First stop, Bell Hill School. I wanted to hug Sam, the custodian retiring today. Next stop, Partridge rental house. I had stuff to paint and folks to meet from Utah. On to Alexa at preschool. After I fetched her, we got tacos at the gas station for Uncle Eddie and Grampa. We delivered those. I was determined to avoid the napping car. First we tried a call to Cuzzy. After, counting horses. Next. we played the Rolling Stones at a loud volume, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." After laying down at 1, I finally got her to sleep at 2.
After my shower, I quickly got my hair in roller. I tried to wash the car, but the hose is at the rental house. OK, I'll just vacuum and clean the windshield. Now I needed to pack my bag for an overnight in Reno. Judy arrived at 3:30 and we headed on our rounds to pick up Nancy and Sharon while dropping off Alexa with Grampa.
We watched a wonderful modern circus at the casino, "Escape." Before the show we had a great buffet dinner. At midnight, I fell fast asleep in our hotel room at the El Dorado. Sharon read while Judy and Nancy gambled.
Saturday morn after McDonald's breakfast, Judy and I had a long river walk along the Truckee River. We focused our shopping efforts on Sam's retirement gift. I managed to find new lightweight hikers at Cabela's and the Sweetpea sandles I had been coveting all summer for less than half price! I drove, which is tiring. I was happy to relax at home. But it is noteworthy that I had a sausage again at lunch, Costco hot dog, and leftover sausage at dinner with salad and baked potato. Note to self, don't have cholesterol checked next week!
And that wraps up one year of retirement. Each morning I have awakened with gratitude. I am grateful to have the health and freedom and mindfulness to live each day. I took a step of courage to retire at 55. It has opened up possibilities that I hadn't imagined, for example beginning a new business with the lumber mill and be the GrandMuM to a new grandson. It made me available to travel to Arkansas for two weeks in April when my brother and his family were in a crisis situation. It has put a smile on my face and a joy in my heart that I had lost. My garden doesn't look that great, my house isn't any cleaner, and I haven't done anything profound. My health is better. My weight is down, my habits are better, and I have new dreams and imaginations. Nothing grandious. Simple possibilities with the time to explore them. Joy has always come with service. I lived a life of joy as I served. But I got tired. Retirement has brought a dimension of inspiration as I rested. I want to inspire as I serve. I hope I have along the way, but now I want to inspire myself and others daily. And boy, do I love those grandbabies!
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