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.