When Women Get Sick at Holiday Time

 I was thinking recently that one of my favorite ballet teachers from England, (she danced with The Royal Ballet,) got sick every year during the Nutcracker.  No wonder, I thought.  There is so much for women to during the Holiday Season.

Yesterday I baked some orange squash that I had purchased last month.  I also broiled a marinated chuck steak from Aldi.   The bottom edge of the squash looked overly ripe, so I cut it off and composted it.  After cutting it in half, placing small pieces of butter on top, and sprinkling it with salt and black pepper, I baked it in the toaster oven for  about an hour.  I eagerly tasted it, and it was dreadful.  It was sour, in spite of the kitchen smelling heavenly.  I thought pumpkins and squash kept well. 

Unfortunately, I swallowed enough to make me violently ill.  I had forgotten what it’s like to throw up everything you have eaten.  Jacques sat next to me, gazing into the toilet bowl.  He was quiet and concerned.  He seemed pensive. He really is like a service dog, highly sensitive and always at my side.

Fortunately, once the supposedly special meal was all out of my system, I recovered very quickly.  It is so easy to take your health for granted.  Another one of my friends had to cancel her Thanksgiving dinner because she became ill.  Maybe we shouldn’t do so much as we get older.  

This afternoonI baked a batch of cranberry lemon scones, and I plan to knit the heel of my grey wool sock.  What are you up to today?

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Learning From Past Journal Entries

 

My neighbor kindly gave me a gift certificate for Hobby Lobby, and I picked out some Grinch kitchen towels and cotton yarn.   have been crocheting some cotton dishcloths with it.  The hand knit ones I had been using for ten years had become frayed and were developing holes.  They last for many years, but not forever.  I find the crocheted patterns last much longer.  The stitches are sturdier.  The knit ones are prettier and more decorative.   Maybe I will make a few of each type.

While going through my paperwork recently, I found a journal from when I first moved up to the cabin.  It was eye opening to read the entries, and to relive what my life challenges were at that time.  Reading your own words from the past is the best way to evaluate the present and the future.  You can see your passions, relationship challenges and joys, and what activities you love.  I still enthusiastically knit, bike, spend time taking care of my home and dogs, and enjoy cooking and baking delicious food.  None of these things cost much money.  They just take time, effort, and discipline.

I also reflected back on the activities, parties, travel, and events that I attended.  It's important to see which ones are worth the money, and which drain your time, energy and bank account.  For example, one of the reunions I attended ended up being with a group of performers that I didn't even really know.  Their main focus was drinking.  I enjoyed my one-on-one time with a few close friends, but wouldn't spend that much on a trip to that part of the country in the future.  That particular city is too expensive, stressful, and crowded.  Hindsight really broadens one's perspective. 

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A Gala Event at The Nutcracker

 

Last Saturday I attended Westside Ballet's The Nutcracker at The Broad Stage Theater in Santa Monica.  I reconnected with old friends from my ballet training days.  We all performed in the Nutcracker together in 1982.  Tessa and Russell went on to become successful actors, and Tresa and I had rewarding dance careers.

It was so much fun to laugh at old stories and to hear their familiar voices again.  Looking in their eyes  and reconnecting made my soul feel grateful and emotional.  We were all students of Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, two incredible master teachers.  I did a videotaped interview about what is was like being a young dancer at Westside before the house opened.   I lived with both ladies, and they were incredible women.  Yvonne was a principal with New York City Ballet, and Rosemary was a principal with The Royal Ballet, in London.  They really shaped us with love and care.

The Gala Event had delicious food, drinks, coffee, desserts, and a stunning atmosphere.  It was beautifully decorated with flowers, a loaded Christmas tree, lights, and a sled for photos.  They plan to hold a few parties like this one each year.  I can't wait for the next one!  

Have you been to any festive holiday celebrations this season?

