When it comes to this blog, it seems I have good intentions and then something gets in the way and it takes a back seat to that.
Here's a peek into what I've been up to instead of blogging.
Around the end of March I didn't like the direction my bathroom scale was heading every time I stepped on it.
Having never had a "weight problem", this was something new to me. I decided to take action and signed up with a mid-life weight loss health coach. I have learned so much about how the menopause years can contribute to weight gain and the old ideas of eat less, move more don't work for that kind of weight gain. I am working hard and am happy to report that so far I have lost eleven pounds.
We are encouraged to follow a whole foods diet with an emphasis on plant based.
Along those lines, Brett & I recently signed up for the CSA program through a local farm. The photo above is what we received last Friday. Needless to say, a lot of my time has been discovering and preparing new recipes for things like rainbow chard, baby bok choy and kale.
Late April found us traveling to Florida to see grandson, Jaxson and his parents. The really exciting thing about this visit was attending Amber's pinning ceremony from nursing school.
It has been a long road for her and we were all so happy and proud of her.
The graduating class celebrating their accomplishments.
After nearly 7 years in this house, I finally made it a priority to find artwork for the little wall next to my pantry. This is the only wall in my kitchen. I have wanted to hang something there all these years, but haven't seen anything I like so one day I spent way too much time browsing on Etsy. I really wasn't even sure what I was looking for which, of course, led to the time consuming project it became. When I came across these I instantly knew they would be perfect.
It's a small thing, but makes me so happy to finally have the selection made.
Perhaps what has been keeping me the busiest of all . . .
At the end of next month Brett & I will be retiring.
Closing his (almost) 35 year old business required a lot of thought.
He has finally decided that the time has come so we have both been busy doing all the things one must do to bring an end to that chapter of life.
It seems when you tell people that you will soon be retiring, the question is "what are your plans?" or "will you be traveling?"
I think our biggest plan in the immediate future will be to have a relaxing summer. Maybe by fall we'll be looking for a bit more structure to the days.
The nice thing about retiring is you can do anything you want!! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the weight loss. It seems it's harder and harder to keep off the pounds as we get older.
Karen, you are right about retirement and I look forward to that. Thank you for the congratulations.
DeleteForgot to say I like the pictures you chose for your kitchen wall.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you again! I hear you on the weight gain and not being happy about it. In the past year and a half, I have gained about 8 lbs. Doesn't sound like a lot, but it has really made a difference in how I feel and how tight my pants are! I will be 63 in August, so I'm post-menopausal. I've been diligent about doing my yoga stretches, light weights for my arms and legs, doing some exercises with bands and squats, etc., but I haven't been walking as much as I used to. I do eat mostly a whole foods diet - have been doing that for many years - but I need to cut back on the carbs and sugar. At one time I didn't eat any processed sugar at all. Now I'm eating too much of it and I know it's not healthy. I try to balance my plant-based meals with some healthy protein such as organic tofu and chicken and ground turkey. I love baby bok choy...just got some from the farmer's market, as well as asparagus, spring onions and radishes.
ReplyDeleteI love the prints you got on Etsy for your kitchen! I'm confused by what you said when it's your only kitchen wall. Do you mean your kitchen doesn't have any walls, or do you mean it's your only "empty" kitchen wall?
Congratulations on retiremenet! What business do you own, and will it be closing down or is someone else taking over?
Melanie, yes, it was that belly fat that was getting to me and I didn't realize how my weight had been creeping up during the menopause years. I can see why you are confused by my kitchen wall comment. Ha! My house is very "open concept" so the three walls are all taken up by cupboards or appliances. The only little wall surface that any pictures could be hung on is that area next to the pantry. Hope this makes sense. My husband owns a small machinery sales business. I'm afraid it has run it's course and will be closing down. His dad was in the same business for years and that is where we met in 1979. It's the end of an era for us which is a bit bittersweet.
DeleteLots of good things in this post. First of all...congratulations on retiring. May your days be relaxing and happy whatever you choose to do. Congrats also on your weight loss. I know it's a battle not easily won.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations are also in order for your daughter on her grad from nursing school.
Your trio of pictures looks great!
Congratulations on all counts. The vegetables look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHello! First of all, congratulations on the upcoming retirement! Do whatever the heck you want. You earned it! Love your kitchen artwork, too. what perfect pictured for that spot! And thanks for the info on your weight loss journey. I am right there with you! Have a cozy day, my friend.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your retirements. It's great that both of you are doing it at the same time. Also, good on you for the weight loss and doing it healthfully and safely. Congrats also to Amber on earning her nurse's pin. Many happy things to celebrate in this post. I love the new pictures for your kitchen, too.
ReplyDeleteWow - many congratulations! To you, your hubby and your new family nurse:) And I do love the kitchen artwork! You found it on Etsy?? I hope you are having a good week. There should be looks of yummy eating - those veggies look delish! I enjoyed finding your blog today. Not sure which rabbit trail led me here but glad that it did:)
ReplyDeleteThe artwork is perfect for that wall. Congratulations on the upcoming retirement. I think it's funny that people always wonder what one will do. There's a whole lot of life to live that doesn't including working all the time. Congrats also to Amber. And on losing the 11 lbs. I've been eating a lot more lately than I should, although I am plantbased -- but do also love rice and bread and pasta, too. My eating habits will only get worse if I don't control myself over the summer months when it's too hot to be outside -- was already 106 F today :( Funny thing is, when we saw a friend in Amman several weeks ago, he was asking my husband why he's not feeding me. Ha! But I definitely feel the belly weight gain. Oh well. As for blogging consistently, I'm right there with you. All those good intentions flew right out the window. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWow - lots of exciting things in this post!
ReplyDeleteHooray for you for the weight loss. It's something I've struggled with since having kids, but I'm working on it again right now. :)
Congratulations to Amber! That's a big accomplishment.
I really like your artwork. I recently found some on Etsy too.
Congrats on the retirement too. I retired in November and there is definitely an adjustment phase, but I'm enjoying it and I'm sure you will too.
This is my first time commenting (I think!), as I'm a fairly new reader of your blog. I sure do enjoy your writing:) My husband and I retired a few years ago. We didn't make any plans right away, just gave ourselves some time. I liken it to when my youngest child started school. Everyone asked me, what will you do now? I just needed time to catch my breath!
ReplyDeleteLovely artwork! I am fortunate to love fruits and vegetables (well, most of them, certainly not all). Your photos are lovely as well as your blog background. Warm greetings from a baby boomer in Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on retiring! I am a teacher and I am also looking forward to retiring in a few months. I am really looking forward to it - even though we don't have any big plans right now except moving to a new home. I also have a daughter named Amber. I am a new reader and enjoyed my visit here so I will be back!
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy for you and your plans will all come together...after the summer. I can't believe how long you've lived in this house. I would have guessed you moved 2 or 3 years ago! How time flies! You have so much to look forward to now! Hugs!
ReplyDelete