Well guess what, it's snowing, coming down hard. But I am snug as can be in my hillside home in southeastern Vermont.
I was down in Pennsylvania for the weekend and then in Washington, DC on Monday. I had lunch with Rafael and then stopped over to visit with my former colleagues at NEA and got grief for not keeping up with my blog and my Facebook page. So, mea culpa, my friends, mea culpa. I will try to do better in the future.
I was going to go out and take some photos of the snow that has piled up around my house, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. Today, I am going to take it easy, do laundry, and read by the fire.
By the way, just to rub it in, I love retirement. :)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Time expands
One thing I have noticed in retirement--time expands and is fluid.
I used to adhere to a fairly rigid daily timetable but I don't have to anymore. I used to have a "To Do" list that said what day I would do what on, but not anymore. And it does not matter either. Incredible. I love the freedom.
I used to adhere to a fairly rigid daily timetable but I don't have to anymore. I used to have a "To Do" list that said what day I would do what on, but not anymore. And it does not matter either. Incredible. I love the freedom.
I'm back
Happy New Year.
I am back. I have been incredibly busy moving--I made 2 round trips from Maryland with the rest of my stuff. I had no idea how much I have. But, as Audrey has pointed out, I don't just have my stuff, I have stuff that belongs to her, to David, to my mother and father, and to my brother. That is stuff from 6 people. Yikes! But, I am slowly getting it all organized and the process feels like an onion, with many layers.
The trips up were mostly uneventful. Audrey and Santiago were unbelieveably helpful packing the big 17 foot truck. Audrey kept saying, "Don't worry, Mom. I have a plan." And they kept shooing me away so they could concentrate on getting the monster packed. When we got up here, they unpacked fast and efficiently. They were miracule workers.
Then, we had the fun of putting things away. Santiago put together some of the big pieces of furniture, such as the trundle bed and David's platform bed, which is officially in storage here, but I am using it anyhow.
Audrey and I would discuss placement of things and, before I knew it, changes would be made!
After Christmas, I made a trek down to Maryland to get the rest of my stuff and my friend Lynn came back with me. We got everything and then had several days to recuperate. We had fun just reading and chilling and she went home January 3. She promises to return when it isn't so cold, maybe after mud season or in the fall.
I've spent most of this week hunkering down. It has snowed a couple of times but I did get out to the Brattleboro Food Co-op and to the fitness center to work out, as if shovelling snow and moving boxes around aren't working out (silly me). The chimney sweep came on Tuesday to clean my wood stove and teach me how to use it.
And I decided I have neglected my blog long enough.
I am back. I have been incredibly busy moving--I made 2 round trips from Maryland with the rest of my stuff. I had no idea how much I have. But, as Audrey has pointed out, I don't just have my stuff, I have stuff that belongs to her, to David, to my mother and father, and to my brother. That is stuff from 6 people. Yikes! But, I am slowly getting it all organized and the process feels like an onion, with many layers.
The trips up were mostly uneventful. Audrey and Santiago were unbelieveably helpful packing the big 17 foot truck. Audrey kept saying, "Don't worry, Mom. I have a plan." And they kept shooing me away so they could concentrate on getting the monster packed. When we got up here, they unpacked fast and efficiently. They were miracule workers.
Then, we had the fun of putting things away. Santiago put together some of the big pieces of furniture, such as the trundle bed and David's platform bed, which is officially in storage here, but I am using it anyhow.
Audrey and I would discuss placement of things and, before I knew it, changes would be made!
After Christmas, I made a trek down to Maryland to get the rest of my stuff and my friend Lynn came back with me. We got everything and then had several days to recuperate. We had fun just reading and chilling and she went home January 3. She promises to return when it isn't so cold, maybe after mud season or in the fall.
I've spent most of this week hunkering down. It has snowed a couple of times but I did get out to the Brattleboro Food Co-op and to the fitness center to work out, as if shovelling snow and moving boxes around aren't working out (silly me). The chimney sweep came on Tuesday to clean my wood stove and teach me how to use it.
