Just Do It

Is that the Nike quote of the past?  Maybe that's what I'm doing now.  Where is my spare time?  Where is my boredom?  Zilch!  Just doing it while I can.  The kids wonder where we are and what we are doing and hoping that we are getting enough sleep.
  
Our good friends from Des Plaines visited us "all of a sudden" which was awesome.  We hung out, laughed, ate too much, rode the Lake Geneva ice cream social boat and sampled Bob's home made peach pie.  It was so very good to see them and just be together.  We have so many memories to share with them.  Looking forward to an October get-away adventure.

More new things:  made homemade Salsa with Bob and we love it!  Thankful to Randy for sharing the recipe and our bounty of fresh tomatoes.  Took the Lake Express from Milwaukee to Muskegon with friends and stayed overnight without a car.  Great Farmer's Market and wanderings about town.  I went to the Walworth County Fair alone for a morning and smirked my way around the cows and steer, meat auction, and bunnies.  Ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and went at my own pace.  Bob slept in, had no interest since he grew up on a farm.  I still have this secret dream to make a cow calendar with my photos.  Joined the Williams Bay Civic League (with Lois's encouragement) and hope to become comfortable with many nice ladies in our village.  Had my first lesson in Mah-jongg, wow, mind boggling and so amazing.  I hope to play it again before too much time goes by and I forget everything.  Camped for 5 (FIVE) nights on our own campsite in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.

...ok, I decided to just copy and paste here an email I wrote to my friends Tracey & Anna.  It gives details that I myself may want to remember later on...
 

Hi Tracey and Anna,

Yes, a little crazy here as we've been burning the candle at both ends.  I don't think you really want to hear about it, but I'll dump anyway. 

We were gone for 7 days/nights August 20 through August 27, thus no emails during that time.  We camped for 5 nights in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and stayed in a motel on the way up and on the way home.  It was good weather (not warm enough to ride the waves though) and no rain on our tent.  Had a potty this time, so didn't have to walk in the middle of the night to the nice bathrooms in the park.  That made my trip so much more bearable.  Also I have a nice air mattress.  Bob bought himself a new air pad type thing to sleep on, so he was happy too.  Had electric so we could blow up the mattress and have lights and charge our phones at night.  However, we had no cell service most of the time.  We were with 3 other couples who have campers and we were all on our own campsite.  Ate suppers together and each of us took a turn cooking and we went out one night.  Bob and I brought our bikes and loved the trails we found.  The others did different things some days, so we all were happy "campers".  Had a bonfire every night and went to bed tired.  The dunes are beautiful and Lake Michigan on that side has nicer sand, is cleaner and prettier blue.  On our motel nights it was just bob and me and we did live music, fun meals outside at restaurants on the water and wineries.

Also last weekend we took the Lake Express boat from Milwaukee across the lake to Muskegon, Michigan and then we stayed overnight in a Holiday Inn (with 6 other friends).  We were on foot and enjoyed walking the town finding a cool Farmer's Market, couple of wineries, a Museum (yes I went too), etc. and nice meals out.  We shared a room with another couple - ok, so picture that!  It worked out ok as we were all cooperative and polite and both men snored softly.

I'm feeling retired and I'm living it now.  The kids are telling me to make sure I get enough sleep.

Went to the Fair by myself (you both know this since Anna gave me the free ticket).  Loved it to the max.  Bob stayed home sleeping in and isn't as interested in cows as I am.  We went to see the Mummies music group at State Fair; the Jimmy's music group at Whitnall Park; the tribute Eagles band at the Belfry; and we will also go see the real group The Buckinghams (before your time) at the Belfry next weekend.  Going with Lois and Don to the Badger game tomorrow and there are more Badger games coming up of course.

Are you now glad to get this email from me?

We had guests for 2 days and an overnight this week and I hung out with Sharon from Glenview, Il while Bob fished with Jim.  We are getting tomatoes coming out of our ears.  Have made salsa, chili and tomato garlic sauce.  Keeping up with the potatoes, broccoli, peppers and onions. 

Monica invited Lois and me to join a retreat held at Grand Geneva for the lunch part and Lois and I enjoyed seeing everyone from our department.  I plan to join the Williams Bay Civic League with Lois and possibly make some local "ol lady" friends around here. 

