you are both doing well. Hope the move goes smoothly.
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Judy, thanks. It should be a good move for us, but of course, anything worthwhile involves work.
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Hi Suzanne – I’m glad you have the next stage of your living arrangements sorted. I’ll be really interested to read your thoughts on over 50 living and on the new place. We’re staying put for quite a bit longer, but when the time comes I like the idea of making an informed decision and not having regrets. The rest of your month sounds like it went really well with the cruise, catchups with family, the hobby-job, and more – the perfect balance.
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Hi Leanne, we are as ‘sorted’ as we can be for at least one more year. I’m still sorting my thoughts on the ‘over 50 living’ situation, but generally, there are more positives than negatives.
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I’m glad you’ve found somewhere suitable to move to in June, that must be a relief! And I’m looking forward to hearing more about your cruise, both the pros and the cons 🙂
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Hi Sarah, I was just working on the cruise post this morning and will post it one Sunday morning within the next few weeks. It was an interesting experience for us as we are more the ‘build your own trip’ kind of people. But, all-inclusive does have its merits.
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There are pros and cons to every style of travel, I reckon, and no ‘right’ way!
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I like your attitude about retirement and life. It’s too easy for me to feel like my best years are over even though I know there’s so much more. I look forward to hearing more about your living arrangements. I don’t know what we’ll need/want to do in a few years.
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Hi Linda, it is nice to be in a position where we can try on many different lifestyles and see what fits. Having rid ourselves of the ‘stuff’ along with the big house was the first step toward freedom. Still glad we did that.
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It’s so fun to read about others who are enjoying retired life. I’m very interested in hearing the pros and cons of your cruise experience! If you have time I’d love to hear more about your annual Shutterfly album – is this something you have printed at the end of the year? DH is always on me to get our photos printed so this might be an option. Thanks!!!
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Hi Sharon, thanks for stopping by. I’ll post about the pros and cons of our all-inclusive cruise very soon. Still digesting all that I learned.
As far as the Shutterfly album – I have been creating them annually since 2008. It is a great way to organize all your photos from the year in just one book. If you Google Shutterfly, you will find a website that offers a lot of products, including photo books. It is very user-friendly and if you are at all computer savvy, you will be able to create a book in no time at all. I’d suggest starting on something small, (maybe 20 pages) to get used to using the website. I work on my annual book all year long, adding photos and text until the end of December, and then I place an order for the book. All of my books are digitally stored by Shutterfly, along with an unlimited number of photos, at no charge. The only charges you will incur are when you order the book.
I wrote this post about the process that might be helpful to you. https://picture-retirement.com/2019/01/06/this-is-us-preserving-memories/ Good luck and feel free to write me through my contact page if you have questions.
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You’ve had such fun in March. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I like your line: “This isn’t the time to surrender to the notion that our best days are behind us and become complacent.” This is a great point of view that sums up so much about the concept of retirement. Hear, hear!
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Hi Ally, I am glad you agree. Personally, I can’t imagine doing life any other way. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.
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Hi Suzanne, moving and deciding where to live is stressful isn’t it? We weren’t sure what we wanted when we moved last year but are very happy with our two level townhouse. We are renovating to update it but enjoying the projects. Your photos from the maternity shoot are just beautiful and a lovely ‘hobby’ for you. We are off on a cruise to Papua New Guinea in early June and I’m starting to count the days! Have a lovely April and I look forward to you joining us for What’s Been On Your Calendar? if you care to link up. xx
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Hi Sue, I did a pingback for each of the hosts, but I forgot to enter the link. Will do that now. Yes, the move will be a bit stressful, especially since we just moved here a year ago. I don’t mind the work though as I think it will improve our situation. I’ll have to check out Papua New Guinea as I am not familiar with that destination. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. I envy that you own your place and can make it your own through renovations. The most I will be able to do is hang a few pictures on the walls. Thanks for stopping by.
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Suzanne, that is a fabulous photo of you and Malcolm at the distillery! Sounds like you had a busy and productive March, along with a lot of fun. I look forward to reading more about your decision to move. I absolutely agree with you that having a positive attitude and being both proactive and receptive to change is essential for navigating life. Even though sometimes I wonder why we’re turning our lives upside down again, I know it’s for very good reasons, LOL.
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Laurel, shaking things up a bit is what keeps life interesting. We rode past some ‘tiny homes’ on our bike ride this morning and I thought of you guys. If your place is anything like this one, you are in for a wonderful adventure.
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Retirement for us was absolutely a new beginning, quite the opposite of thinking our best days are behind us. I was lucky enough to love my working life – well, most of it, and certainly the last 25 years or so…but closing the door on that chapter and starting to live the dream of travelling without commitments was like being reborn. 40 months down the line it hasn’t even begun to wear off!
