What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
Because we had pushed on past Roncesvalles, we were not on the typical path of ‘stages’ for the Camino Frances. That meant we stayed in smaller towns most nights--which worked perfectly for us. The downside was that during the hottest part of the day we were walking sections of the trail that were much better… Continue reading Day 4 – Larrasoana to Zariquiegui (25.7 K): We Should have Listened to the Bartender!
Somebody lied. Or else I honestly was not paying enough attention. I had (repeatedly) heard that Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles was the most difficult part of the entire Camino Frances and after that, the path was much easier. Visions of flat, smooth trails danced through my mind. For me, that conception could not have been more… Continue reading Day 3 – Espinal to Larrasoana (30 K): Somebody Lied!
When we left Orrison early in the morning with a planned 18 kilometers ahead of us, I felt like a true pilgrim, a great explorer…I knew that I was about to take part in an incredible quest. Walking through orchards, past quaint country houses, looking up to the mountain meadows, knowing that I was in… Continue reading Day 2 – Orrison to Espinal (24.3 K): Getting the Hang of It!
Being the research nerd that I am, I spent countless hours reading a multitude of details about the Camino Frances and watching YouTube videos of the trail. (I know, in a previous post I said I wouldn't over-research, but you already knew that I wouldn't be able to stop myself, didn't you?) I had repeatedly… Continue reading Day 1 – Orisson, France (8 K): Should We Stay or Should We Go?
My husband and I recently walked 200 kilometers of the Camino Trail, in eight days, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Najera, Spain. Although I originally had lofty notions of blogging daily ‘live from the trail’, creating an iMovie, or iMovie trailer, these plans were quickly dashed. Without my computer or iPad, and with infrequent WiFi… Continue reading Day 0 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: Greetings from The Camino Frances!
I LOVE the idea of taking part in a blogfest (even if I only found out about it twenty-four hours in advance). I also LOVE writing about a wide range of topics. But writing about an object--and a most cherished one at that--well at first, that just seemed wrong. I have previously written about some… Continue reading BLOGFEST: MY MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION
I am currently walking ten days of The Camino Trail in France and Spain. I will be back at the end of July with summaries, reflections and photos. Enjoy your reading break! Donna
Twenty-four years ago, as you stood to receive your kindergarten graduation diploma, I wept. Everything was new. All hopes and dreams were possible. You were forging out into the world with your own unique set of passions and talents. My heart burst with love, admiration and pride. Since that time, I have witnessed you in… Continue reading Dear Son: Reflections on your Graduation
My husband started it! Early in our retirement, he threw down the gauntlet and wanted us to preserve defined weekends. I pouted…just a little bit…okay, a lot! For years I had been totally sold on the concept that during retirement every day would be Saturday (or Sunday). To me, it was now like saying there… Continue reading Retirement: Everyday Is Saturday–Or Is It?
A few weeks ago, I read a post criticizing Canada for not adequately providing for its retirees, and depicting Canadians as not willing to speak out for themselves. As these comments were not made by a Canadian, and only referenced a single news report, I could intellectually dismiss them as not being the whole story.… Continue reading Why I’m Proud to be a (Retired) Canadian
Retirement Reflections 