And I decided I have neglected my blog long enough.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Today is THE day
Well, it has finally come, moving day. I am so excited I can't type straight. I keep telling myself that at this time tomorrow we will be in Vermont, at Pacem, my new home.
My next door neighbor, Claire, told Audrey the other day that she (Claire) believes I will be back--to stay. Wishful thinking on her part. She does not like change, poor thing, and fears that the new owners of my place will not be nice, friendly, suitable, whatever. But, she should be more positive, this change will give her something to talk about for days. Of course, I'll call to let her know how the trip went and keep her in the know that way.
We went out to dinner at the Olney Alehouse with Pet and Larry last night. It was fun, they had never met Santiago and hadn't seen Audrey in several years. So, it was a good evening. We talked a bit about Vermont and the move. Pet is planning on visiting in January, again in May, and again in July for the wedding, of course. I hope she likes my new home. She wants to help paint the bedrooms and when Spring comes I'll give her free reign in the gardens. She'll be happy there.
Ms. Lily is still freaked out by all the changes, all the furniture is gone. What is happening? She is sticking close to Mama (me). I think she'll be okay on the trip. I'll keep her in the carrier, with the top open so she can roam if she feels so inclined. I'll have a shirt of mine on the seat next to me, so she can cuddle there and feel more comfortable.
Well, Santiago is up and about, Audrey should be getting up soon. So, I had better get going myself, to do some of those last minute things I need to do, like throw out food that will spoil.
Stay tuned, I will write again tomorrow, when we go out for breakfast and coffee and food. I am sure I'll find an Internet cafe ro some other place that has WiFi.
My next door neighbor, Claire, told Audrey the other day that she (Claire) believes I will be back--to stay. Wishful thinking on her part. She does not like change, poor thing, and fears that the new owners of my place will not be nice, friendly, suitable, whatever. But, she should be more positive, this change will give her something to talk about for days. Of course, I'll call to let her know how the trip went and keep her in the know that way.
We went out to dinner at the Olney Alehouse with Pet and Larry last night. It was fun, they had never met Santiago and hadn't seen Audrey in several years. So, it was a good evening. We talked a bit about Vermont and the move. Pet is planning on visiting in January, again in May, and again in July for the wedding, of course. I hope she likes my new home. She wants to help paint the bedrooms and when Spring comes I'll give her free reign in the gardens. She'll be happy there.
Ms. Lily is still freaked out by all the changes, all the furniture is gone. What is happening? She is sticking close to Mama (me). I think she'll be okay on the trip. I'll keep her in the carrier, with the top open so she can roam if she feels so inclined. I'll have a shirt of mine on the seat next to me, so she can cuddle there and feel more comfortable.
Well, Santiago is up and about, Audrey should be getting up soon. So, I had better get going myself, to do some of those last minute things I need to do, like throw out food that will spoil.
Stay tuned, I will write again tomorrow, when we go out for breakfast and coffee and food. I am sure I'll find an Internet cafe ro some other place that has WiFi.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tomorrow
I cannot believe it, we're actually going to leave tomorrow (Wednesday) for Vermont.
Bette arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning and we went over to Gaithersburg together to pick up the U-Haul truck. She stuck around a couple of hours to help pack pottery. We had a great time together; she is such an inspiration to me.
Lynn and Taron came over Saturday afternoon to continue the packing. Lynn packed kitchen stuff; Taron and I lugged stuff out to the truck. Lynn helped pack the truck, too. We got 2 rows of shelves packed and secured and then went out to Sol Azteca for margaritas and dinner.
I could not make myself do much on Sunday until it was time to pick up Audrey and Santiago Sunday night. They have been miracle workers. The truck is all packed--Audrey had a plan and they executed it. She says that every possible space has something in it. They even got all my clay in it. And they started packing stuff into the car, too.
Poor Ms. Lily has been traumatized. She is hiding somewhere--I think in Grady's room because it has been disturbed the least. It still looks normal. The rest of the house has next to nothing in it, not even a chair to sit on. So, I am typing this on the floor of my room.
