You could fire off a long list of things you get unused to when you retire.
Obviously getting up very early would be on that list, though if retirement means chickens, then getting up very early simply gets replaced with getting up very very early. Today's sunrise was almost worth it though.
In fact, yes, it was worth it.
Everything about color and tone in that moment of dawn's early light is nearly perfect.
[We pause for an interruption of regular blogging: Martha the groundhog has just crossed the sheep shed path on her way to sample the flower garden.]
A rushed breakfast would be on the list (of things you get unused to), except on days you have packed too much into one morning. It may be beautiful, but leisurely? No, not today. Not for me anyway.
If you're retired, it seems that you also get unused to being on time. You'd think it would be the opposite, no? You have time! That is your retirement gift, worth the income drop, worth the status loss -- you have time! So why the constant lateness? Maybe it's that not keeping to a schedule makes you pokey. You smell too many roses along the way.
Just one more then, okay? Being retired should make you calm. Unruffled, unphased by the discourteous nature of grumpy people you pass on the path of life. Quite the opposite! As I am pulling up to a gas pump on Rosie, the car before moves so slowly that I have to wiggle Rosie's front half a little, just to maintain balance. That, for some reason, did not sit well with a driver coming from the pump. He yelled through the open window -- learn how to drive!
Normally one ought to ignore the rudeness of others. Not me. I did what I have never done to any stranger in my life -- stuck out a very impolite finger at him. I mean, asking for a fist fight or worse, isn't it? It's as if I had to make the statement -- dont you go around belittling grannies who cross your path, you jerk!
So in the second half of the first year of my retirement, I have a new list -- of things to do better: be on time! keep your hands to your side when drivers express rage! Et cetera.
In other news -- it was a pretty day today. A little still, predicting the storms that surely would come, but pretty nonetheless. I spent some time at the market with my girls...
...and then we put in a great many hours discussing the details of the wedding of my youngest. Believe me, when you are hosting some 150 out of towners for festivities (or at least a portion of the festivities) at the farmette, there is a lot to discuss.
This girl is getting married. True.
But hey, it is a whole two weeks from now. In the meantime, there's pizza to be eaten, stories to be told...
...a Saturday to savor.
Obviously getting up very early would be on that list, though if retirement means chickens, then getting up very early simply gets replaced with getting up very very early. Today's sunrise was almost worth it though.
In fact, yes, it was worth it.
Everything about color and tone in that moment of dawn's early light is nearly perfect.
[We pause for an interruption of regular blogging: Martha the groundhog has just crossed the sheep shed path on her way to sample the flower garden.]
A rushed breakfast would be on the list (of things you get unused to), except on days you have packed too much into one morning. It may be beautiful, but leisurely? No, not today. Not for me anyway.
If you're retired, it seems that you also get unused to being on time. You'd think it would be the opposite, no? You have time! That is your retirement gift, worth the income drop, worth the status loss -- you have time! So why the constant lateness? Maybe it's that not keeping to a schedule makes you pokey. You smell too many roses along the way.
Just one more then, okay? Being retired should make you calm. Unruffled, unphased by the discourteous nature of grumpy people you pass on the path of life. Quite the opposite! As I am pulling up to a gas pump on Rosie, the car before moves so slowly that I have to wiggle Rosie's front half a little, just to maintain balance. That, for some reason, did not sit well with a driver coming from the pump. He yelled through the open window -- learn how to drive!
Normally one ought to ignore the rudeness of others. Not me. I did what I have never done to any stranger in my life -- stuck out a very impolite finger at him. I mean, asking for a fist fight or worse, isn't it? It's as if I had to make the statement -- dont you go around belittling grannies who cross your path, you jerk!
So in the second half of the first year of my retirement, I have a new list -- of things to do better: be on time! keep your hands to your side when drivers express rage! Et cetera.
In other news -- it was a pretty day today. A little still, predicting the storms that surely would come, but pretty nonetheless. I spent some time at the market with my girls...
...and then we put in a great many hours discussing the details of the wedding of my youngest. Believe me, when you are hosting some 150 out of towners for festivities (or at least a portion of the festivities) at the farmette, there is a lot to discuss.
This girl is getting married. True.
But hey, it is a whole two weeks from now. In the meantime, there's pizza to be eaten, stories to be told...
...a Saturday to savor.
I have a mental "transport" button to use when I encounter boorish people. Usually I just send them back home to start over. One guy's car I sat in the middle of the field, so he could figure out how to get out of there... a real jerk would find himself in Indiana. See? It's a whimsical distancing mechanism.
ReplyDeleteSome time if you show that finger, someone might tilt your nose the other way! I feel that anyone who would BE that rude might be worse.
We had a wonderful family day yesterday with our three guys, wives, brothers extended family, and Mom.
So happy you had a family day too.
Your little one is absolutely a ballerina beauty. She has the gift of allowing herself to wear an expression of gravity for photos. Most of us grin like chimps, me included. ;)
I wonder whether there's not some choice Polish phrase or gesture that means a similar thing as our "finger" pointing? I find it much more enjoyable to swear at people in German or Spanish (under my breath, most of the time). The fact that my kids don't know what I'm saying makes my mood change rather quickly.
ReplyDeleteOther than your gas station incident, it looks and sounds like a lovely day.
If you had been here in Massachusetts and had given that expletive finger, you might not be here to write this entry! I like the idea of inventing a phrase or gesture all your own to use in the future... you could get killed for less in other areas of the country/world! Seriously... and never make eye contact with other drivers either... rule #1.
ReplyDeleteThe sunrise shots are gorgio-licious.
Your YD is, indeed, ballerina beautiful - I have always thought that and even pointed it out to Paul the other day... she is stunning.
Hosing 150 guests should prove interesting, but I have no doubt you will prevail... the chickens will behave, the (two) children will be angels, and the food will be spectacular... not to mention that your YD will have the time of her life! Such a big day... a wedding... hope the heat stays away and is just cool enough to be comfortable for you all. xxxx