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We’ve been retired since 2006, so although the bloom is off, we know that the decisions we make today will affect our quality of life down the road, so we tend to employ a ‘cautiously optimistic’ approach these days.
It is great that you are still making your dreams come true after 40 months. I think what balances you guys vs some full-time travelers I follow is compatibility when it comes to travel styles and having your home base to return to for a breather. It also helps that you are able to travel without commitments. That one makes a huge difference.
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Sure does….and you are spot on about the compatibility thing, it’s a huge benefit if you share tastes, it makes things so much easier.
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Really looking forward to your pros and cons piece on age restricted communities. Good luck with your next move!
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Hi Tracey, having mentally sorted my thoughts on the subject, I’m anxious to sit still and write it out. Not sure that it will illuminate anyone’s thinking, but it has helped to clarify mine. Thanks for the visit. Have a great week.
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Thanks for this interesting look back at the month Suzanne, your photo at the distillery is lovely, and I love your dress! Your cruise and time away sounds like a good time for reflection and like others have said I’m interested in your thoughts on moving. Hope the next move goes well for you both and I agree our best years aren’t behind us just because we’re ageing! Thanks too for joining us for #WBOYC, it’s always good to have you join us 🙂
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Hi Debbie, it felt like a short, but productive month that created opportunities for reflection. For me, that is the best part of a wrap-up post. Thanks for hosting.
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You really live the dream, Suzanne! You are quite the the trooper to move again, but it is nice to find the right place. I’m a bit like your husband, details and contingencies must be in place before we travel for more than a weekend. This ridiculousness makes us happy and secure, so I’m glad you let him do what he must!
You have been busy, but I not only love your images, your photo shoot is amazing! You have a gift!! BTW I enjoy the Jetpack app, too. It gets better each week, and now that I’m on the road and still hosting Sunday Stills, the notifications to my phone make it super easy to respond and comment! I haven’t been brave enough to compose a post on my mobile just yet, but I’m glad you made it work! Have a great week!
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Terri, thank you. I have always assumed that you and my husband are like-minded people. Yes, I just get out of the way and let him do his thing. I am enjoying using the Jetpack app and I like knowing that I don’t have to be tied down to answer comments or read posts. This move is just another ‘choice’ that will contribute to getting our ultimate MOVE right. We have both ruled out a ‘highrise’ condo, so a townhouse sounds about right. Enjoy your week.
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Suzanne, Your last paragraph really hit me. But I’m going to slightly modify it: “What matters today is very different from what mattered ten years ago, and ten years from now life will look vastly different.” This summer I hit my 9 year retirement mark… and I’ve started to realize how different I am now, how different my life is now, than it was 9 years ago. And yeah, how different it will be 9 years in the future.
BTW – you look stunning in that white dress and lovely hat!
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Hi Pat, I believe that life is lived in chunks, and with each chunk comes new challenges, and hard choices. Knowing yourself well makes those choices and challenges all the more manageable, doesn’t it? We look at this time as ‘doing the work’ required to make the best choice possible. Still, there are no guarantees. God has his own plans and neglected to inform us…..
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Suzanne, Yes, God has his own plans and often we struggle to understand them. Kinda where I’m at the moment…but working through it all.
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Suzanne,
What matters today is definitely different from what mattered in the past. Ten years ago, almost all of my focus was on my work. Today, I find myself wondering how I had the time to work. I love retirement and have never been bored. You and Malcolm have a sense of adventure and the gift of curiosity which keeps you looking forward. Good for you both! Now, I’m looking forward to your future posts on the cruise and the move. Love the distillery photo. Joe
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Hi Joe, we definitely have the ‘curiosity’ factor in our favor. Both of us love to travel and experience new things. We are also not tied to a ‘traditional’ lifestyle. I am a bit more adventurous than Malcolm and would live full-time in an RV or travel the world endlessly, but for his hesitation.
The distillery in Puerto Rico was a fun tour and I love that picture of us too. Malcolm’s college friend (one of our travel companions) took it and sent it to me just a few days ago.
Have a great week, and thanks for stopping in.
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A wonderful wrap-up, Suzanne. You remain a busy bee with lots of satisfying activities to keep you entertained, healthy, and involved. I think it’s smart that you are trying out different areas, situations, and homes to compare for an eventual longer move. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live in 2,000 square feet of space!! 🙂
Success with the move and I look forward to learning about your experiences and lessons.
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Hi Liesbet, I have no doubt that I could live happily in 150sf, (think cruise ship cabin)!!! but, since we intend to live a ‘traditional’ lifestyle, I think 2,000 sounds about right. Thanks for your well wishes. Hopefully, all will go as planned.