I feel so blessed with such wonderful friends and family. I will miss everyone of you; and I had better see you in Vermont real soon.
Once I get up to Vermont, I shall have to find a free WiFi connection until I get hooked up to Comcast. The first thing we will have to do is unpack the truck and then turn it in. So, it may be a couple of days until I post again.
Bette arrived at 9:30 Saturday morning and we went over to Gaithersburg together to pick up the U-Haul truck. She stuck around a couple of hours to help pack pottery. We had a great time together; she is such an inspiration to me.
Lynn and Taron came over Saturday afternoon to continue the packing. Lynn packed kitchen stuff; Taron and I lugged stuff out to the truck. Lynn helped pack the truck, too. We got 2 rows of shelves packed and secured and then went out to Sol Azteca for margaritas and dinner.
I could not make myself do much on Sunday until it was time to pick up Audrey and Santiago Sunday night. They have been miracle workers. The truck is all packed--Audrey had a plan and they executed it. She says that every possible space has something in it. They even got all my clay in it. And they started packing stuff into the car, too.
Poor Ms. Lily has been traumatized. She is hiding somewhere--I think in Grady's room because it has been disturbed the least. It still looks normal. The rest of the house has next to nothing in it, not even a chair to sit on. So, I am typing this on the floor of my room.
I feel so blessed with such wonderful friends and family. I will miss everyone of you; and I had better see you in Vermont real soon.
Once I get up to Vermont, I shall have to find a free WiFi connection until I get hooked up to Comcast. The first thing we will have to do is unpack the truck and then turn it in. So, it may be a couple of days until I post again.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Getting real close
Hi, good afternoon and a very good afternoon it is. Less than 3 days until I no longer have to come to work. Oh my, what a wonderful thought that is!
And less than a week until Audrey, Santiago, Lady Lily, and I make the drive up to Vermont. That is even more exciting than retiring is. Of course, when we get there, we'll have to unpack the truck and move things around, but we'll have fun, too. We'll explore nearby towns; take long walks, weather permitting; and visit with friends and family. And I look forward to meeting new people, finding the local bookstore and library, and shopping at the Putney and Brattleboro food co-ops.
And less than a week until Audrey, Santiago, Lady Lily, and I make the drive up to Vermont. That is even more exciting than retiring is. Of course, when we get there, we'll have to unpack the truck and move things around, but we'll have fun, too. We'll explore nearby towns; take long walks, weather permitting; and visit with friends and family. And I look forward to meeting new people, finding the local bookstore and library, and shopping at the Putney and Brattleboro food co-ops.
Friday, December 5, 2008
This is it, almost
Just one more week until I stop working. A little more than a week until we pack a 17 foot UHaul truck and make the trek to Vermont.
So, to get ready, I will be busy this weekend, packing, getting together with friends, and doing other stuff.
Tonight, I'll have a massage and make a stop at Target. I need more plastic bins.
Tomorrow morning, I will take Lady Lily for a drive, her first in over 5 years, to start getting her used to being in the car. It should be interesting.
Tomorrow afternoon/evening, Marilyn, Lillian, and I will get together to watch Casino Royale and a Bollywood flick and go out to eat. We always laugh until our sides hurt when we get together. I will miss them big time.
Sunday morning, I'll go to Meeting, and Sunday afternoon, I'll take Lily for another drive and then pack some more, of course. Sunday evening, it's time for the Big Broadcast on WAMU.
So, to get ready, I will be busy this weekend, packing, getting together with friends, and doing other stuff.
Tonight, I'll have a massage and make a stop at Target. I need more plastic bins.
Tomorrow morning, I will take Lady Lily for a drive, her first in over 5 years, to start getting her used to being in the car. It should be interesting.
Tomorrow afternoon/evening, Marilyn, Lillian, and I will get together to watch Casino Royale and a Bollywood flick and go out to eat. We always laugh until our sides hurt when we get together. I will miss them big time.
Sunday morning, I'll go to Meeting, and Sunday afternoon, I'll take Lily for another drive and then pack some more, of course. Sunday evening, it's time for the Big Broadcast on WAMU.
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