I would like to invite you both over for supper one night.  I have an agenda for both of you of course.  Zappos to order shoes and that optical online store to buy some glasses and thought Tracey could help me spend my money.  Then maybe Anna wouldn't mind a few technical phone/computer questions.  Then some Nertz of course.  But I wonder when you two could come over?  And would you even consider it Anna since it's so far from your house?  Before I throw out dates, Anna please let us know if this is even a possibility?

OK, here come my questions now! 

Tracey, did you go to that wedding or am I still way off on the date?  Details needed.

How is school going now that it started?

What did Geoff do while on vacation?

Are you loving Runway?  I am.  I dislike the sisters and their annoying ignoring of others.

How was the Hunt Club Geneva National party?

Anna, how is the wedding weekend going?  I hope you will share a photo or two.

How is your mom doing with the babysitting?

Hope Sue makes it to our next Book Club gathering.  I love seeing her too.

Thanks again for the free Fair ticket and I'm sorry again for leaving Aurora and policies...

Love, Barb


29. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, thanks Sharon G. for the idea!  Loved this teen book.
30. Fever by Mary Beth Keane (about Typhoid Mary)
31. Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan
32. The Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
33. The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert (Bette P. chose for book club)
34. Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati (long but very interesting)

Gee, I need to go hide and just read, read, read!   I will never make it to 52 books by the end of the year.  Now I realize the truth of how much "reading" I accomplished on my rides to and from work.

I've had so many thoughts lately that I want to save to read later, but by the time I sit down here, whoosh and the thought is gone. 

Garden plots are empty and ready for next year.  We've made our notes and have plans to do it again!  Bob is using up the rest of our potatoes tonight (making ham and scalloped potatoes).  Best crops were tomatoes, peppers and broccoli.  Had enough zucchini and yellow squash, but just didn't do enough with them.

My heart has been heavy lately and I'm so touchy, thought maybe it was post meno or old age, I don't know.  I'm abrupt and bite heads off, geesh!  Our kids are meaning so much to me right now that I could cry.  One of our best friends is going through so much in his life, that it breaks my heart.  And a dear relation is fighting that damn C battle too, but seems so strong! New life in our family is extra special.  The joy of babysitting for 2 year old Crosby is breathtaking.  All of these things bring tears at any moment. 

Furnace didn't work so we had to get that repaired and discovered how cold feels.  Microwave needs repair so we realize now how we miss it when it's not working.  But, life goes on.  I wish I could connect my photos easier to my blog.  Oh well. 

More next time.  Fantasy football keeps me on my toes as I lose my way through the season.  Meanwhile, we are just doing everything and also enjoying our quiet days too.

Summer, summer, summer....it goes too fast

We move from one extremely fun social adventure to the next.  There's hardly time to savor each one because it seems we feel we must squeeze so much in.  Why?  I keep asking Bob "what can we give up?" and there's nothing yet.  We just sort of moan on Mondays and sometimes other days of the week also, as we reinvigorate.

New in 2017:  A Cubs game at Wrigley Field on a gorgeous day; Blues Fest in Aurora, Illinois and a visit to Cheryl's Art Studio; Bob enjoyed the paddle boat trip with 20+ friends on the Milwaukee River.

I've come to accept being retired and my work nightmares have almost disappeared.  I feel restful and finally like I have a little time on my hands.  I keep biking, and cleaning, and absolutely loved getting ready for overnight guests because I had time to do it!

My Aunt Ellie is probably smiling from above because I have 3 books going at once, by all means.  Hardcover, CD's in the car and on a boom box, and Audible from my iPhone or iPad.  It's wonderful, although I'm still behind on my desired count for the year.

In church one Sunday there was this nice looking lady, tan, long blond hair, medium high sandals, and a sundress with white background and medium size red flowers, and her toes were painted the same color red - she looked so awesome!

While biking I came upon a huge number of geese on both sides of the road.  Didn't know what they'd do to me, but it was nothing, they just moved along.

Making pickles and eating corn and zucchini these days.  Bought some camping gear UGH which Bob said we needed for our 5 day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes coming up soon.  A deflatable water jug, new hot plate, 2 tubs to wash dishes, etc. etc.  I hate acquiring these items at our age.

Crosby just turned 2.  He says Gampa, Gam, ball, E (for Eli), U (for Hugh), Mom (over and over again very clear), DaDa, ball and "chhh" for Ranch dressing.  I love it.  He can bounce a ball almost better than an adult.

...time went by before posting this...

