Our week in the Caribbean was fabulous, with the exception of a few minor hiccups. I’m a planner and a perfectionist. But recently, when it comes to trip planning, I’m a little less obsessive than I used to be. And, I know the reason. It is because our sons are grown and have flown the…
Attitudes
Why are Naturalists so Argumentative on Social Media?
When supposed nature lovers take every opportunity to cut someone down, it turns me off. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a trend on social media. The trend is nastiness. And I’ve noticed it in the most unlikely of places: nature groups! I’m an environmental educator, formally trained with a master’s degree in natural…
Housing Decisions As We Age Leads to Adjustments
Moving away from friends causes some reconsideration for an introvert. Almost five months ago, on June 24th, we moved. It was an exciting time. We sold our primary residence, without showing it through a relator, and got the price we asked! Between April and June, we cleaned out, packed, finished odd jobs, gave things away,…
When Will These Towels Stop Shedding and Other Miscellaneous Drivel
Part of our planned projects in moving to our cabin this summer on a semi-permanent basis was to finish the installation of a second full bathroom, another bedroom, and a second TV area – all in the lower level of the timber-frame dwelling we built in 2005. All of the work to finish the interior…
Slice of Life Tuesday: Election Day is Here, Get out and Vote!
Did you vote yet? My husband and I voted before noon today. We had to register at a new polling place because of our move earlier this summer. Fortunately, we researched what we’d need to do that and took the appropriate documents. This included our Wisconsin driver’s licenses for our photo id and a bill…
Making Rock Cairns Is Not a Great Idea
When we went to Acadia National Park in September, we were enamored of the rocky coastline and beautiful sweeping views from mountain peaks, over forested areas, to the harbor and ocean beyond where we stood. The coast in Acadia has jagged granite boulders and cobblestoned beaches. Both types of rock show wear from the eons…
Everyone Ages: Don’t Get Old Before Your Time
I’ve been watching as my parents’ age. Next month they’ll be 85 and 86 years old, both having August birthdays. They’ve maintained, and even fought for, as much independence as they can tolerate. This includes still living in their own home, a large rambling ranch with a finished basement, grocery shopping in person two to…
Ditch the Old Routines for New Ones
“When in Rome do as the Romans do.” Isn’t that the saying? The Northwoods of Wisconsin is probably as far from Rome as you can get, but as we find ourselves in a new place, I think it also calls for a resetting of routines. My husband thought that I could kayak with him as…
Moving Emotions
Last night, I had a fit of emotion as my husband started taking framed artwork, photographs, and canvas prints off the walls. Somehow that very action struck me with finality…we are moving. I’ve always taken pride in our homes. From the 1912 Federal period home, we owned in Amherst, New York as our first house…
Stop Assuming, Please!
There’s a lot of assuming going on. You might assume I am a Republican. Actually, I was a registered Independent voter when we lived in New York State twenty-five years ago. When we moved to Wisconsin, I might have registered as a Republican. Honestly, I don’t know. And, it doesn’t matter because I don’t vote…