Yesterday was, almost as close as I can imagine to, a perfect day. (I say almost because the grands weren’t here and that would have, of course, made the day absolutely perfect.)
I spent the morning in the kitchen freezing peaches and making dill pickles. Gerry did his part by cutting up bananas for the dehydrator–for treats to take to the grands. He just had shoulder surgery so is limited in what he can do to help. This turned out to be the perfect task.
We’re fortunate to have an open kitchen so, as I puttered, I could chat with Gerry who sat reading in the living room. He loaded up the CD player with some of our favorites and I hummed and danced around the kitchen while I worked.
I lost count of the number of times one of us said “this is what it’ll be like when we retire.”
In the afternoon we went to the Soos Creek Botanical Garden which is not too far fromwhere we live. Gerry drives past it every day on his way to work and we’ve often wondered about it. I spotted some photographs of the gardens a few days ago on a blog and knew we needed to check it out. We discovered a treasure hidden right in plain sight! I’m sorry it took us so long to visit; I think this may be my new favorite writing spot.
On our way in we chatted with another couple on their way out. They are newly retired and we talked about going south for the winter, enjoying gardens, travel, and other retirement-related things. I couldn’t help but hear those same words in my head: “This is what it’ll be like when we retire.”
Today I canned beets and my back is aching and I’m tired, but I’m content and fulfilled at the same time.
Now we’re heading out to the patio with our books to enjoy the rest of the warm and sunny afternoon. This is what it will be like when we retire.
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What a lovely peek into what’s ahead for you both!!!
Anticipation!
Linda,
Your dream sounds wonderful:) I’m glad to hear it isn’t that far away and that you can enjoy days like retirement now. I have the plan to learn to can again when we get into our own home. Your work looks great!
I look forward to hearing more about the joys you discover and rediscover once you move into your new home, Terru.
What a beautiful array and display of your works of art that bring you so much joy, Linda! I have to say, you will not be “retiring”, you will be “transitioning” into a new and joyful phase in your life where you will pursue your passions at will. And , as I keep saying, you will love it! WHEEEE
Kathy, I like the idea of thinking of it as a transition instead of a retirement because I have no intention of retiring to a rocking chair!
Dear Linda, thanks for stopping by my blog and reading about “Blue.”
And thanks also for these photographs of canning jars that gleam as if they contain jewels. Oh those peaches and beets and pickles are going to taste luscious come winter! And yes, this is what it’s like to be retired! Peace.
what a lovely post–i always love to see people canning- it brings back wonderful memories
I loved the pictures of your beautiful canning. This morning I wrote memories of canning with my mother, aunties and sisters. Seeing the beautiful produce in jars is such a pleasure and an accomplishment! Thanks for sharing.
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