Camping in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park was awesome with friends and the motel nights before and after were fun for Bob and I also!  We are good at searching out good restaurants on water, live music, bike trails and beaches.  More camping to come ... I fear ... or I look forward to.

Saw Elizabeth Berg in person with Sheboygan friends, and inhaled that experience.  It's almost football season, Fantasy workouts, red Badger games, and TV Packer games to escape into.  I should just post this now and be done with it.  Over and out in August.

22. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (dragged on and on)
23. The Girl Who Wrote In Silk by Kelli, Estes
24. The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory (always fun to read one of her books)
25. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
26. Daisy in Chains by Sharon Bolton
27. The Good Divide by Kali Vanbaale
28. Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Melody

Ups and Downs in this new Role April-June 2017

Retirement continues, mostly with ups!  But then there are days when I hold myself tight, want a drink, or all of a sudden a cigarette...what?  Where in the world is this coming from?  Could it be working on an amazing budget together?  Or am I losing my independence?  Am I figuring out my reading time?  Thank God the kids gave me Audible and I found OverDrive through the library (thanks Pat).  I know I miss my coworkers from Aurora, those smiling faces who I would see to say pleasantries to about the simple things in life.  People who I respect and appreciated being on a Team with.  People who I could listen to and learn from about anything and everything.  I miss my drives to and from work, listening to a book and seeing the countryside change seasons.  We haven't merged our grocery shopping togetherness method yet; I have work to do on this as Bob wants us to go together.

But then there are the awesome days!  When I straighten out a small area around the house (like a shelf, closet or drawer) and I feel amazing when finished.  Alternating nights cooking supper is working just fine and I do love to cook and try new recipes, or make old favorites - pot roast in the pressure cooker, egg salad, a ham dinner...  I love that I can sit outside at the picnic table and listen to the birds while reading, or think about our garden plots and pots and imagine what we will grow and eat this year.  Bob filled my bike tires with air and there's nothing like all of a sudden going on a bike ride, even on a windy day. I've gone to a movie with my sister GET OUT and we want to do that more often. Bob and I went to a senior free movie (first Thursday of the month) and it was fun and we felt like the youngest seniors there.  I went as a guest to a Williams Bay Women's Civic League meeting and that was so interesting that I'll probably join in the Fall.

Working on the Dash Diet and it's healthy aspects.  Trying for very little caffeine, not always easy.  Wearing a knee brace ordered by Dr. Weber to help get me through my first year of retirement without adding knee replacement surgery to my agenda.  I'm planning on March 2018 for that, sad to say, but bone on bone is what it is.

So, the beat goes on.  One step at a time.  I think I want more than I can have right now.  I shouldn't "want" as life is good and I have so much to be thankful for.  I'm still learning new things and a having good friend going through chemo has made me think and ponder...

I wonder how I ever did it all when I worked, even tho part time.  I love taking a nap all of a sudden, getting up early whenever I want, or sleeping in, but our social weekends are still full and it seems it takes us all week to recover and get ready for the next weekend.

Remedies discovered in 2017:
- Drinking dill pickle juice will help cramps (poor Barb L. but thanks for this advice)
- Vitamin E gel caps - burst one with a pin and squeeze gel on an open sore and bandage for healing purposes (per doc I visited and it works great!)
- doTerra deep blue rub or deep blue oil - dab on bruise to bring out the healing quicker (per Sarah and her friend after Sarah thought she broke her toe).

Other special moments these last couple of months:  sitting in the front row in church when Eli made his First Communion; seeing Sydney perform in her dance recital; seeing Charley play soccer like a pro; seeing Henry glow after making his best long jump ever; our family game weekend enjoyed by everyone, only missing Ed and Bailee; dog sitting for Bailee when she was such a good girl at our house (minus eating some of Bob's macaroni salad when he left his plate low on the coffee table); short bike rides feel so good; seeing the joy in Hugh's eyes and watching him grow taller and read like a trooper; going to JOSEPH with Raina and Eli; and listening to Crosby say "Mom" over and over again, maybe it means "look" or "watch" or even could it be "grandma" sometimes?; visiting Aunt Nancy on a couple of Fridays and having long fun chats; trying more new recipes; spending 10 days/nights at Wroblewski's while Bob went fishing in Canada; planting a garden plot with Bob; binge Netflix viewing; and of course going to Steel Bridge Songfest again, loving that Construction Crew!

