Sunday, Fun Day

Sunday was still a beautiful day. We took Rusty out for a great walk and mostly just enjoyed the day.

Saturday

Saturday was a wonderful day with beautiful weather for a change. Mom and I went to Whitby to the Michaels and had lunch at the Subway Sandwich Shop. I got more wool for my poncho, but it is not the right colour.

Thursday

We had lunch at the seniors' club today; roast beef sandwiches with cheese on a beautiful marble bread, potato leek soup and coleslaw. For dessert; lemon cake and coffee. It was all delicious.

This is the day that is my busiest and by the end of it I am really tired. It will go on until 8pm tonight.

Wednesday

Cards at the seniors club, what could be more uninteresting. It does pass the time and it nice to have some conversation.

The last of the students have been notified of my retirement now and starting next week we will be working in earnest on our concert goals. It is important that everyone is up to par when I leave and the new teacher will not have problems.

Monday Family Day

It was the new holiday called Family day and all of the students came in early. Basically just an ordinary Monday.

A Sunday in February

We cooked the smoked shoulder today and Lesley came with the boys for dinner. I got enough from it for two more meals plus made a pot of ham and bean soup. Very economical.

Today it rained cats and dogs and is still raining now. It will take care of some of the snow, hopefully.

I spoke to another teacher and have passed her information on to the students. It concerns me to pass them off to a teacher who is concientious and cares. It seems that I will not be changing my mind this time about quitting. I know I will miss them, but I am really tired now and feel that its my time. I guess I will just have to get out of the mode of working.

I met the new minister today and found him very likeable. He gave a really good, down to earth sermon and played his guitar and sang to the children. This was a lovely touch. He will be away already next week though. I am looking forward to his sermons now. His wife is named Laura and he is Hugh.

Saturday's Freeze

Saturday again. Such a special day as usual. Just hanging out, doing some baking. Later will probably go and have a swim at mom's place.

Yesterday I helped my friend with her computer and picked up a microwave stand at Canadian Tire for her. She needs a bit of help since having her knee replacement.

Friday At Last

Yes, its Friday. I thought I would be having a day off but so far I have not sat down and there is still a ton of things to do.

It seems that I have never learned to pace myself with the work and expect it to be all done at once. That is something I had better start working on.

The bathroom decoration is finished now and its looking great.

Valentine's Day

Yesterday the roads were a nightmare. I had to go down to Dawes Rd. to pick up my mother's prescriptions and even just getting off my street was so difficult. I got stuck three times before I could take a good run at it and get out.

Today is Valentine's day and it actually isn't snowing at the moment. It might be possible to actually leave here for the outside world and mingle a bit. Who knows, maybe even go for lunch.

We are excited to book a trip to Florida for March 24th. It is just to stay in a motel, but it will be lovely to get out of the cold for a few days and have a bit of a break.

I keep thinking about whimping out on retirement. It will be a big miss for me, but hopefully there will be something else to do that will satisfy the urge for worthwhile activity.

Still Snow

Yesterday it snowed all day and the roads are quite bad this morning. I had a lovely encounter at the grocery store. A lady at the checkout was buying the same brand of dog food as we give to Rusty and I commented to her about how good I thought the food is. We got to talking and she has a golden retriever like Rusty and she takes her dog to seniors' homes to visit. I am very interested in this because Rusty is so gentle and loving that I think he would be very good for this type of thing. Also, it would mean that I could spend time with him and enrich his life a bit. This morning I found the therapeutic dog website and have emailed a person for information. Also, I took Rusty to the basement and put him through a few things such as walking on his leash and staying put and he did fine. I know he gets excited when we go to the park or other places, but I am hoping that with a bit of training he will be better.

Also, the lady plays the organ and is looking for a duet partner. I gave her my card and I do hope that I can find a friend.

In the deep freeze

We are still in a very deep freeze and thinking about Florida, or somewhere warm. Yesterday we sold our big fish tank and all the fish. We already have responsibilities with out dog and cat and the fish are just too much, especially if you are thinking of going on holidays.

Good Luck News

Great news today. Russ Hamel is still teaching and has offered to take any students who want to transfer when I retire. This makes me very happy as he is experienced, professional and shares a similar philosphy on teaching as myself.

I know there will be some that won't transfer there; some because of the distance; possibly not able to get the times they want, etc. but I am happy to have him able to do this.

I just finished doing a letter for each student regarding my retirement as now that I have a referral I feel more able to give them the news. In some cases I will probably call and tell them first before handing them the letter.

Thoughts on retirement

I have been waffling about retirement for quite a few years. I am getting very tired and would like some time to myself. After 48 years in the work force I am feeling ready. Problems are occurring with this idea though. Since I have always worked, and working has always been what has given me the feeling of self worth, how am I going to be able to settle into retirement and claim my own space.

Time to start to enjoy other hobbies and interests. June is the deadline. After June 14th, 2008, I will no longer be a working person.

Snow Day

Saturday February 9, 2008. I just created this blog and have not completely decided how to use it as yet. It is snowing and it never seems to stop. Today I really wanted to visit some friends, or even my mother but I don't think it is possible to get the car out of the driveway.