The last week of September, I traveled with Len and my brother and his wife to the Okanagan to do a little wine tasting. This was after a few days at our daughter's home, so we were on the road for about 10 days. This is the first time that I felt truly "Retired" and on no one's schedule but my own. Have to say I loved it!
Although we only had 4 days of wine tasting, sandwiched between a day on each end to travel there, it was really fun. The weather was marginal, but the company was warm and we tasted some lovely wines. We spent two days on the Naramata bench by Penticton and two more days in the Oliver/Osoyoos area. We stayed at an astronomy-themed B&B in Osoyoos, but alas the sky was completely overcast and we were unable to visit the stars via the large telescope the host has. Nonetheless, he showed us some lovely photos and spoke at length about his adventures as an amateur astronomer (although he runs in very professional circles!)
Our favourite wineries were the small, more family-style ones, although the larger, more well-known ones were also fun to visit. We had an especially knowledgable and friendly chat at the Joie winery on the Naramata bench - also the Elephant Island winery in the same area was quite unique and enjoyable. We came home with 30 or so bottles, including one Port and one Cassis among mostly reds and enough whites to keep Len happy.
It was good to get out in the car and just go! Len found pickleball in a few of our stops too, so he was happy. While he pickleballed, I shopped and actually got some early Christmas shopping done.
By the time we got home, fall was truly in the air. We had a killing frost, so my squash vines were very black and dead. The kale fared well as it always does - can't easily kill kale! A good friend came by and picked our corn so we have quite a few smallish cobs to enjoy this Thanksgiving.
I honestly love fall - the crisp air, the smell of fallen leaves and the sort of "enjoy these last days" sort of mentality that comes with the move closer and closer to winter. The quality of light is softer too, although the summer never got as hot and harsh as usual this year. The aspen and birch and poplar trees are turning yellow and soon will be bare. Such is the circle of life which we are privileged to witness every year with the changing of the seasons. I feel a little sorry for those who live in a climate that never changes, or changes very little. However, talk to me in February when I am dreaming of being ANYWHERE warm!
With fall also comes a return to routines - Tai Chi, choir, hospice work and getting together to play classical music with a friend (I play cello, she plays violin). We have also started a trio playing viola da gambas - a bass (me), tenor and treble. These mental and physical challenges are meant to keep me going through the long winter.
Time to get the wood in!
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Thursday, September 5, 2019
August 2019 (almost on time!)
August catch-up
August was another busy travel month. Len and I hauled the 1938 Buick out to the car show in Sechelt and took some extra time to visit with all the family out there. We stayed in a room we outfitted in my parents rental home in Sechelt.
Other than the tail pipe coming off half-way home, it was an uneventful trip and good to see everyone.
And yes, a couple of weeks later I did another work week in Vancouver. I know, I know!
Other than that, I mostly did all the regular things and tried to keep my garden going and also have some fun. It was a bit hard as the weather STILL was marginal at best, and often cooler than usual.
I enjoyed the times we did simple things like going for a bike ride and visiting friends at Sheridan Lake, We did a spontaneous thing and took a full day off of EVERYTHING and drove up to Barkerville for the day. It was fun - we took a town tour, saw a musical review and ate ice cream. The drive was lovely and the company comfortable.
What I learned in August is that "time marches on". Staying with my parents, both in their 90s brings certain things to the front of mind. Yes, there will be a time when I will likely hobble, not walk, when I won't hear or see clearly, a time when the world will get smaller, narrower and harder to navigate. My Mom is a good example of having spirit and the will to remain involved and to do as much as she can until she can't. Fighting up-stream, I call it. Dad had a stroke a few years ago, and added to his very different outlook for life, this means his life is so very narrow and limited. At this point in life, pleasure and joy comes in small ways. Watching the birds coming to the feeder, enjoying a glass of cider, having family around, eating together and even watching tennis together - these are joys - these are pleasures.
Knowing we are all on some version of the same pathway means that I don't want to waste a lot of time while I can still drive, see, hear and move around. I want to be able to look back with pleasure at the memories of things I was able to learn and do with no sense of "I should have done more". I expect I will still have that feeling, but I am going to do my best to live as fully as I can for as long as I can. That means being more mindful of the choices I am making, saying YES more often, and not letting fear hold me back. And being more spontaneous! And taking advantage of every opportunity to experience the big and small joys of life.