Stay tuned for Schneider Survivor, Schneider picnic, Bob paddle tavern on the river with friends, Aurora Blues Fest and Cheryl's art studio, Summerfest, Music by the Lake, our week at the cottage, and camping at Bluemound State Park - that's just thru July, are you tired yet?

And I should have more books read by now, but then there's Netflix.

12. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (long but loved it and will see this play at the Rep next week)
13. Gardens in the Dunes by Leslie Marmon Silko (grueling, small print and long, but we had a great book discussion)
14. The River at Night by Erica Ferencik, enjoyed the total suspense
15. Time and Time Again by Ben Elton
16. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
17. The Sins of our Fathers by Jeffrey Archer
18. The Girl Before by JP Delaney (suspense!!)
19. Any Minute by Deborah Bedford
20. The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff (great)
21.  Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.

Cheerio 💤

Retirement 2017

Week One:
Went on an all-inclusive trip to Ocean Coral & Turquesa with Bob, Wenda, Larry & Pat, and we met up with Cheryl & John there.  Amazing time, we all forgot about most things back home and skirt around the day having lots of smiles and relaxation.  Great weather, good food and drinks, trip by cab to Peurto Morales where we "window" shopped, had the best tacos ever at Tacos.com off the main drag, and walked back to our resort via the beach.  Stopped along the way at two fun spots with awesome cocktails and enjoyed fresh foods like ceviche, guac and pico.  Swings at the bar at one, both sandy bottom/and deck flooring.  Wonderful way to spend the afternoon.  Walk back was a little too long for the ladies, but the pelicans dive bombing into the water was a great distraction.  Cold pool for me when we returned brought my body back to normal.

Week Two:
Laundry, started straightening a few messy things around the house, made two new soup recipes, as I want to eat soups for lunch now.  Bob and I drew cards and he will make supper on odd days of the months and I have even.  So far so good.  Breakfasts and lunches on our own.  Started a new budget together.  I signed up for Audible as I experienced withdrawals from not listening to "my book" in the car right after I stopped driving to/from work.  So I can listen on my iPad or my iPhone and it's great.  Greg helped me set it up and I will trial it for a month.  Writing thank-you notes galore after retirement.  And last but not least, alphabetized and reorganized our spices with Bob's input.  So that's where I'm at right now.

Week Three:
I organized my sock drawer - badly needed!
Rode to Chicago with Bob, Larry & Randy for "food shopping".  First stop hit one of the items on my bucket list, Eataly.  What a place to spend a couple of hours.  Great eateries throughout, amazing food items for purchase, books, gadgets, clean atmosphere, beverages, very fun.

Week Four:
Celebrated St. Pat's Day earlier in the day than usual.  Wore all of my green "garb".
Enjoyed a visit from Sarah, Raina & their kiddos.  Went to a Magic Show and 2 movies during their time here and a train extravaganza in Delavan with Raina & kiddos too.

Week Five:
Getting ready for Game Weekend coming up.  Wondering who is looking forward to it most:  grandkids, kids, or me?  Trying to figure out a new budget system with Bob (Greg is guiding us on our way to feeling comfortable with it).  And worked 2 days on tax papers to send off to our accountant. 

By now I've made 4 new recipes:

• Cauliflower Fried Rice - we both loved it.
• Crustless Pizza - from the Dash "gold" book - delicious! 
• Fountain of Youth Soup
• Elizabeth Berg's favorite soup - Beef, Cabbage and Tomato Soup

I have my To Do Lists, lots of hopes and dreams, and won't even mention them here yet as I have to see if I can relax into this retirement thing. Yes, a couple of times I've forgotten what day of the week it is, already!  Yes, I'm missing my rides to and from work and chatting with my coworkers. 

And, the reason these blogs have fallen short this past year is because I'm having great difficulty uploading photos with my words.  I have my 2017 D.C. post all ready to go except for some blanks that need to be filled in and photos too. 

Books so far in 2017:
1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
2. Neverhome by Laird Hunt
3. Born Survivors by Wendy Holden
4. You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
5. Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer
6. Molokai by Alan Brennert
7. Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris (wow!)
8. The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
9. East of Eden by John Steinbeck (this was a long one, read via Audible)
10. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena (per Pat P's recommendation.  Couldn't put it down.)
11. The Truth and Other Lies by Sascha Arango (didn't like the ending to a good book)

Until next time, more books, more relaxation, more pj days.