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Preventing Fraud

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all of your who celebrate it.  I just made this persimmon cake.  It's very moist and flavorful.  I gave some to my neighbor who loves persimmons.  My one tree gave us a huge harvest this year.  It had hundreds of Hachiyas.  I still have more fruit at the top of the tree to pick.  It's difficult to reach, so I will buy a fruit picker with a basket on the end.  It's so rewarding to plant a baby tree and have it continue to produce and feed you decades later...

As a senior, I have been shocked at how much fraud is occurring in our society, much of it by phone.  You have to be extra diligent these days.  It's wise not to answer calls from numbers you don't recognize.  If they hang up and keep calling you, that's a red flag.  

The other day a woman called here, claiming to work for a well-known health insurance company.  She told me they were updating their records, and asked for my birthdate.  "I don't give out that information over the phone," I answered, matter of factly.   She quickly thanked me and said raced off the phone, nervously.  

Whether it's protecting your cash, investments, land, home or possessions, our intuition is an excellent predicter.  I utilize my cameras, listen to the dogs, (and check why they are barking,) and I don't carry a phone that has my information stored on it.  A simple senior flip phone is fine with me.  The alarm is on 24 hours a day.  I have some excellent neighbors who keep a close eye on my place and I do the same for them.  We call each other if we see anything suspicious and take video.  

Have you experienced any fraud?  Did you catch it in time?

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Scones Baked at Home

 

Last week I studied several of Martha Stewarts's scone recipes, and chose one that uses dried cranberries.  The first one that I baked was disappointing.  It was dry and crumbly.  I almost threw out the rest of the dough, but I didn't want to waste it.

I stored the rest of the triangles in a glass container in the fridge  I baked one in the toaster oven each day.  They must have absorbed the heavy whipping cream over time, because they came out very moist and tasty.  I plan to make these regularly.

Are you doing any baking this week?

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Enjoying Fall

 These gorgeous red apples were spotted on my walk to town last week.  There are apple trees everywhere in Wrightwood!  I love seeing all of the different varieties.  Some of the trees look decades old.  The branches are pruned, but the trunks look ancient and gnarly.

I have not noticed as much bear activity this year.  I think because of all the snow and rain we received, they have had more water.  Last Halloween I had one outside of my cabin at 7:30 p.m.  I think he or she smelled the candy from the trick or treaters.

There are several different types of berries out in nature.  I am hoping that my raspberry and blackberry plants do well.   It takes time for them to get deeply rooted and produce.  The Pink Lady apple tree that I planted is growing and looks happy.  I removed some baby pine trees to give it more sun.

The weather has been gorgeous down at the cottage.  I went for a lovely bike ride in Marina del Rey the other day.  I followed this section near Fisherman's Village, then turned south on the beach bike path and enjoyed seeing the wide expanse of ocean. It feels never ending.  The sound of the waves crashing always thrills me.  This is why I moved to Los Angeles.  (Well, also to pursue show business.)  It all worked out beautifully, and I am still so happy to live here.

Do you like where you live?

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Extreme Self Care

 

I was chatting with an eighty-year-old dancer friend of mine recently.  She sounded much happier and more grounded than the last time we had spoken.  I mentioned it, and she explained that she had been practicing extreme self-care.  What a difference that makes.  Nobody around us has to change.  We can improve the quality of your lives through food, exercise, spiritual practices, and small luxuries.  

For me, being outside in nature and high up in the mountains makes me feel happy and at peace.  The views this time of year are spectacular, and there are very few people out on the trails.  It feels so expansive and freeing to meander up and down the paths, studying the trees, the clouds, and the position of the sun.

Yesterday I picked half of the persimmons from my Hachiya Persimmon tree and delivered bags of them to my neighbors.  (I know a few women who love to make persimmon cookies.)  They are always so appreciative this time of year when I bring them to their door.  Persimmons are expensive in the stores.  It is inspiring to pick hundreds of fruits from one standard sized tree.  I plan to plant more fruit trees for the future.  It's so rewarding to have your own supply in the front and backyard.  

What do you do to practice extreme self-care?

