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.
Wonderful news! Ring that bell! Sending best wishes for your upcoming Charleston trip and many more in the future! Xo
Hello, Nancy,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the nice comments. We’re looking forward to Charleston and moving up the coast. Hope your summer is going well–please come back! Joe
Joe, I’m curious about the red (?) coloring of the pickled eggs. Would you please share the recipe? I’m happy for Helen. Good on you.
Mona,
The red color comes from the brine out of a jar of pickled beets. I will email you the recipe later today. Thanks for checking in! Joe
A great month of fun and memories – especially the “ringing of the bell!” WONDERFUL news. So happy – prayers answered. 🙏🙏🙏💞💖💕💓
Hi, Ginny,
Our July was a good one filled with fun and great news. Prayer does work! See you soon! Joe
So … our JULY has consisted of acquiring another “new knee” to match the left one that I acquired five years ago! Physical therapy, 🧊 ice, rest, 🧊, pain management, 🧊, meds, 🧊, home exercises, 🧊, eating well. And did I mention that ICE is my best friend? Just about four weeks out and walking amazingly well! Scheduled it AFTER our epic family beach gathering in June at the Outer Banks! Ready to re-enter life! 👍
Good morning, Roberta,
Sounds like your July went well–all things considered. Helen and I are very familiar with the knee replacement regimen, post-surgery. We’ve had three replacements between us. Good to hear that you’re up and about. Hope that therapy goes as well for you as it did for us. Thanks for checking in and sharing your month with us. Please come back! Joe
And … great news for a Helen! ♥️Congratulations!
(((((((HUGS)))))))
GM Joe,
Summer has been in full swing here in the Triad of NC too especially lately probably pretty similar to your area as well i.e., hot and humid! That’s great news re: Helen! Certainly a time to celebrate and give thanks to God.
Hope you both stay “safe and healthy” as you get soon get back on the road!
Hi, Ron!
Hot, humid, and lots of thunderstorms is the story of the month here. Helen came through her ordeal like a real champ and is back in full swing, ready to hit the road. Stay cool over there, and please stay in touch. Joe
Way to go Helen! I wish I had her attitude. Something to work on. Sounds like a fun summer thus far. I’m jealous you’re able to enjoy the great outdoors. We have been brutally hot (record-breaking) and plants are sad and just trying to survive. Enjoy your family gathering!
Hey, there!
I’ve thought about you and Al every day as records were broken in Arizona. Hopefully, you’ll get a break soon! It’s hot here, but nothing like what you’re experiencing. We keep the plants watered and my tomatoes seem to enjoy the warm weather. Hitting the road this week and looking forward to it greatly. Find a cool spot and settle in–this too will pass. Always great to hear from you. Joe
Ringing the Bell: What fabulous news! Helen has remained so positive throughout the entire treatment journey, and it is a true blessing she is cured completely!
And we thank you so much for sending via Collin a loaf of your sourdough bread to us in Wyoming. It is perfect just heated and buttered, and made the most delicious French Toast ever. Cheers 🍾 to you and Helen .
Hello!
Helen was in good hands throughout this ordeal and came through like a champ. We’re ready to get on the road again and hug all the kids. So glad the sourdough made it all the way to Wyoming, and you had a chance to try it out. I had not considered French Toast, but I’ll give it a go. Thanks for checking in. Hope to see you soon. Joe
Hi, Joe- This is such wonderful news about Helen. Reading this brought instant joy!!
Early detection and positivity are wonderful healing ingredients.
What a wonderful way to end a very wonderful month!
Good morning, Donna,
Helen’s attitude carried her a long way on this journey and served her well. The support of good friends (and Pickleball) also helped greatly. Always great to hear from you. Wishing you a fantastic August! Joe
What a wonderful July, Joe–complete with gorgeous flowers, yummy homegrown tomatoes, lots of exercise and of course the happy end to Helen’s treatments! Here’s wishing you a speedy trailer repair for your next trip!
Hey there,
July was good and ended well for us. It’s hot here, but not like those poor souls in the Southwest are experiencing. I hope to find out today about our trailer repairs. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Take care, and please stay in touch! Joe
That looks like a very fun-filled month of July. The exercise class sounds great! And I envy your garden flowers. They’re stunning when they thrive like that. I haven’t been able to do anything with the garden this year because of a foot injury and I’ve had to just accept it. At least my Maria Lisa rose is doing well.
My July was the worst ever but the last two weeks offered some good times, with a bluegrass festival, and my sister visiting.