July 2019 (not quite as late)
July catch- up
Between June 24 and July 30th we got 4 3/4 inches of rain. That is a lot of rain, especially for us, especially in July. That is all I am going to say about how non-summer-like July was.
Because of the weather, I ended up working quite a bit in July as it wasn't sit outside at the lake kind of a month. ( I know I promised not to whine, but can you blame me?)
We had one marginal day in there when our band played at the local car show. Len ALMOST got the Buick ready and down there. Next year! Anyway, our gig went well as we were dressed to avoid the mosquitos and rain.
I did one very fun thing in July. I drove down to Forest Grove, just outside of Portland for a whole week of viol playing at the Viola da Gamba Society of America's annual Conclave. There were over 200 people there - all early music geeks. Who knew? Apparently it is a thing. Anyway, I was what they call a "custos" which they thought sounded better than gopher. I organized the packets and ran registration and then just helped out here and there. It was a great way to meet people, especially people you want to meet (like the management and organizers). I learned quite a bit too and offered up a few suggestions of how to make it better for beginners like me. The weather in Oregon was perfect - no bugs of any kind, blue skies, warm temperatures! I really enjoyed it.
People have asked me why I went by myself, and didn't that make me nervous. You know, I would have loved to have shared the experience with another person, but I would rather go on my own than not at all. I want to take advantage of the opportunities to GROW and I don't mean just grow older either. I am the kind of person who doesn't mind putting myself forward, saying hi, visiting with strangers and taking the first step. I also appreciated that when I wanted to be on my own, I could be.
Of all the things I planned to do when I retired, this is actually one of three things I consider to be new accomplishments: 1. Hospice work 2. Tai Chi 3. Viol conclave.
It was a great way to wind up a dreary month with some sunshine and music!
June 2019 (very, very late in posting)
Apparently I am too busy with my "new" life to blog. That may well be. Where were we..... way back in May, I believe. Seems like a lifetime ago.
First I must say that I suck at staying retired. I have been working at least 1/2 time since I left full-time work. This is a conflict for me. I like doing things on my own terms (yes!) but I also like the challenge that some of the work offers. So most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays I do at least a bit of work, sometimes a whole day's worth.
There was a lot of gardening in there. You would have laughed out loud to see me in my anti-mosquito outfit. First a ball cap, covered by a net hat. Heavy sweatshirt, leather gloves, heavy canvas pants tucked into rubber boots. Not going to get bit by those suckers!
There was quite a bit of Hospice work. I even did a presentation on cultural safety at a meeting. (the Real speaker couldn't make it!). I visited in the hospital every Thursday afternoon.
There were band practices every Sunday evening and choir every Wednesday until the concert early June.The band played a few gigs around town which was fun.
I practiced viol and cello in there somewhere and got together with my good fiddling friend, Marilyn every week we could manage.
There was Tai Chi a couple of times a week as well.
We had a really nice house/not a house concert with Gary Fjellgaard. So many people wanted to come that we moved it to the 100 Mile United Church and we had a full "house" with about 90 people.
June started out warm and the mosquitos were horrible! We put up two net tents - one for the table and one for the hot tub. We couldn't have gone outside without them. Then as quickly as it turned warm, it got cool and started to rain.
Melissa and Cathryn came by on the way to the coast and back. Short and sweet visits. Cathryn was staying out at Ruby Lake for a while.
Mid June I went to Vancouver to work for a week while my replacement was away on a vacation. Because I was in Vancouver, I was able to go to the Graduation of Gretchen MacNaughton, daughter of my boss and friend, April. She was loaded down with all the awards and scholarships she won!
That same week Dad turned 90 and I made my way up for the celebration and caught up with all the family in Sechelt before heading home.
The last week of June it really started to rain. And once it started, it didn't know how to quit. It was dull and depressing.
So what does all the activity of May and June 2019 tell me and you about retirement? I don't think I qualify to comment. But when I look back over the changes, it is not the number of activities (Tai Chi and Hospice are the only really new things) but the attitude. Things feel a bit more on my terms. And even though I still worked quite a bit, I didn't feel the full weight of responsibility and I certainly didn't feel any need to get involved in the politics. So busy, yes, but with a difference.