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I’m really looking forward to hearing about your cruise – especially re travelling on a small all inclusive ship. The maternity shots look great and it’s a lovely way to lean into the business (although I really don’t like that term… lean into…anyways…). Your reflections rang a few bells for me too – we’re not at the full retirement stage, but getting closer and planning for that transition.
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Hi Jo, I read your post about Grant’s easing into retirement decision. It’s just the beginning of a lot of changes for you guys. Just remember to be patient and let it unfold. Yes, the ‘business’ side of things doesn’t excite me, so the ‘hobby’ status will remain. I remember going through the same thing back in High School when people wanted to hire me for birthday parties and such. It took all the fun out of it for me, so I never pursued photography as a career. Smart girl!
The all-inclusive cruise was a first for us and I learned a lot. Some of what we learned crosses over to the negatives of living in an age-restricted community. Yep, think about that for a minute. Have a great week, and thanks for hosting.
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Thanks so much for linking to my recent post about the Jetpack App, Suzanne. I’m delighted it was helpful. I agree that it has many great features and is easier to use than the old WordPress app.
I also read the rest of your post and was delighted to read about recent events in your life. I’m pleased you’ve found a new place to live and enjoyed your recent holiday. We have age-restricted living centres in the UK, and from what I’ve heard from those who live there, they’re a great way to socialise and enjoy life.
Good luck with the move in June.
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Hugh, you are welcome. Without your post, I would probably still be wondering what the fuss is about. Sharing helpful information and making connections is what makes blogging fun for me. I appreciate your comment and thanks for reading.
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Suzanne, I enjoyed this post. I can really relate to your Reflective Moments. I’m sure I am older than you but I refuse to let my age keep me from enjoying life! I agree that having a positive mindset is important. Every day is a gift!
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Hi Beth, I don’t think we are much different in age. I’ll be 68 next month. Yes, I agree, every day is a gift. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your week. We are savoring these last few weeks before heat and humidity set in.
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We’re pretty close. I’ll be 72 in June.
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Hi Suzanne, always fun, interesting, and often inspirational to see how you are doing. I am curious about your take on living in an age-restricted community. As you indicate, every move is ‘learning a lot,’ ‘lessons.’
The family photo shoot sounds daunting, yet your results are amazing. Your care, thoughtful approach, and expertise is priceless, and your clients are fortunate to have you take photos of their special memories.💕
I have never used Shutterfly, and I need to familiarize myself with this new to me site. Initially, I used the Apple photo’s site for projects with great results. They shut this down. I was not too happy with my last site, and coincidentally I have a note to self to investigate Shutterfly.
I love your ending paragraph…’satisfying retirement’…’continue to make choices…’proactive’…’receptive.’
As always, Suzanne, a great post! Thank you for sharing your journey and gems.💕 Erica
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I’m glad all went well with your cruise, Suzanne, and that you have settled on your new living arrangements. I appreciate your reminder: What matters today is very different from what mattered twenty years ago, and ten years from now life will look vastly different.
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Hi Christie, yes, life is moving along quite nicely these days. Wishing you the same. Spring will eventually come your way,
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Hi Erica, I appreciate that you continue to follow our odd little journey. Thank you for your kind words regarding my hobby job. In terms of Shutterfly, I have used that service since 2008 and have never tried any other site. It allows complete control over each project, and the product is always of good quality. This past year has been quite an experience, and I hope I can articulate it properly without coming off as insulting to older people. We’ll see. Thanks for stopping by and be well. I hope your life is full and satisfying. How can it not be with those beautiful grandchildren?
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Hi Suzanne, I read your comment to Sharon, re Shutterfly and I bookmarked your 2019 post. I plan to play with with this site in the near future. Also, nice, another external place to save photos. I look forward to reading more of your experiences and seeing your beautiful photos. 💕
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Hi Suzanne, I enjoyed reading your post and appreciate your wise insights under the Reflective Moments heading. I’m at the Returning to Life stage this week after my trip to Portugal. I’m glad you found a new place to move in June. I used Shutterfly before and liked it. I look forward to reading your next post.
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Natalie, it always takes a while to ease back into ‘real life’ after a wonderful trip. Take your time. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.
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My husband will be fully retired in a couple of years, so I’m enjoying reading about how you’re dealing with it. Your photos are great, by the way. And I look forward to reading about your cruise!
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Hi Ann, we have had a lot of practice, as we have been retired since 2006. Our recent challenges are because of the choice we made to sell our home and make a lifestyle change. We are enjoying this time and looking forward to the next chapter.
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