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Finding New Trails

 

Yesterday I took Jacques on a new trail for our bike ride and hike.  Dogs love adventure, just like people.  He seemed to enjoy the new smells, the majestic views, fresh air, and elevation.  It's a beautiful time of year to explore unknown areas; I want to get out as much as I can before the mountains are covered with snow.  The trails become icy and slippery; I don't venture out up here in the winter months, it's too dangerous. 

We are fortunate to live just a few miles from some of the most magnificent hiking trails in California.  It saves on gas to be able to park the car close to the cabin.  My vehicle gets excellent mileage.  I buy a yearly Adventure Pass, which I can use at most of the hiking trails that we frequent.  The Jeffrey Pines and Oaks are tall and grand.  I love the energy of old trees.  They are so comforting and stable. 

There are numerous campgrounds in our area.  The Pacific Crest Trail has a trail head at this one.  It's a fantastic place to view the fall colors this time of year.  The leaves are turning red, yellow and orange.  Soon the oaks will go dormant.  Raking those dry, brown leaves is on my list of chores this week.

Have you been doing any hiking or walking where you live?

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Staying Grounded in Tumultuous Times

 

We are definitely living in tumultuous times.  Watching the news and observing all of the violence and conflict can be depressing.  Staying grounded can help us enjoy each day and get set in healthy routines.

For me, that means getting a good night's sleep and getting up before the sun rises.  I love to watch it slowly come up and peek over the mountains as I sip a mug of French pressed coffee.  The dogs are taken out and fed as the water is boiling.  They climb onto the couch, get comfortable, and take a nap.  The orange flames flicker over the hot coals in the fireplace.  It adds a soothing touch to the atmosphere. 

Making the bed, cooking nutritious meals, and cleaning the cabin all help me to appreciate what I have.  There are so many people in the world right now that don't have the basics.  It's a strange time to be alive.  

Today I plan to mend my winter sweaters and socks, spend some time knitting, and read a library book.  

What are you plans?

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Freeing up Psychological Energy by Preparing for Winter

 

Have you ever noticed that when you take care of chores that are nagging at you, you have more energy?  This week I had my firewood delivered, took my beach cruiser into the shop to be repaired, and lined up Lula's vaccinations.   Phew!  It feels like such a relief.  Most of the firewood is now neatly stacked, and I am carrying loads of what's left up the steps each day.  The snow tires on the red Beetle, and my mechanic just checked the transmission fluid this afternoon.  The oil was recently changed and the tank is full of gas.

As the birds were starting to zing their beaks into my apples, I picked what was left from the trees.  They have made fragrant apple crisp and tart and flavorful unsweetened applesauce.  Wrightwood is filled with several different varieties of apple trees.  It used to be an apple orchard.  Well, part of it did.  Pears grow very well here, too.  I love walking by all of the fruit trees this time of year.  Two different people gave me apples today.  It was an unexpected surprise. 

  I think you really have to enjoy working with contractors if you own a home.  I find it all very rewarding.  The same thing goes with the car.  I so appreciate paying talented people to use their skills and knowledge in areas where I don't have it.  

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Keeping Your Cottage Instead of Moving Into Assisted Living

 

Time and time again, seniors are encouraged to sell their homes, downsize, and move into assisted living.  Is this the right advice for you?  In my case, it isn't.  Not everyone has the personality to live in those types of situations.  You need to really like being in groups.  Some senior living homeowners  report problems with residents who drink too much, are inconsiderate, and won't follow the rules.  

My parents both spent their final days in their home. They owned a gorgeous Spanish style house that they had taken impeccable care of, restoring it lovingly and nurturing the vibrant garden.  They could afford help in their later years.  A housekeeper came every couple of weeks and took care of the cleaning.  My dad eventually hired a gardener to manage the front and backyard when he was in his early eighties.  He took care of all the plants until that time.  He was very proud of how lush and healthy the front and backyard looked.  

As a person who likes one on one time and privacy, I don't think I would feel comfortable in assisted living.  I like my privacy, spend much of my time on this porch, and I would miss my garden.  I love watching the alpacas frolic on the hillside, observing the bees and butterflies, and seeing the color of the sky shift and change at night.