First I must say that I suck at staying retired. I have been working at least 1/2 time since I left full-time work. This is a conflict for me. I like doing things on my own terms (yes!) but I also like the challenge that some of the work offers. So most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays I do at least a bit of work, sometimes a whole day's worth.
May/June 2019 catch-up
There was a lot of gardening in there. You would have laughed out loud to see me in my anti-mosquito outfit. First a ball cap, covered by a net hat. Heavy sweatshirt, leather gloves, heavy canvas pants tucked into rubber boots. Not going to get bit by those suckers!
There was quite a bit of Hospice work. I even did a presentation on cultural safety at a meeting. (the Real speaker couldn't make it!). I visited in the hospital every Thursday afternoon.
There were band practices every Sunday evening and choir every Wednesday until the concert early June.The band played a few gigs around town which was fun.
I practiced viol and cello in there somewhere and got together with my good fiddling friend, Marilyn every week we could manage.
There was Tai Chi a couple of times a week as well.
We had a really nice house/not a house concert with Gary Fjellgaard. So many people wanted to come that we moved it to the 100 Mile United Church and we had a full "house" with about 90 people.
June started out warm and the mosquitos were horrible! We put up two net tents - one for the table and one for the hot tub. We couldn't have gone outside without them. Then as quickly as it turned warm, it got cool and started to rain.
Melissa and Cathryn came by on the way to the coast and back. Short and sweet visits. Cathryn was staying out at Ruby Lake for a while.
Mid June I went to Vancouver to work for a week while my replacement was away on a vacation. Because I was in Vancouver, I was able to go to the Graduation of Gretchen MacNaughton, daughter of my boss and friend, April. She was loaded down with all the awards and scholarships she won!
That same week Dad turned 90 and I made my way up for the celebration and caught up with all the family in Sechelt before heading home.
The last week of June it really started to rain. And once it started, it didn't know how to quit. It was dull and depressing.
So what does all the activity of May and June 2019 tell me and you about retirement? I don't think I qualify to comment. But when I look back over the changes, it is not the number of activities (Tai Chi and Hospice are the only really new things) but the attitude. Things feel a bit more on my terms. And even though I still worked quite a bit, I didn't feel the full weight of responsibility and I certainly didn't feel any need to get involved in the politics. So busy, yes, but with a difference.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
This is what they meant I guess
All my retired friends kept telling me that once I retired I would be busier than ever. Who knew how right they would be! Since my 65th birthday in April, I have indeed been busy.
Len and I hosted a delightful house concert with Kelly and Blu Hopkins, in a very full house (47 bodies) and enjoyed their company before and after, along with friends Shawn and Sid Tozer from Vernon.
Meanwhile, Len is trying to finish up the Buick and has been scouring the internet for this part. Any guesses?
Also, I have been doing weekly visits at the hospital and care facilities as a Hospice volunteer. My garden has been planted and I spend time digging up weeds around the yard.
The nicest thing is to sit outside under the mosquito netting enjoying coffee or a meal with Len and Emma. (Emma is now deaf, poor puppy! so keeps a keen eye on us during the day).
We have another house concert coming up this weekend and a bunch of band gigs in the area, so no rest for the wicked!
Len and I hosted a delightful house concert with Kelly and Blu Hopkins, in a very full house (47 bodies) and enjoyed their company before and after, along with friends Shawn and Sid Tozer from Vernon.
Meanwhile, Len is trying to finish up the Buick and has been scouring the internet for this part. Any guesses?
Also, I have been doing weekly visits at the hospital and care facilities as a Hospice volunteer. My garden has been planted and I spend time digging up weeds around the yard.
The nicest thing is to sit outside under the mosquito netting enjoying coffee or a meal with Len and Emma. (Emma is now deaf, poor puppy! so keeps a keen eye on us during the day).
We have another house concert coming up this weekend and a bunch of band gigs in the area, so no rest for the wicked!
Monday, April 15, 2019
Turning the big 6-5 and other goings-on
April 2019 - a full month!
