My July wasn’t as event-filled as some blogging friends like Donna (Retirement Reflections) or Natalie (Natalie the Explorer), but it was busy nonetheless. I often ask, “When did I ever find time for work?” Retirement is a great gig, and I am eternally grateful for the time I have to enjoy it and to participate in events that I love and things that interest me. Let me share my July with you.
Summer is in full swing in East Tennessee, and bright summer flowers are everywhere. I captured these beauties in a nearby neighborhood, and fortunately, I had my camera in the car. I love the bright red of the coneflowers.
In addition to the flowers, our tomatoes are beginning to ripen. There’s nothing more pleasant than home-grown tomatoes on salads and sandwiches made on freshly baked sourdough bread (a new interest for me). I only have two plants, but that’s enough to keep Helen and me in tomatoes for a while. Here is the first of our summer crop.
In early summer, our church moves the early service outdoors on the lawn. The setting is delightful. Most of the congregation brings their favorite lawn chair or uses one of the folding chairs we wheel out of the building. We have one massive tree in the corner of the yard, offering plentiful shade for those who prefer it. I am one of two ushers for the service and love greeting our members as they arrive. My friend, Beth, is the head usher who keeps the trains running on time.
Summer also brings a change to my exercise class as well. We move from a community gym to an outdoor pavilion in a large park alongside the Tennessee River. Our class meets three days a week for one hour, and we don’t let up. Our energetic instructor, Kat, covers the whole body with cardio, strength training, balance drills, leg workouts, and stretch exercises. I’m exhausted by the end of the hour, yet always looking forward to the next class.
I also swim in our neighborhood pool (above, at the top) which the neighbors rarely use. “Swim” is probably an overstatement, however. I mainly try to master the art of sitting on a pool noodle while sipping champagne from a large Yeti mug.
During our class last Wednesday, a “Play Day” for local children surrounded our Pavilion. A Fire Truck took over one parking lot and showered the children with cool spray. I was tempted to join in but restrained myself.
On the Fourth of July, we held a flag-raising ceremony in our neighborhood. Neighbors brought doughnuts and a large urn of coffee, and veterans were encouraged to wear their old military uniforms. I no longer have a uniform that fits, so I wore an Army PT shirt and a “Retired Army” cap. Walter, a veteran of World War II, wore his uniform proudly and looked very distinguished. At precisely 9:30, we played “To The Colors,” followed by the National Anthem, with everyone singing along. All had a good time.
Later that afternoon, we ate smoked pork barbeque and potluck side dishes. I smoked six pork shoulders all day that turned out very well. This will probably become an annual event.
Mortimer, our English Bulldog, has been in our home for three months and is part of the family. At 1 ½, he is still a puppy, loves to play, and can persistently seek attention, but he is still a joy. He LOVES getting a bath, and it’s a struggle to keep him out of the shower if it is running. He also discovered my old but very comfortable leather recliner. I placed a cover in the chair, which he moves around to form a pillow. We had him “fixed” this month, and I’m not sure he has forgiven us completely.
If all goes well, I should have Dora, our fifth wheel, out of the shop this week so Helen and I can begin a six-week trip up the Carolina coast. We suffered two bent axles and a broken leaf spring after hitting a large pothole during our winter return from California. I didn’t realize the damage then, but once home, the shredded tires were a dead giveaway. Finding replacement axles has been a challenge. Hopefully, new ones will arrive early in the week.
We’re eager to get back on the road and will start the journey in Charleston, where our children and grandchildren will gather for a family reunion. At my daughter-in-law’s request, I pickled some eggs just for her. I’m flattered she asked. We also completed the first phase of seafood gumbo and froze it. We will complete that task in Charleston, where we can get fresh seafood. I get hungry thinking about it…I love seafood gumbo.
I saved the best part of the month for last. Helen completed the final treatment for her breast cancer this week and rang the bell at the cancer center. After a year and a half, Helen is cancer-free thanks to an early diagnosis and treatment from a wonderful battery of doctors and nurses, plus one more factor—her attitude.
Helen is one of the most positive people on the planet and rarely, if ever, worries about anything. Her guiding principle is to take things one day at a time. The past is forgotten, the future will be here soon enough; let’s enjoy the moment and the day we have. We should all be so fortunate.
What’s been on your calendar? I would love to know in the comments below. Please come with us up the east coast…we’re Easin’ Along.