 Each of the plants I picked out myself and planted.  The soil was clay when I bought the bungalow.  I amended it regularly with straw and compost over the years so that it would support the flowers, trees, herbs and wildlife.

Do you plan on moving in retirement, or will you stay where you are?

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Staying Outside of Palma in Mallorca

 

On my trip to Mallora last spring, I decided to spend one night in the mountains.  Prices at pensions outside of the tourist areas are much more affordable.   It can be very difficult to get a taxi from the airport in Palma, but I got straight to the front of the line and jumped in one.  I had a friendly female driver and gave her the address to my home for the night outside of the city. 

It was a pastoral setting, so I spent my time relaxing, taking walks in the area, stopping for a pizza at the nearby restaurant, (there was only one,) and reading.  The soil and animals looked healthy and natural.  

The inn where I stayed had a sparkling pool with a lovely garden.  The sound of the water was so relaxing.  Breakfast, which was included, was a delightful spread with lots of variety.  This bed and breakfast is run by a couple who relocated there.  Their young daughter was with them in the morning; she was such a cutie.  The stonework was impressive, inside and outside the home.

Stumbling upon these sheep excited the knitter in me.  It was such a quiet and peaceful area, in contrast to Palma, Mallorca, where I spent the next three nights.  That was a thrilling finish to my European vacation.  I think when I return, I will stay for a week in Palma.  The hotels, restaurants, and sights were first class.   It just appealed to me on so many levels.  May was the ideal time of year to visit.  It wasn't too crowded, and the temperatures were warm and pleasant.  Summers can be extremely hot there, according to my taxi driver.

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Using Your Time Wisely in Retirement

 

One thing I commonly hear from people nearing retirement is that they don't know what they will do all day!   Many of them identify strongly with their work/career role.    They worry that once that form of expression ends, they will be bored, lonely and have endless hours stretching out in front of them each day.  They imagine a depressed and lonely existence. 

I have found the exact opposite to be true.  With so many hobbies, in addition to the responsibility of taking care of my home and garden, I find that it's difficult to fit in everything I want to do in twenty-four hours.   Each day in retirement for me is full and busy. 

I love to be outside with my dogs on our gorgeous, sunny California hiking trails.  The shot above is taken on a long walk that I took last week in Agua Dulce.  That is the famous Pacific Crest Trail.  The damp caves, sparkling stream, and flagstone staircase made the journey feel enchanting. Parts of the landscape are rocky, stark and memorable.  Vasquez Rocks in pictured in the background. 

Although in the past few years I took some magnificent trips to Europe, in 2023, I have stayed home.  The plans I carefully made to visit the Panama Canal, London, and the British Isles collapsed, because all three of my flights were canceled.  That disappointment dampened my excitement.  I lost the passion, due to not trusting in the airlines, travel insurance carriers, and other merchants.  There is so much to do close to my home, so I have been kayaking at our local lakes, paddling in the ocean, and biking on the bike trails and through our neighborhood. 

You don't have to sit in front of the tv and veg out as you age.  If you stick to a routine, you can enjoy making delicious meals, get in your daily exercise, grow a lush garden, and take care of your home and pets.  I savor watching my favorite television shows and documentaries on Netflix and Max each evening.  For many of my lean years I didn't have tv, so now it feels like a real treat.  I definitely get my money's worth from the two streaming services I have.  

Retirement is what you make it.  If you fill it with things that you love to do, it can be a rewarding and fantastic time. 

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Roses in Retirement

 

I have been letting the roses grow wild in front of my cottage.  One bush is now five feet tall.  They seem to love to expand and reach toward the sunlight.  As the saying goes, "Roses love to be on display." 

Although roses appear to be expensive in the nurseries, I have found that they are well worth the investment.  They provide, beauty, grace and fragrance.  As they age, the plants as a whole become stronger, and their stalks thicken.  

