What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
When I left you last, Richard and I were in Burgos (lingering in a restaurant that offered free WiFi). Burgos is home to the only cathedral in Spain that has independently been declared a World Heritage Site. So, we decided to have a peek inside. Two hours later, we were completely overwhelmed and had barely… Continue reading Post Cards From The Camino Trail 2017 – Week Two
For this week's post, I've decided to try out #WordlessWednesday and tell the story of our recent Florida home exchange as wordlessly as possible. Photo captions seriously don't count, right?! Enjoy!!
Last week, my husband and I were sitting at our home in Vancouver Island complaining about the unusually long, cold and snowy winter. We had no travel plans until summer. One week later, I am eating a banana that I picked from a backyard tree while my husband soaks in the outdoor pool, reading the… Continue reading How to Plan An Affordable, Last Minute Winter Escape
I am writing this post on a bit of a dare. If you have been following my blog/Facebook page/life in general, you already know that I am in Palm Desert for a month-long home-exchange. As my husband and I didn't know a soul who would be in the area during this time, I had assumed… Continue reading How to Get Yourself Invited to Dinner
I sit and mentally savor the list one more time: Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Roger Waters and The Who. Not long ago, this line-up would have sounded too good to be true. Yet, here I am at the end of Day Three of what has been referred to by many… Continue reading A Postcard from Desert Trip
My husband and I first visited Palm Desert (Palm Springs area) in July 2000. Friends had lent us their condo for a week. Although we were grateful for their generosity, and we certainly enjoyed our trip, we never really got into the Palm Desert vibe. The summer in the desert was hotter than hot. Even… Continue reading Palm Desert: A Change of Perspective
Here I am packing for another trip. In the past, this would not have been unusual if it were official vacation or even business travel. But, it’s simply a random get-away. Insert light bulb going off here: 'I am retired!!' As strange as it may seem, I often forget that I am no longer employed.… Continue reading You Know You Are Retired When….
Labour Day Syndrome—almost every student and educator has experienced this condition to some degree, even if they call it by another name, or start their school year at a different time. You know, that restlessness deep in your stomach that begins to churn as the last weekend of holidays comes to an end, and a… Continue reading Playing Hooky
We’ve just returned from an immensely enjoyable week in Victoria, BC. While there, we explored many breathtaking hiking trails, had some magnificent beach time, bought our groceries at local farmers' markets, took in a couple of IMAX films…and had a restful and rejuvenating stay. Okay, I know what you're thinking— “these people are traveling fools!… Continue reading Thoughts from a Travel Buff: Is Home Exchange Right for You?
We have now completed our 4,900++ kilometer road trip from Parksville, British Columbia to Winnipeg, Manitoba and back. The primary purpose of our trip was to visit my niece and attend the interior design exhibition that was part of her master's program. The time spent with my niece, as well as the exhibition, were both… Continue reading On the Road Again: Traveling Through Canada’s Western Provinces
Retirement Reflections 