Have you ever noticed that crock pots are a standard at thrift shops? And they’re in incredibly good shape! I have donated three or four over the years I’m sure … And I had another put aside for my next trip in over the road. But …
Tuesday I had supper with #1 son and the boys. Delicious as always. And cooked in a crock pot. Hmmmmm…
Gave Bear a lift up the road on my way home and commented on my full belly and how I should invite myself more often. 😉
”Do you guys always eat that good?” I asked.
”Gram, we’re talking about Dad here… “
Indeed … I wonder how I can wrangle a nightly invitation!
I came home and pulled the crock pot out of the Goodwill pile. This morning I used it. This afternoon I dined in fine style. Delicious. Meat so tender it just fell off my fork.
How quickly 2023 surrendered to 2024. Not quite sure where time goes but it most certainly does zip along. I’m not sure who I was talking to, but said person recently observed that at the age of 20, time moves along at about 20 km an hour; at age 40 it’s picked up speed a little and at 40 km an hour you’re feeling the wind in your hair; at age 60 …. well, you get the drift. Hang onto your hat!
It was a good year. Like all of them, there’s the occasional bump in the road, a few potholes and the odd detour you don’t expect, but when the countdown was done on New Year’s Eve I went to bed happy with who I am, where I am, and who’s here with me.
This past year I realized I am well and truly retired. And I am very much enjoying the change in lifestyle. I had a great career, worked with a lot of exceptional people, but that ship has sailed and while it’s quite lovely to visit the old stomping grounds or meet up with former colleagues who over the years also became good friends, I do NOT miss work. I’m too busy! It’s true. How often I’ve heard retirees say “don’t know where I found time to work” Ditto!
I had all these specific plans for retirement. Threw it all out the window and pretty much go with the flow now. Instead of writing ‘to do’ lists, I now write ‘today I did’ lists. (I am forever and always a list person … can’t change that … but they’ve changed focus.)
I was going to relearn the piano in 2023. I didn’t. Put it up for sale. Haven’t played in years and never particularly liked practicing anyway!
Was going to read more. I didn’t. Recently decided that you either read the book, write the book, or be the book. I read into my mid 40s, morning noon and night. It was good for me. A good book was a good place to go to escape all life’s disappointments, big and small. Then I crawled out of my cave and started writing and while I enjoy writing, it is easily the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Good writing is hard work! So I think I’ll adopt a ‘be the book’ kind of attitude. A mother-son trip last fall had me thinking ‘I need to do more of this!’ So two trips planned for the spring and hopefully lots of local exploring once we get through the dreary winter. (I am so not a winter person!) And I enjoy tons of indoor activities so plenty to keep me busy over the next couple months.
2023 was a good year for my boys too I think. Lots of firsts and lots of special and fun moments! It’s much easier to ‘be the book’ when you’re very young I think. Life puts no pressure on you, no expectations. Or it shouldn’t!
We had a new person come into our lives this year and she has brought peace and promise. It’s all good!
And … not that I’m suspicious … I’m not! But I do love my Tarot cards and I pulled from the pack I’ve had since I was a teenager, sooooo …
Twice-Loved 