Author: 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.
Books, Guest Posts, Food

What’s That Book? The Little Cafe by the Lake by Joanne Tracey

Retirement Reflections

.     .    In search of a cozy, fun read (that also includes great recipes)? The Little Cafe by the Lake is all of this and much more. Discover further details about this book and find other great reads from Barb at Book Club Mom. Comments are closed here but Barb would love for you to drop by and say hi. ‘Hope to see you there!

Book Club Mom

Title: The Little Cafe by the Lake

Author: Joanne Tracey

Genre: Contemporary Romance Plus

What’s It About? I am a huge fan of Jo Tracey’s books. This has been my favourite one so far. If you are looking for a break filled with fun, friendship, food…and some sultry, fiercely independent characters, this book is for you. As a bonus, numerous mouth-watering recipes are included.

How Did You Hear About It? I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book (which was just released on November 4, 2021).

Closing Comments: As many of the main characters in this novel also appeared in ‘Happy Ever After’ and ‘Wish You Were Here,’ this reading felt like catching up with old friends. If you haven’t yet read any of Jo Tracey’s books, I highly recommend them. Although this book is part of a series, it can also easily…

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Aging Well, Books, Food, Link Ups

What’s On Your Bookshelf: The Blue Zone & Cookbook Edition

Retirement Reflections

I'm that girl who tends to fall down rabbit holes. Very. Far. Down. My current rabbit hole began with this simple National Geographic Magazine. I'd heard about Blue Zones before. Yup, those five longevity hotspots (Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California) where residents tend to live longer,… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf: The Blue Zone & Cookbook Edition

Food, Link Ups, Trying New Things, Vancouver Island

What’s On Your Plate – November: Win-Win Eating!

Retirement Reflections

"Win-win eating" refers to a diet that is healthy for us and sustainable for the environment. In that case, I should have labelled this entry "Win-Win-Win." My post today focuses on the above two goals but also includes supporting local small businesses. There are tons of ways that you can do this while improving your… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate – November: Win-Win Eating!

Books, Link Ups

What’s On Your Bookshelf: Why Read the Classics?

Retirement Reflections

Here are my October reads (with Villette, a paced book club piece, still in progress). In glancing through this bundle, many of these selections are considered to be (or to involve) 'literary classics.' This begs two questions. 1. What defines 'classic literature'? Collins dictionary offers this simple definition:"Classic literature is of very high quality and… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf: Why Read the Classics?

Food, Link Ups

What’s On Your Plate – October – Mini-Cheesecakes

Retirement Reflections

Deny it as I may, the Northern Hemisphere has firmly slid into autumn. With that, I've found myself craving casual, carefree, comfort foods that are quick and painless to prepare. These longings don't end at the main course but include desserts (especially ones that are company-impressive, without the drama). Enter 3-Step Mini Cheesecakes. Topped with… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate – October – Mini-Cheesecakes

Books, Food, Link Ups

Reminder: What’s On Your Plate and What’s On Your Bookshelf — Coming Soon!

Retirement Reflections

'What's On Your Plate' will go live tomorrow (Wednesday, October 6). Deb and I would love for you to join us and share a dish (or two) that you have enjoyed this past month (regardless of who made it). You can share in the comments, in a blog post, on Instagram or in any way that you… Continue reading Reminder: What’s On Your Plate and What’s On Your Bookshelf — Coming Soon!

Photography, Trying New Things, Uncategorized, Vancouver Island

The Other Day, I Met A Bear

Retirement Reflections

For starters, let's put the tune in your head. Then feel free to sing along! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJaogCkEcqk The other day, I met a bear,Up in the woods, A way up there. He looked at me, I looked at him,He sized up me, I sized up him. He said to me, "why don't you run?"I see you… Continue reading The Other Day, I Met A Bear

Books, Link Ups

What’s On Your Bookshelf This September?

Retirement Reflections

How is it the middle of September already? Seriously!! August was a whirlwind, and September has been rushing past at breakneck speed. Still, I did manage to sneak in a few books. My online book club finished reading and discussing The Tenant of Wildfelt Hall. As usual, we broke the book into four sections and… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf This September?

Food, Friendship

What’s On Your Plate? The Friendship Edition.

Retirement Reflections

If you have followed my past few posts, you know that for me, the month of August has focussed on friendship. As friends often go hand-in-hand with sharing meals together, this has led to many food-related photographs (yup, even more than usual). Here's a small sample of what this past month looked like under that… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate? The Friendship Edition.