You can cut them to enjoy in a crystal vase in your home, and you don't need to hire an expensive tree trimmer to keep the pruned.  If you deadhead them regularly, they will reward you with constant blooms during the warm weather.

For those who own cottages, roses are a classic plant to show off in your front garden.  They attract so much attention and admiration.

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Harvesting MacIntosh Apples

 This morning I picked the apples off one of my trees;  they were starting to fall on the ground.  Tree ripened fruit is the best!  It is exciting to be growing apples in Cailfornia.  They do so well up here in the mountains.  The climate is perfect for them.  I believe these are MacIntosh.  They came with the property, so I'm not sure of the variety.  The flavor is fantastic.  It's such a treat to have fresh fruit from the garden.  

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The Joy of Gardening During Retirement

 

One of my favorite ways to spend time as a retiree is as a gardener.  Shrub roses grow well here in the sunny mountains of California.  I go out and deadhead these Cecile Brunners each morning.  I am rewarded with constant, fragrant, pink blooms and new growth.  They enjoyed a recent drenching from the rain we just received.

This year I planted a Mr. Lincoln, (my favorite dramatic red rose,) in the ground.  It's located in a sunny spot, and I'm hoping that it will thrive there.  Berries, apples, pears, and cherries grow in abundance in Wrightwood, California.  Our summers are short and mild, unlike the harsh and blistering heat we experience in Santa Clarita.  I tend different fruits in each location.

This plum tree is very close to my cabin.  I saw a squirrel excitedly run off with one of these succulent fruits in its mouth.  It looks like they have adapted to the climate very well here, as well.  This plot of land also has a large grapevine that is filled with grapes.  It receives plenty of sun.

Are you growing any fruit right now?  I am currently harvesting Macintosh Apples.  They are so tasty and sweet!  

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Summer Entertainment in Pasadena

 

Over the weekend I attended a fantastic concert at The Arboretum in Arcadia, California.  The Pasadena Pops presented an impeccably rehearsed evening featuring the music of Queen.  The music was fantastic.  They always open the show with our National Anthem.  It's exciting and challenging to sing as a group.  It brings back memories of singing patriotic songs in childhood for me, growing up in San Mateo, California. 

I sat at the conductor's table with many talented actors and actresses, writers, directors, and former professional dancers.  The conversation over dinner was enthusiastic and stimulating.  Larry Blank conducted with mastery and authority.

This photo was from a previous concert featuring the divas of soul.  The women were so talented and glamorous.  It was thrilling to watch them.  Sitting outside, enjoying the mountains, electric blue peacocks who roam through the grounds, and observing the blazing sunset made it a relaxing and healing experience.  

These day trips are an ideal way to socialize, enjoy live entertainment, and not have to deal with the current hassles in the airline and travel business.

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Safe and Sound in California After Hurricane Hilary

 

Thank you for all the messages inquiring about my welfare after the recent storm in Southern California.  Fortunately, I had gone to the grocery store a couple days before it hit. I stocked up on dog food, fruit, vegetables, staples and supplies.  I am so glad that I did, because Highway 2 is now closed with four feet of mud piled high, and other damage from the wash.  It rained over twelve inches in 24 hours in Wrightwood!  It just was a constant downpour.  I have four spouts that drain from my upstairs balcony to the deck.  Through the sliding glass door it looked like a faucet was on all day.  

Fortunately, the cabin and land fared very well.  The man who built and designed it was from Germany, and a true master.  He really knew what he was doing.  I am so glad that I had the oaks and pines trimmed three weeks ago, as well as getting the cabin stained last year.  I had picked up all the spare branches in the yard, trimmed the lilacs, and carted all of the trash and green waste to the dump last week.   Preparation makes such a difference.

The cottage also withstood the storm.  Thank goodness LA County came to our street and did major flood control in the right of way last year.  The water flowed down our block to the storm drain into the wash, instead of pooling in my driveway and seeping under my front door, like it had done in the past.  I was so relieved to come home to dry carpet.  We had about six inches of rain down here.  The fruit trees look happy and healthy.

