What's Been On Your Calendar?

What’s Been On Your Calendar This Past March?

Retirement Reflections

Are you also a fan of March and a believer in the hope that it brings?

Despite the weather’s ups and downs, I am always grateful for March. At its bare minimum, it reminds us that short-term pain leads to the long-term gains of upcoming summer for the Northern Hemisphere and relief from hot temperatures in the South.

With this in mind, here’s what has been happening for me this past month.

March Happenings in Bullet Points

  • Our granddog, Nala, came to visit for a two-week vacation. The time literally flew by.
  • Deb (WBA) and I enjoyed a Body Scrub/Back Treatment at our local spa school. This program offers reduced prices for clients and practice opportunities for students. Win-win for all!
  • International Women’s Day was celebrated with a Ladies’ Lunch. These lunches are always a wonderful catch-up and a great way to celebrate friendship.
  • Richard and I took a weekend trip to Vancouver to watch our 8-year-old grandson’s hockey tournament. No scores were officially recorded, keeping the focus on sportsmanship and fun.
  • I had a rainy day coffee date with Deb (again WBA). This was a wonderful reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
  • March 17 was our Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party with our neighbours. I am grateful for this wonderful tradition and very generous Irish friends!
  • There was the monthly Zoom Catch up with some fellow bloggers. We began this during COVID and have been meeting via Zoom or FB Messenger Video every month since. March’s topic was the aging of family/friends/us. It was very timely and very sobering.
  • A few months ago, I narrowed my five book clubs down to two. Recently, I added regular buddy reading with my husband. My March book discussions included The Devil Wears Prada, Anne of Green Gables, Fourteen Days and The Covenant of Water (which I will also be discussing with my local book club in July). I had wonderful rabbit hole dives with all.
  • Richard’s best friend from HS and his wife visited from Cranbrook (a 13-hour drive). Laughter and friendship truly are the best medicine.
  • I am now off to Kelowna to celebrate Easter with my parents and to help them with their big move (your warm vibes of support will be gratefully received). ❤

March Happenings in Photos

To view captions, please click on the photos.

March Shout Out

Our eldest son, Shea, runs ICON Animation Studios in Vancouver. Their recent film, written and produced by Shea and his ICON team, is now in select theatres. Richard and I watched it in Nanaimo on the first day of showing. We are very proud parents….which we may have mentioned to all around us!

What’s been on your calendar lately?

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

91 thoughts on “What’s Been On Your Calendar This Past March?”

  1. Wishing you safe travels and a very happy Easter with your mom and step-dad! Good luck with the parental move. Been there, done that several times (and the scars have faded, mostly LOL!).

    Looking forward to catching up with you in April!

    Deb

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    1. Hi, Suzanne Thank you for your kind words and good wishes We are on the drive to my parents’ place right now Definitely new beginning! Good eye on noticing Charlie’s after-game spruceup He totally did that on his own. Absolutely adorable!

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  5. You had to mention Nanaimo and now I crave Nanaimo bars! 🙂 I’ve never thought much about March, but you’re right; the world starts to get lighter, more flowery and fresher. I’m seeing some tulips, lots of daffodils and hyacinths and the beautiful flowering trees.

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  6. I’m always in awe of how we retired folks have such full calendars, Donna! BTW, we also have a granddog named Nala. Too funny! Oh boy, moving parents is “fun” but worth it. Huge congrats to Shea for his film, wow!

    March has been fraught with family issues. We lost a family member yesterday to cancer. She went peacefully. I doubt I will post about it. April will be busy, as we head to Portland to help my uncle. I will see two bloggers there and will share that later.

    Today I picked up a library copy of the book “The In-Between.” Perfect timing and thank you for the suggestion. Hugs to you my friend for everything you do ❤️

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    1. Hi, Terri – What a kind, thoughtful and heartfelt comment. It made me feel like we had just chatted in person. My sincere condolences on the recent passing of your family member. Wishing you the best of luck on your upcoming trip to Portland it’s wonderful that you will also be able to meet up with two bloggers there

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    1. Hi, Lydia – I wholeheartedly agree that pursuing what you love truly is the magic of life. Our son, Shea, knew that he wanted to work in film since he was eight years old. It has been incredible watching him fullfill his dream!

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  8. Sounds like a very busy March. Congratulations on your son’s work – how wonderful!

    Hope you have a lovely Easter break.

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  12. You’ve had a pretty full on time Donna and your photos are fabulous and show your happiness. well done to Shea, that’s an awesome achievement and you should be very proud parents. All the best with the upcoming move with your parents, sending all good wishes your way. Thanks for being such a great co-host and I love the rabbit holes you go down for us in our book club! x

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  13. A busy month in many ways and a mix of activities to remember. Congrats to your son.

    I send my best to you with the moving of the parents’ situation. Whilst we never had to be part of that for both parents, in my case it was Dad over 13 years ago, I can imagine how challenging it would be for everyone concerned.

    Thinking of you and thank you for the link up.

