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.
Food, Link Ups

What’s (Typically) On My Plate

Retirement Reflections

For last month's WOYP, I showcased a variety of the meals and snacks that we had eaten while in Banff and surrounding area. If you caught that post, it brightly displayed heavily cheesed pizzas (yup, more than one), a variety of meat dishes and a very decadent marshmallow donut (that honestly was Creighton's). Not to… Continue reading What’s (Typically) On My Plate

#peace, Link Ups, Reflection

Word of the Year – Six-Month Review

Retirement Reflections

This past January, I set 'Peace' as my Word of the Year (WOTY). My goal was to focus on simple ways to bring peace to others as well as to myself. So, how am I doing six months after setting this intention? Please join me in a candid review (gulp here). Reading On the top… Continue reading Word of the Year – Six-Month Review

Books, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s On Your Bookshelf? Netgalley and More!

Retirement Reflections

Netgalley Sometimes I swear that I live under a rock--a very big one. I just discovered Netgalley... and that the world isn't flat. Seriously, who knew?! For others unfamiliar with Netgalley, it helps readers discover and recommend new books. Publishers provide free digital review copies to the Netgalley community in exchange for honest reviews. Win-win!… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf? Netgalley and More!

Food, Hiking, Home Exchange, Link Ups, Travel

What’s Was On Our Plate (While in Banff & Surrounding Area)?

Retirement Reflections

Over the past 46 days, Richard and I were home for 4 nights. That's a lot of eating out! The last 11 nights we spent at a Home Exchange in beautiful Banff with our youngest son, Creighton, and his girlfriend, Charling. Here's a quick sampling of just some of the tantalizing creations that were on… Continue reading What’s Was On Our Plate (While in Banff & Surrounding Area)?

Books, Link Ups, What's On Your Bookshelf?

What’s On Your Bookshelf? The June Edition.

Retirement Reflections

Bleak House, Charles Dickens • My apologies for being MIA in recent weeks. I went from a planned blogging break to a family emergency which has required much time and attention. I am hoping to gradually re-enter the blogging world with this post. In honour of Charles Dickens' June 9 birthday, Yvette from Prior House… Continue reading What’s On Your Bookshelf? The June Edition.

Camino, Hiking, Travel

Postcards from An Island Walk, Day 6

Retirement Reflections

Day 6: Basin Head to Rollo Bay Lookout (Final Walking Day).Distance Walked: 21.64 km.Terrain: Several rolling hills. Scenery: Stunning vistas, easy roadside walking, quiet dirt lanes, beautiful beaches, colourful fields.Accommodations: Siren's Beach Motel. Come join us as Richard and I walk the final 21 km of our Island Walk. But first let's grab breakfast at… Continue reading Postcards from An Island Walk, Day 6

Camino, Hiking, Travel

Postcards from An Island Walk, Day Five

Retirement Reflections

Day Five: East Point to Basin Head Distance Walked: 16 kmTerrain and Views:  Stunning beaches, white singing stands, quiet dirt roads, wildlife parade.Accommodations: Siren's Beach Weather Alert: I awoke this morning to Richard reading out today's weather forecast from his phone. None of it sounded good. In fact, it sounded like a stay-in-bed kinda day.… Continue reading Postcards from An Island Walk, Day Five

Camino, Hiking, Travel

Postcards from An Island Walk: Day Three

Retirement Reflections

Day Three:  St. Peters to New ZealandDistance Walked: 23 kmTerrain and Scenery: Picturesque forested section of the Confederation Trail with beautiful Larkin's Pond Wildlife Management Area. Today's Update: When I left you last, Richard and I were enjoying a delicious halibut dinner at Rick's. Since then, this happened: Sunset at St. Peters Bay Complimentary Breakfast… Continue reading Postcards from An Island Walk: Day Three