How about you? Have you experienced any extreme weather lately?  It sure helps having a stockpile, and staying up on home and yard maintenance. 

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Concerts, Ballet, and the Beach

 

I am sorry I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been organizing some important paperwork.  This summer has been filled with wonderful entertainment and nostalgic meetings with old friends from my dancing days.  I have been to see Westside Ballet, (where I taught for decades,) to Los Angeles Ballet, and to the Pasadena Pops for some fabulous concerts and picnics.  It has been a joy and honor to sit at the conductor's table with Larry Blank and his wife, Kaylyn.  We all toured together with "My One and Only" when I was 22.  The music has been thrilling!

I have also made time to drive down to the beach and enjoy the sunshine, crashing waves, and salt water.  There is nothing as therapeutic for me as being near the ocean.  I love to sit on the rocks with the birds and absorb the healing vibrations.

This is PCH. (The famous Pacific Coast Highway.)  It is such a joy to drive down it towards Malibu.  I time the trip so that I am not in traffic.  The landscape is just gorgeous.  I always admire the beach houses as I pass by...and take notice of the athletic surfers.  They are so fit and in shape.

How is your summer going?  

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Unexpected Expenses During Retirement

 One thing that many retirees don't plan on is the reality of unanticipated bills during their golden years.  The Fire Department may require you to pay for expensive tree trimming, even if the pines and oaks aren't on your property.  In Wrightwood, CA, we are required to maintain the vegetation ten feet from our property line to the road.  This can get very expensive.

You may need to paint you home more often than you expected.  Blistering, hot summers can be very hard on the exterior of a house, and cause your paint to peel.    Property taxes may go up, even with Proposition 13.

Inflation is another sneaky way you may find yourself paying far more for groceries, repairs, and home maintenance.  It is so important to factor in for these items.  The price changes over time can be shocking.  

Even the IRS could surprise you with an unexpected bill.  If you are paying quarterly on your retirement income, and your accountant makes an error, you are still liable.  Sometimes these mistakes can result in a letter requiring a large payment.  

The ever important emergency fund saves the day when these issues arise.  

Have you had any unexpected expenses arise recently?

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Learning From a Robbery on our Street

 The other night, I spoke on the phone with a neighbor of mine who was recently been robbed.  He was away at the time, but I think the lessons I learned from his story could help all of us.  He told me that they entered through a window.  He has double deadbolt locks on his doors, so you need a key to open them from the inside, as well.  The windows were all locked except for the bathroom.  He had cracked it, thinking that because it is really small, and eight feet off the ground, no one could get inside of it.  

They used a ladder, cut the screen, and hoisted up a "really little guy," into the opening.  I studied the tape and photos he sent me.  "That's not a guy," I told him.  "That's a child.  He looks about eight.  I can tell by the arms."  I taught dance and yoga for decades, and I know bodies.  An adult male would have a much more muscular arm.

They took $1,500. worth of change, some baseball cards, and equipment he uses to find coins.  They spent an hour and a half at his home, arriving in the dark at 3:00 a.m.  They were covered in baggy black clothes, sporting bandanas and ski masks, and they parked right in front of his house.  The largest man silently entered his garage carrying a gun pointing ahead of him.  They were gang members.  All of this was caught on camera. 

When I asked him, my neighbor told me that he didn't have the alarm set.  Many people that have alarms don't use them, for various reasons.   He said that his kept going off, so he disengaged it. 

He no longer keeps cash in his house.  He rolled up all the change that they didn't find and deposited it at the bank.  He has removed everything valuable from the house.  

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Making Time For What's Important in Retirement

 

As we age, we realize what makes us feel happy, fulfilled and relaxed.  Like many of you, I am a great lover of nature.  I feel fortunate to reside in an area where I can swim, kayak, hike, ride my bicycle and relax.  Although I love to visit cities, I always breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the mountains, the clear blue sky, and the sight of our freshwater lakes.  