About a year ago, I started to think about what volunteering I might want to become involved with in the community. There are a lot of options in a small town with an interest group for everything. There is curling, hockey, community associations, reading, literacy, special needs, hospital auxiliary, card-playing groups, painting classes, the Arts Council, music festival.... well you get the picture! So when I started thinking about volunteering I looked at what I think my skills and gifts are. I see myself as caring, calm, supportive, warm and capable. (Also very humble :) obviously).
So when I saw the advertisement for Hospice Volunteer training, I was immediately drawn toward it. In my early years of nursing, I took some palliative care training and thought at one time that I might make this the focus of my career. Things didn't turn out that way, but palliative care, end of life care - hospice - has always remained on the periphery of my mind.
As the very first post-employment commitment, I signed up to take a 2 weekend hospice volunteer training in 100 Mile House. As it happened, this coincided with my birthday weekend for the last 2 days of training as well as falling right after the Senior Chorfest in Kelowna. It was a busy couple of weeks!
Mom still loves to sing (at 91) and I thought going to Kelowna for 2 days of singing would be a nice get-away for her. I talked my sister, Elaine, into coming along so she could drive Mom and we could have a bit of a reunion. We stayed in a great little Air BnB house only 5 minutes from the singing venue. I drove down Wednesday night, we sang all day Thursday and Friday, ending with an evening concert. By the time we got back to our BnB, had a visit and packed up. it was 11 pm. I got up on Saturday at 4:30 am to make the trek home in time for the Hospice training. All was well until Kamloops, then the rain began. By the time I was part way up Hwy 24 from Little Fort, the snow started. The road turned from slush to snow to pooling water and back to slush. I was forced to slow way down and tried to remember not to brake or steer suddenly. I prayed no deer would decide to cross as I approached. As it happened, I got to the training only 1/2 hour late.
On day two of the training, Sunday, Palm Sunday and my birthday, we finished up a very intense and emotional course related to all things death and dying. The group of 8 new volunteers grew quite close through the experience. I was pretty exhausted when I finally arrived home at suppertime. So it was nice that there was no big surprise party or anything unusual. Instead, we had left over lasagne and then a band practice with our guitar player, Ab. (Our fiddler was out of town). I had lots of lovely and thoughtful phone calls from family.
Not sure what exactly it means to be 65. Not sure if things should or will change in any noticeable way this year. It is hard to think of myself as officially "senior", so I am not going to. As my Mom says, denial works.
I certainly didn't dive into a depression, but the milestone did not go unnoticed, especially since I was deep into thinking about death and dying.
Certainly made me want to be sure to live fully and intentionally, and not to let these next years just "happen" without me noticing. I'll let you know what that means when I figure it out!
About a year ago, I started to think about what volunteering I might want to become involved with in the community. There are a lot of options in a small town with an interest group for everything. There is curling, hockey, community associations, reading, literacy, special needs, hospital auxiliary, card-playing groups, painting classes, the Arts Council, music festival.... well you get the picture! So when I started thinking about volunteering I looked at what I think my skills and gifts are. I see myself as caring, calm, supportive, warm and capable. (Also very humble :) obviously).
So when I saw the advertisement for Hospice Volunteer training, I was immediately drawn toward it. In my early years of nursing, I took some palliative care training and thought at one time that I might make this the focus of my career. Things didn't turn out that way, but palliative care, end of life care - hospice - has always remained on the periphery of my mind.
As the very first post-employment commitment, I signed up to take a 2 weekend hospice volunteer training in 100 Mile House. As it happened, this coincided with my birthday weekend for the last 2 days of training as well as falling right after the Senior Chorfest in Kelowna. It was a busy couple of weeks!
Mom still loves to sing (at 91) and I thought going to Kelowna for 2 days of singing would be a nice get-away for her. I talked my sister, Elaine, into coming along so she could drive Mom and we could have a bit of a reunion. We stayed in a great little Air BnB house only 5 minutes from the singing venue. I drove down Wednesday night, we sang all day Thursday and Friday, ending with an evening concert. By the time we got back to our BnB, had a visit and packed up. it was 11 pm. I got up on Saturday at 4:30 am to make the trek home in time for the Hospice training. All was well until Kamloops, then the rain began. By the time I was part way up Hwy 24 from Little Fort, the snow started. The road turned from slush to snow to pooling water and back to slush. I was forced to slow way down and tried to remember not to brake or steer suddenly. I prayed no deer would decide to cross as I approached. As it happened, I got to the training only 1/2 hour late.