    Denyse.

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  14. March is showing its true colors on this 28th day – blustery with flurries. I’ve seen an eagle in the river valley this past week. Signs of spring. Other signs of spring – taxes are filed; snowbird neighbors are returning home so my housesitting duties will come to an end. You have a full life with aged parents & young grandchildren. My 91 yr old mother moved into a nursing home on Mar 7 so that meant emptying her room at the assisted living lodge. As if relocation wasn’t enough, she developed a GI bleed a week later. It’s burdensome being the advocate for someone with dementia but we’ll all keep on keeping on as long as we have to. By the time the month is over, I’ll have been to visit my son’s family twice. My youngest granddaughter is competing in the western playoffs in AA ringuette this week. I hosted a Home Routes concert featuring Rumour Mill. Had a “play” w/e with cousins – lots of good food, conversation, cards. Attended a house concert at the Dank & Musty (as named by the owners who created a pub in their basement) where the hosts played Celtic/Irish music. I’ve finished season 5 of Call the Midwife. I’m hooked. Life is full. Bring on April.

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    1. Hi, Mona – I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your comments. I greatly appreciate the time and thought that you put into them.

      I realize that I am sounding like a broken record here, but you could take these wonderful comments and pop them into a simple website platform. Nothing fancy. No photos needed. You can keep it password protected. WordPress has a basic site that they promise to keep free of charge (or so “they” say). I promise you would have a regular, very eager reader (me) and I know you would have many, many more.

      Rant (appeal/begging/pleading) over.

      Your March sounds like it was a very mixed month — much like I expect my April will be. I’ll keep you posted.

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  16. Hi Donna – we have a Cranbrook in Western Australia too (small world!) It looks like your month was a well balanced and enjoyable one – and a big YES! to the change in weather – it’s finally cooling down here and I’m beyond grateful for that! Good luck with the visit to the parents and the help with packing and moving (always a minefield!) xx

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    1. Hi, Leanne – That’s cool about the two Cranbrooks — and they are both small towns (pop approx. 6,000 for the Australian Cranbrook and 20,000 for the BC one). :D Speaking of cool – I am glad to hear that your weather is becoming more comfortable. When your weather cools down ours warms up which is much appreicated here (at least by me)! :D

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  17. Hope the move goes as well as possible. It’s never easy, but it’s always necessary. May we sandwich generation “kids” learn and make easier choices.
    Your month has had lots of awesome activities. Thanks for hosting WBOYC.

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      1. That is so incredibly true. A model you don’t see much of is a cooperative where several people (couples and singles) living under one roof and helping each other out while still having independence.

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      2. Hi, Bernie – I’ve heard of that model and it does make much sense. Close community members taking care of each other has happened informally throughout time and cultures and beats so many other more contrived options.

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  20. International Women’s Day or otherwise, it is always great to enjoy a Ladies’ Lunch each week. The food and drink are fun, but the social life is wonderful.

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  21. Hope the move goes easily. The St. Patrick’s Day gathering looks like it’s a lot of fun. Any Irish dancers in the group?

    Thank you for the review of Adrift. I’m really enjoying it.

    Sheila

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  22. Hi Donna, Looks like you’ve had a wonderful March. Congrats to Shea, his team and the proud parents! I hope you have a nice Easter weekend and your parents’ move goes well. I added my link to the #WBOYC link-up. Thank you for hosting.

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    1. Hi, Natalie – Thank you for adding your link to #WBOYC. I always look forward to your post. Today was Day 1 of the premove prepartions and it went very well. 3 more sleeps and they move in to their new place! :D

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    1. Thanks, Robbie – It’s very unlike Shea, but he did happen to mention that it was okay if I included his new movie in one of my blog posts. I took that green light and quickly ran with it. Wishing a very happy long weekend to you as well.

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  26. Happy Easter, Donna and hope all goes well with your Mum’s move. Another busy but inspiring month for you. You amaze me with all that you do. I love the idea of a Book Club with Richard, I might try to persuade Mike, although I’m likely to enjoy his selection whereas some of the books I read I know would not be in his idea of a book he would enjoy. Thanks for co-hosting #WBOYC? Have a wonderful April and fingers crossed all goes smoothly with Mum xx

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    1. Hi, Sue – I wholeheartedly recommend budding reading for you and MIke. It’s worth a try and I think that you would both really like it. Richard and I do not remotely read the same books. Recently, he has been sending me BBC book recommendations he thinks that I should read. So I turned around and suggested we both read the recommended book (Fourteen Days). That book turned out to be more my style than his but Richard did make it through and we had some good discussions. For the next book, we went to our local used bookstore together and browed around. I had heard great things about The Coveneant of Water. I had also read a previous book by that author. And COW is set in Kerala, India where Richard and I had been together. It is also quite a thick book 715 pages which actually is perfect for a buddy read. This book was equally suited to Richard and I and we had absolutely wonderful discussions about it. ❤

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      2. Thanks, Sue! Tell Mike it’s no pressure at all. I let Richard set the pace of how fast (or slow) he would like to read. A slow pace works great for a buddy read with lots of time for discussion over date night dinners! ❤

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  27. Mixed emotions for you this month – joy in your son and grandson and (i”m sure) a certain amount of anxiety about your parents. I hope the move goes well – reading the comments it seems so many of us have been in similar situations. All we can do is our best, then when we look back remember it was under stressful circumstances and be kind to ourselves.