Hi, Suzanne,
I’m sorry that your July had some rough spots. My advice would be to go and smell that rose (my grandmother always said that to me). Hope August is better for you. Thanks for stopping by and please come back. Joe P.S. I LOVE Bluegrass music–enjoy!
YAY, HELEN!!! That’s the best news you could have ever delivered, Joe! I trust that the two of you celebrated the heck out of that bit of wonderful news. I’m thrilled for Helen, and I know you’re breathing a huge sigh of relief, too. Your outdoor church services brought to mind a very fond memory. I attended a small Catholic high school, and a group of us were at a day-long retreat at a religious facility located along a river. Mass was held outdoors, along the shoreline. It was a lovely experience, and I’ve never forgotten it. A dog who likes to shower – that Mortimer is quite the character! Travel safely and have tons of fun in the weeks ahead!
Hi!
July was a very positive month for us. We’re looking forward to getting back on the road again soon and celebrating in a big way. Mortimer has fit in with us quite well–he cleans up well too! Always great to hear from you. I loved your series on Maine; It was very well done. Please stay in touch. Joe
Joe, my first thought is that it can’t possibly be as hot where you are as it is in South Florida. Moving anything outdoors is the exact opposite of what we are doing, and you have both church services and exercise. NOPE, not gonna happen. The restaurants don’t even bother asking ‘inside or out?’
Thanks for sharing in one of the comments what adds color to the eggs. My grandmother used to make these, but she’d use the pickling water from a finished jar of pickled sausage.
Great news for Helen. Just goes to show what a positive attitude and good medicine can do! Blessings
Good morning, Suzane,
We’re having hot weather, but fortunately, our mornings are cool enough for exercise and church services. Helen and I have not enjoyed our back porch all summer where we love to eat dinner. Hope things get better down there soon! My pickled egg recipe comes from an old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that belonged to Helen’s Mom. The recipe is titled Rosy Pickled Eggs. I’m happy to share if you would like it. Helen is doing well and is back on the pickleball court where her group celebrated the ringing of the bell with her yesterday. Life is good. Always great to hear from you. Have a wonderful August. Joe
I think that looks like a perfect way to spend July! We smoke pulled pork a couple times a year – such a treat. So wonderful to hear that Helen is cancer free!!!
Hi, Marian,
Pulled pork is one of my specialties. When our kids were in high school, We would prepare it often and invite any and all of their friends to share it with us. This was a great way to meet and spend time with their friends, and they still mention those times whenever we run into them. Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a fabulous August, and please come back. Joe
Joe, What a fantastic July you’ve had, especially with Helen’s great health news. I hope Dora’s repair is done soon so you can enjoy the great outdoors and going places again. Thank you for the mention. Have an amazing August!
Hey there!
Hopefully, we will get some good news regarding Dora today and we can complete the repairs to her axles. Dora is itching to hit the road and so is Mortimer (our dog). I hope you’ll follow us on our trip up the coast of the Carolinas. If you’ve explored that area, please give us some tips. Looking forward to your next journey. Enjoy your August, and please come back. Joe
Thanks for sharing your news of what you got up to in July Joe! It’s hard to keep up with Donna 🙂
I really enjoyed all your news and am so pleased that Helen got to ring that bell. Have fun on your trip!
Hi, Debbie,
Thanks so much for stopping by! I told Donna that, after reading her latest post, I was ready for a break LOL! Helen celebrated her bell-ringing yesterday with all of her pickleball friends who surprised her with a loud ovation when she walked out to join the group. Hope your August is a good one. Please come again! Joe
Hi Joe, it sounds like you had a great July! I’m very behind in reading blogs because of our home building project. But I just wanted to say so how happy I am for you both that Helen is healthy and that you are enjoying your summer. I hope Mortimer has forgiven you by now (LOL!) and that you’re back on the road in Dora! Hugs to you three!
Hi, Laurel,
It took a week longer than expected to get Dora up and running, so we went to Charleston without her. When we returned, Dora was finally repaired and we leave today for Kure Beach, NC and start our trip up to the Outer Banks. I find that I am behind on blog reading as well, I usually get to them, but not promptly. Hopefully I’ll have more time once we park Dora and find time to stay current. Hope things are going well with the house–I look forward to the pictures of Eric carrying you across the threshold. BTW, I found a two-site campground near Saluda, NC that would be a great place to meet up sometime after y’all get settled. It’s early and I’m rambling. Have a great week, and please stay in touch. Joe