This week it is two years since I retired so it seemed like an ideal time to reflect.
Retirement
In the lead up to retirement I was somewhat worried about what it would be like and whether I could keep myself happy and occupied. I needn't have worried. I threw myself into all sorts of projects that have been hanging around for years - craft, the gardens, furniture restoration and now I am attacking painting the doors and skirting boards at Rose Orchard Haus.
There has been plenty to do - too much activity actually and not enough time to reflect, write and dream. I must look into that.
We have also not travelled as much as we hoped - medical problems, fires and coronavirus have all got in our way so it is whole year since we took our caravan for a spin! We hope to rectify that in July.
Coronavirus update
We are now seeing an increase of visitors to regional NSW - just what the government ordered. This week in our sleepy little town I have seen a number of caravans, more cars, lots of motorcycles at the pub and a group of bicycle riders resting in the park.
Out on the road there are heaps of caravans on the move. I am thinking the caravan parks in NSW will be filled like those in outback Queensland usually are in winter (until the border is reopened). I saw a news report saying the caravan parks in Dubbo are booked out for all of July.
We went to Mudgee on Friday and it was busy. We couldn't get into any of our favourite cafes at lunch time. With the reduced seating they were all full. Also we are still not keen to go to busy spots.
The photo is of the tail end of Windermere Dam which we pass on the road to Mudgee. The dam is still 27% full.
I can see how busy your properties keep you Joan Elizabeth, but I think you do a marvelous job of balancing it with lots of reading, gardening I find relaxing I don't know how you feel about it 😉 We have been really lucky over here in the west but like yourself I still don't feel too comfortable with lots of people together, I think the majority of people are still being quite sensible ✨
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I am a "garden appreciator" i.e. I love gardens but don't really understand or enjoy the work involved. As for reading, as per today's post I am back into it and glad.
DeleteP.s. gorgeous reflection btw 💙
ReplyDeleteThx.
DeleteLike you, I found plenty to do once I retired from work. I loved my job (Solicitors' office) but I worked for a boss, so now I can do things to please myself. Also, my job was in the city and we had retired to the Mountains, so it would have been a long commute and I don't miss that!
ReplyDeleteIn the latter years of my employment I was pretty much able to "call the shots" as to working on projects I enjoyed and avoiding the dreaded commute. Now it is a case of finding the same level of enjoyment with the things I do today ... too much gardening at the moment.
DeleteA beautiful photo of Lake Windermere, but how sad it is so low.
ReplyDeleteThe lake is always lovely. It is used as a feeder to the much larger lake near Wellington so the water level is not necessarily indicative of the state of the drought.
DeleteI like the photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks William.
DeleteWe've only driven out of Sydney once in the last 4 months. Let's hope that people do the right thing so we can all travel freely soon, at least domestically.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope. It is a bit alarming what is happening in Victoria right now.
DeleteGreat shot. And yes, I can keep myself busy pretty well, too.
ReplyDeleteHoliday at home, though.
When we travel with our caravan we take our home with us.
Delete