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    1. Hi, Anabel – Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful comment. Leading up to this trip to Kelowna, I could not shake my extreme anxiety about my parents’ move. Now that we are here and working toghether to help with the move it all seems much more doable. There are still a few ‘insert miracle here’ pieces to work out. But so far, so good.

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  29. I do love March, Donna, and the beginnings of spring that are evident even on the cooler days. It sounds like you had a marvelous March. Here’s to more joy in April!

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  30. Hi Donna, You had an eventful March with many fun family and friend adventures. I love the smiles on the ladies in the Zoom groups. 💕 Everyone looks great! Charlie is a cutie. Congratulations to Shea. Huge hugs and warm vibes of support moving your parents. A challenge on sooo many levels. You are a wonderful daughter! xo 💕

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    1. Hi, Erica – It is so wonderful to hear from you. Thank you so much for your kindness. My parents move is currently in progress and all has been going well. I greatly look forward to catching up with you again soon.

      Wishing you a wonderful Easter and a peaceful Spring ahead!

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  31. Another wonderful and diverse month, Donna! I can just see your smile during all the family and friends events! And, congratulations to Shea with his newest creative accomplishment. You two have all the right to be proud! xox

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  32. Your March has been full on Donna. March is one of my favourite months as for us it brings a reminder that the long hot summer days are over. Our Autumn weather, is usually beautiful here. The only problem is that Winter comes next and I try not to think about that. I love your photos.

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – Your comment made me realize that I never give enough consideration to autumn or spring. I simply think of them as gateways to either Winter or Summer! I think this partly stemmed from living in Beijing where if you were away for a weekend in April you could completely miss Spring!

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  33. A wonderful March for you, Donna. I don’t know how you even managed 5 book clubs! I’m in 1.5 and still, it’s a challenge! Sending positive vibes wishing a good move-in for your parents 🙂

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    1. Hi, Barbara – I am very curious about that .5 bookclub. How does that work?

      I really enjoyed being in five book clubs and it was fine until now when I am needing to spend more time with my parents. But my parents are totally worth it! And Richard did jump in with a regular buddy read — so I am technically back to three! :D

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      1. It’s always a balance! My .5 book club is my original one of friends – we’ve been together over 20 years, but don’t meet nearly as often – but we’re in a group chat and stay in touch and get together 3 or 4 times a year.

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  34. Hmmm… spa school… must put that on my to-do list for August. I don’t blame you for cutting back on your book clubs. Five seems like it could be a bit challenging. I’m enjoying The Covenant of Water (almost done!) and, even if I don’t get to discuss it, it definitely gives the reader a lot to think about.

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    1. Thanks, Janis. Unfortunately spa school only operates from September to the end of April. You’ll just have to come back for another visit in the fall, winter or spring!
      I am delighted that you are enjoying Covenant of Water. When you are finished, check out my review on Goodreads if you have the time. Richard and I had very different perspectives on the central story.

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  35. All sounds fantastic. It’s great to have things planned to look forward to. March promised to be great. I planned all these wonderful events like attending the French Film Festival and doing a winery tour and playing golf. Then….i got covid. So I decided to cancel everything and stay home for three weeks and completely rest and isolate. I caught up with reading, watching Netflix and listening to music. I napped every day. I slept for long hours. It was the best thing for me.

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    1. Hi, Helen – Thank you for reading and commenting. I am so sorry to hear about your COVID. It was very wise to listed to your body and to allow yourself the rest that you need. I hope you are feeling better now.

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      1. I thought retirement would be terrific, but it turned out to be boring and salary-free. Now I have to create activities to keep the brain and social life working.

        Hels.  Arts and Architecture, mainly

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  39. I’ll admit that your March was better than mine. I had high hopes, but weather didn’t play along with me. Also, the gray days wore me down more than usual so instead of fighting ennui I gave into it. 🤷‍♀️

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  41. Donna,

    After we returned from Florida, I contracted spring fever badly and have not been on the wire much. Nevertheless, I want to stay in touch, so I am reading both of your blogs posts today to can catch up–you’ve been busy. I love Charlie’s post-game attire. He’s very handsome! Hope the move went well with your parents. Moving turns me into a bear no matter if I’m moving me or someone else, but you seem to take it in stride…I’d rather go 5-pin bowling! All my best to you both for a lovely April. Joe

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    1. Thanks, Joe – I greatly appreciate you checking in. I sadly did not take this move instride. Lack of sleep and numerous (incredibly difficult) wildcards made it a difficult time. But all is well for the moment and I will gladly take that! ❤

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