Month: July 2022

Get a hobby?

I need to thank our PCP (personal care Physician). During a recent visit, he seemed pleased to hear we were retired. He mentioned how important it is to have a hobby. A hobby? My first thought was I have hobbies, but this little word caused me considerable thought. The antonym for the word hobby is work or job. So, when contemplating retiring find something that replaces what you were doing?  

I enjoy digging in the dirt. I enjoy planting my summer flower garden. I live in an area where gardening is only available four to five months out of the year. My winter is spent reviewing seed catalogs and exploring the web for the most spectacular landscaping ideas. Last year I invested in 100 crocus bulbs, after seeing a picture of thousands of tiny blooms under an oak tree radiating out into the lawn at the first site of spring. What a great idea! I can do this. I enlisted the help of my husband, and we carefully placed each bulb in hopes I would magically see a massive display of color after winter’s end. 

I was ecstatic when I spotted the first sign of color pop out of the ground! Soon, the whole area would be beautifully filled with dotes of yellow, purple, and white. The first sign of spring after the long dark winter months. My moment of joy was soon dashed as I began to investigate why only a few bulbs popped up. I conclude the squirrels had enjoyed all those precious bulbs. Leaving me only a few dotes of color.

Despite my spring disappointment, the summer flower beds have been lovely this year and I have truly been satisfied with the results to date. Sadly, winter is coming. This hobby will be put away for the year. So, what happens when all that cheerful color disappears? Do we pack up and spend the winter in the south as many of our friends do. So many things to think about. This life of leisure is work. 

RETIREMENT!?

Does this picture give you the feeling that life could be delightful in retirement? They look healthy and happy. They seem to have some skills in using gaming devices. A plus in today’s world. Looking closer you must ask, where is all their stuff? Nothing to dust! No pictures or family photos. No clutter. Nothing on the floor to trip on! When you are thinking about prancing out of the “rat race” this picture is made to order.  

Last year my husband and I made the decision to join “retirement” life. Yes, I looked forward to this time in my life. I had no clear picture of what that would look like. Sadly, I still do not. Working, in the medical field, for over thirty years, I was played out and ready to prance out! I had clearly painted this picture in my head.

Learning how to retire with grace.

Stop Talking! Do the right thing!

I was born and raised in Illinois what happened in our state, on the 4th of July 2022, was predictable. I’m asking political leaders; How many more lives must be ended by weapons of war?

Over the last 24 hours, I have heard some of our leaders say:

“More money for mental health. It’s a health issue.”

“We need to wait and see what type of weapon this was.”

“This is the type of sounds I’ve heard in War.”

“State’s need to make these laws.”

“Illinois has strict gun laws.”

“My family was in danger. I see things in a different light.”

These are only a few of the words which came from the mouth of politician’s commenting on the Illinois 4th of July 2022 massacre through the news channels.

News outlets report the gun was obtained legally. A gun which was designed to kill or cause injury to mass targets and fast. Why? Why, would anyone sale a weapon like this? Why is this legal? If this gun was purchased legally, I’m wondering how the gun shop owner is feeling today. I would like to think they are feeling some sense of remorse. They knew or had to know what this weapon was capable of doing when they took his money and handed him the gun. But, it was a legal sale.

Oh, we have the RED FLAG law! What does that mean? Red flag, red stop sign, red engine light all mean STOP. Something is not right.

A young man got on top of a roof and fired a weapon at a group of people. To our Political leaders, why would you allow this type of gun to be sold? You voted YES to allow this type of gun to be legally sold. Why would you stipulate “RED FLAG” laws if no one is questioning the purchase of these types of guns. There are times when you must take a stand.

Please, stop talking and do something. Do your jobs! Family, friends, Social Media, Senator’s, Congress, President, Law Enforcement, Gun Shops, Governor’s, please don’t remain silent. It’s time.