What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
My husband and I have been long-time friends with Stan and Deidre Hewitt. That’s not their real names, but let’s call them that for the purpose of this post – they’ll recognize themselves soon enough. The Hewitts retired a couple of years before us. 'Extremely active' does not begin to describe their lifestyle. At their… Continue reading We’ve Become the Hewitts
For years (28 to be exact), my mother has been extolling the virtues of grandparenthood. “If I knew how wonderful it was to have grandchildren,” she has often said, “I would have had them first!” Last week, our daughter-in-law (DIL) stopped by for an overnight visit with our first grandson, Charlie, who has just turned… Continue reading Grandparenting
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?
You’d think that I would have gotten the hint at Paint Night (or long before that, actually). I seriously cannot paint! But when two friends mentioned that they planned to take part in a mosaic painting activity that was taking place in our town, I immediately signed up! In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday (July… Continue reading Canada 150 Mosaic: My (Brief) Stint as a Painter
I can go for days without any computer, tablet or phone connectivity. I can and I did. The world did not end. Who knew? I cannot plan everything. Even I (who previously thought that spontaneity was for slackers) have begun to realize that improvisation is often the most challenging and rewarding commitment of all. Music… Continue reading Top Ten Lessons Learned on the Camino Trail: Personal Reflections
Our one-and-a-half days in Bilbao were exactly what we needed before the long flight home. Although my mind would not shut down (even when it was supposed to be in sleep mode) my legs instantly became heavy. I was extremely glad to have that first half day to humour the parts of my body that… Continue reading Days 9 & 10 – Bilbao: A Change of Pace
Although we repeatedly told ourselves that we had no set goal as to where we would end up on the trail – that may have been true for the day-to-day – but we did secretly have an ultimate goal to arrive in Najera for our finish. Now with only 30 K to go, and relatively… Continue reading Day 8 — Los Arcos to Najera (29.6K): A Change of Plans
It is said that the ‘Camino provides’, and that it gives each individual the lesson(s) that h/she needs. Although I have begun to chill a bit (well...at least for me), patience is still a virtue to which I can only aspire. Seven kilometers outside of Los Arcos, we reached a small town, Sansol (population: 108).… Continue reading Day 7 – Los Arcos to Logrono (28.2 K): Eugene Levy, the Sandwich Maker
(with apologies to Persian philosopher/poet, Omar Khayyam) The Camino Frances is rich with intriguing surprises and delights. Today’s route was an exceptional example. Just outside of Estella, we reached the renowned Camino Wine Fountain, Fuente del Vino. It was built in 1991 and belongs to the Bodegas Irache winery. The adjoining monastery is said to… Continue reading Day 6 – Lorca to Los Arcos (29.5 K): A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of Wine, and Thou
I must confess, my pen and paper notes started to become a bit sloppy at this time. Our days (although each unique) began to blur together. I do remember starting this day by climbing 200 meters over two kilometers and then descending 300 meters over the next four-and-a-half. Although there was a cool photo op… Continue reading Day 5 – Zariquiegui to Lorca (27.1 K): Building Community
Retirement Reflections 