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.
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.

Blogging, Friendship, Vancouver Island

What WordPress Neglected to Tell Me

Retirement Reflections

Almost six years ago, when I pressed 'send' on my first blog post, I knew no one in the following photo (except for Richard and myself, of course). WordPress gave me no hint about the amazing friendships that were soon to develop. Blogging buddies and spouses (now simply called 'friends'), The Black Goose Inn, Parksville,… Continue reading What WordPress Neglected to Tell Me

Blogging, Friendship, Vancouver Island

Silent Sunday: Protection Island

Retirement Reflections

Q: What happens when three bloggers (plus their spouses) get together? A: It's anything but silent! Below are pics of Janis (Retirementally Challenged), Kathy (Smart Living 365), me and our husbands spending a delightful afternoon on Protection Island (officially part of Nanaimo, BC). You can learn more about Protection Island here, here and here. Stay… Continue reading Silent Sunday: Protection Island

Food, Link Ups

What’s On Your Plate this August – Three Sisters Casserole with a Side of Bannock

Retirement Reflections

The July/August edition of Chatelaine Magazine featured six recipes from female, Canadian, Indigenous chefs. The very first one looked simple, healthy and meatless -- urging me to give it a try. 'Three Sisters Casserole' is so named because of the traditional indigenous practice of growing squash, corn and beans together "with the cornstalks holding up… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate this August – Three Sisters Casserole with a Side of Bannock

Books, Food, Link Ups

A Reminder and An Introduction

Retirement Reflections

This month's ‘What’s On Your Plate?’ will go live on Wednesday, August  4. My cohost, Deb, and I would love for you to join in. Let us know something that’s been on your plate this past month. It could be breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dine-in or dine-out. You can share with a simple photo, a few words… Continue reading A Reminder and An Introduction

Food, Link Ups

What’s On Your Plate: Cantonese Noodles – 4 Ways!

Retirement Reflections

Inspired by Janis's link-up recommending Hello Fresh, I decided to give them a try. I had always been curious about this type of meal service...and a tad skeptical. I had imagined too much package waste, too expensive, too much meat, too many calories and too similar to processed food. When our first box arrived, I… Continue reading What’s On Your Plate: Cantonese Noodles – 4 Ways!

Food, Link Ups

‘What’s on Your Plate – July Edition’ is Coming Soon!

Retirement Reflections

This month’s ‘What’s On Your Plate’ will go live on Wednesday, July 7. Below are a few of my food photos from the last few weeks. (Yup, I'm that annoying person with a camera when others are trying to eat.) I am incredibly grateful that family and close friends are once again front and center in… Continue reading ‘What’s on Your Plate – July Edition’ is Coming Soon!