Some of my friends and I enjoy watching documentaries.  I just watched one about a man who lived out in the wilderness of Alaska, in close association with grizzly bears.  He and his girlfriend were ultimately mauled to death by one of them.  It struck me how naive he seemed in the footage.  I felt an instant sense of predators from the moment we arrived on my land.  So did Lula.  When your cabin is near wild animals, you need to constantly be aware.  You also need to carefully observe people.  Your gut is always right.  I like to watch the wildlife on my cameras, but make sure to keep my distance if I encounter them.    So many people grossly underestimate their power and hunger.  Usually, they seem as surprised to see me as I am to see them.  

How have you been spending your time?  Do you have any new hobbies at this age?

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Fishing and Kayaking

 

This summer has been fantastic for fishing and kayaking.  Because of all the snow we received, our lakes and reservoirs are full.  I met a friendly and grounded lady who was also out on her kayak the other day.  We sat in our boats and chatted about how simple and relaxing it is.  She confided that she sold her jet skis and boat, and prefers the simplicity of the kayak.  I agree.

On the bank, I ran into one my neighbors.  She was fishing with her children.  This is one of the trout that she caught.  She is a master fisherwoman.  That afternoon she brought three freshly frozen fish to my cabin.  I cooked them in a fry pan with butter, garlic, and spices and they were absolutely delicious.  We both love to garden.  Her lush flowers and front yard look amazing.

The weather for swimming and sunbathing has been perfect.  We really experience four seasons up here.  The chill of the lake water feels so refreshing on the skin.  It cools down the entire body.  I ran into another neighbor as I was walking home.  She is a blues singer and invited me to her performance that evening.  She and the band members rocked the house!  I was so impressed with their talent and enthusiasm.  

How are you enjoying these hot summer days?

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Consider the Weather for Where You Plan to Retire

 

As I've gotten older, I have realized how important it is to live in an area where the temperatures are comfortable.  At my mountain cabin, I can avoid the sweltering heat that we experience in the desert areas.  Those soaring temperatures can make it difficult to live and to sleep.  Even with the air conditioning running, the heat is still brutal. Since up here I am within walking distance to the lake, I can cool off  with a swim in the water, and then stretch out on my towel to lay out in the sun.  The body relaxes in milder climates.

Although the winters up here are long and cold, I have the option to drive down to the cottage and enjoy a moderate winter without having to shovel snow or crank up the heat.  It is so nice to have alternatives.  Some  people choose to be snowbirds as they age.  In California, Palm Springs is a popular location  for those who want to escape the cold season.  They return to their residences in the early spring.

How is the weather where you live?

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A Peaceful Retirement

 

Yesterday as the clerk rang up my groceries at Trader Joe's, he asked me what I had planned for the day.  "Chores," I answered, cheerfully.  "Are you going to do anything fun?" he persisted.  I felt a little bit annoyed, as I was just there to shop, not to explain how and why I spend my time.

I had run the dogs along the Walkydog that morning.  The exercise was energizing for all of us, and I love the buzz of endorphins it brings.  So do my canines.  I told him that I was looking forward to making delicious meals with all of the items I had purchased.

I thought about the times when I was a dance teacher making barely enough money to make ends meet.  Grocery shopping in those days took careful planning, so I that didn't go over my small budget.  My mom used to tell me on the phone that she wished I didn't have to work so hard.  It was a difficult and strenuous time, but I got through it.  Sometimes she would slip me a gift card for groceries in the mail.  It was our secret.  I always appreciated it.

So, now that I'm retired, it is a relief to be able to relax at the market and be able to buy what I want.  I can splurge on blueberries, raspberries, popsicles, cookies, and candy.  There was a time when I only made my desserts from scratch, and bought all of the ingredients in bulk.  There were no extras: no vacations, meals out, new clothes, etc.  It was part of the sacrifice of being a dance teacher.  

Tight finances make life very tense.  The man behind the register didn't really understand all that, but your priorities change as you age.  I am happy sitting on my porch, gazing at my glorious garden, and reading an entertaining library book.  A happy and peaceful retirement is built over time.  It takes planning and preparation.

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