On day two of the training, Sunday, Palm Sunday and my birthday, we finished up a very intense and emotional course related to all things death and dying. The group of 8 new volunteers grew quite close through the experience. I was pretty exhausted when I finally arrived home at suppertime. So it was nice that there was no big surprise party or anything unusual. Instead, we had left over lasagne and then a band practice with our guitar player, Ab. (Our fiddler was out of town). I had lots of lovely and thoughtful phone calls from family.
I certainly didn't dive into a depression, but the milestone did not go unnoticed, especially since I was deep into thinking about death and dying.
Certainly made me want to be sure to live fully and intentionally, and not to let these next years just "happen" without me noticing. I'll let you know what that means when I figure it out!
Cathryn
Monday, April 1, 2019
FIRSTS AND LASTS
There have been a lot of firsts and lasts over the last week.
My first big Retirement party was on Thursday, March 28 at the Heatley Pub in Vancouver. A fine musical time was had by all! Kathleen Nisbet and friends came to play. Len brought his banjo, I brought the stand-up bass and we played a few tunes, but mostly visited and ate and drank. There was a wonderful honouring ceremony before the festivities began in earnest. Very humbling.
Len and Emma (the dog) spent a day at Stanley Park while I worked my last day in the office. Last meetings, last emails, last out the door at the end of the day. I had things to finish up, and so one by one my co-workers popped by to say a last goodbye, or didn't and slipped out the door until it was eerily quiet and I realized there was no one left but me.
Len reminded me that no matter where you are in the city, the noise never stops. It is never truly quiet. I guess that is true. Even walking on the beach at English Bay there was an underlying hum of activity, human speech, traffic noise and even the electric buzz of wires. We sure noticed the quiet on the first night back, sitting in the hot tub in the dark, dark night listening to....well, nothing. Not even a breeze.
Yesterday (Sunday) was the first time I got out into the garden for 2019. I cleaned out the greenhouse, picked up dog poop (!) and then cleaned the first of my 2 large flower beds. My back and legs were a bit tired by the end of it all.
The first Monday morning when I didn't have to get up and go to work was today. Being April Fools, Len made a secret call from his cell and then informed me it was work calling with a questions. Ha ha, got me!
Another first which is strangely delightful also happened today. I put my laundry out on the line for the first time this year. How lovely to hear the birds singing and feel the breeze as I hung out all those clean duds. Small things, but such are the things that bring true joy.
Happy socks and duds on the line
My first big Retirement party was on Thursday, March 28 at the Heatley Pub in Vancouver. A fine musical time was had by all! Kathleen Nisbet and friends came to play. Len brought his banjo, I brought the stand-up bass and we played a few tunes, but mostly visited and ate and drank. There was a wonderful honouring ceremony before the festivities began in earnest. Very humbling.
Len and Emma (the dog) spent a day at Stanley Park while I worked my last day in the office. Last meetings, last emails, last out the door at the end of the day. I had things to finish up, and so one by one my co-workers popped by to say a last goodbye, or didn't and slipped out the door until it was eerily quiet and I realized there was no one left but me.
Len reminded me that no matter where you are in the city, the noise never stops. It is never truly quiet. I guess that is true. Even walking on the beach at English Bay there was an underlying hum of activity, human speech, traffic noise and even the electric buzz of wires. We sure noticed the quiet on the first night back, sitting in the hot tub in the dark, dark night listening to....well, nothing. Not even a breeze.
Yesterday (Sunday) was the first time I got out into the garden for 2019. I cleaned out the greenhouse, picked up dog poop (!) and then cleaned the first of my 2 large flower beds. My back and legs were a bit tired by the end of it all.
The first Monday morning when I didn't have to get up and go to work was today. Being April Fools, Len made a secret call from his cell and then informed me it was work calling with a questions. Ha ha, got me!
Another first which is strangely delightful also happened today. I put my laundry out on the line for the first time this year. How lovely to hear the birds singing and feel the breeze as I hung out all those clean duds. Small things, but such are the things that bring true joy.
Happy socks and duds on the line
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