I'm amazed how quickly these past three weeks have flown by! Can it really be that Christmas is in three days? Those three weeks have been a whirlwind of music concerts (both participating in and watching), music lessons, hosting a Fort Collins Newcomers Club Wine Tasting event, getting Christmas presents, and, to add to my activities, working with a personal trainer!
I can almost breathe a little easier as our annual Christmas letter is done, just waiting on the printing company to send us the copies. We hope to get them in the mail within the next couple of days.
We are looking forward to having Sara, Zach and Sophia visit with us on Christmas day and share in our Christmas dinner! (Wish Holly, Erich, Zoe, and Ezra could be here, too!)
We have a winter wonderland outside which is just perfect for Christmas! We still had some snow left on the ground from a snowfall almost a month ago but we added about another 5 inches last night. Very pretty!
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! Happy Hanukkah to my family and friends who are Jewish and Merry Christmas to our Christian family and friends!
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
More Rides & Many "Irons in the Fire"
Since my last post, I've managed to do two more long bike rides with Mark, 20 miles and 29 miles respectively! I must be in pretty good shape (not literally, though) to be able to do those lengthy rides. Both of us were running out of steam by mile 22 on yesterday's ride but we pushed on as we had to get home. I think the bowl of cereal we had that morning had burned up several miles back. We decided to bring an energy bar with us the next time and eat it at the turnaround point. I also need to drink more water.
Tomorrow we'll do another ride but I think we'll scale back the miles this time--give my body more time to get used to the distance. We'll see how I feel during the ride--a game day decision. :)
I've been busy trying to set up another blog for my photography business and have been working with Mark on the Web site. It may take another couple of weeks before I get it up and running; just depends on how much time we can spend on it.
I have a lot of "irons in the fire" right now and am trying to prioritize what needs to get done first. As Secretary of the local New Horizons Band, I'm working on several documents, articles, etc. for the board prior to the fall start-up in September. I was also just notified that I was selected to be the New Horizons International Music Association's Newsletter Editor (our parent organization) and will need to produce a newsletter in September. That's going to take some time since I'll need to figure out the mechanics of getting the information to input into the issue. Should be interesting!
I'm also writing a couple of articles for our local community magazine. And, Mark and I just recently agreed to be co-chairs (along with another couple) for the Wine Tasting group which is part of the Fort Collins Newcomers Club. The position is for one year and requires that we organize monthly events for the club.
I'm still practicing drums daily (a minimum of an hour but more like 2 hours) and take weekly drum lessons. I stopped my guitar lessons over the summer but really hope to start them up again in by October at the latest. I also have a goal to start a band comprised of baby boomers that love to play classic rock (the songs of the 60s & 70s along with other great songs of the later decades) but I may have to wait a few more months before I tackle that.
And, on top of all of this, I hope to frequently spend time with Sophia, my 6 1/2 week old granddaughter! She is so precious and is already charming us with her cute little smile!
A new business venture, music, writing, bicycling, and family. It's a busy time for this"retired" gal...and I love it!
Tomorrow we'll do another ride but I think we'll scale back the miles this time--give my body more time to get used to the distance. We'll see how I feel during the ride--a game day decision. :)
I've been busy trying to set up another blog for my photography business and have been working with Mark on the Web site. It may take another couple of weeks before I get it up and running; just depends on how much time we can spend on it.
I have a lot of "irons in the fire" right now and am trying to prioritize what needs to get done first. As Secretary of the local New Horizons Band, I'm working on several documents, articles, etc. for the board prior to the fall start-up in September. I was also just notified that I was selected to be the New Horizons International Music Association's Newsletter Editor (our parent organization) and will need to produce a newsletter in September. That's going to take some time since I'll need to figure out the mechanics of getting the information to input into the issue. Should be interesting!
I'm also writing a couple of articles for our local community magazine. And, Mark and I just recently agreed to be co-chairs (along with another couple) for the Wine Tasting group which is part of the Fort Collins Newcomers Club. The position is for one year and requires that we organize monthly events for the club.
I'm still practicing drums daily (a minimum of an hour but more like 2 hours) and take weekly drum lessons. I stopped my guitar lessons over the summer but really hope to start them up again in by October at the latest. I also have a goal to start a band comprised of baby boomers that love to play classic rock (the songs of the 60s & 70s along with other great songs of the later decades) but I may have to wait a few more months before I tackle that.
And, on top of all of this, I hope to frequently spend time with Sophia, my 6 1/2 week old granddaughter! She is so precious and is already charming us with her cute little smile!
A new business venture, music, writing, bicycling, and family. It's a busy time for this"retired" gal...and I love it!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
So Much Activity, Not Enough Time
When I was younger and worked a full time job and our girls were still in school, playing music and sports, I seemed to be a master at organizing our daily/weekly schedules. I thought once I'd retired things would slow down a bit but my days are just as busy as the early days of my family life. And, that's not a bad thing! There is no way I'm ever going to be bored!
I have so many different things I want to do, the trick is trying to figure out how to fit everything into my schedule. I need to resurrect my organizational skills again so that I can do more (activities) with less (hours in the day).
My drum lessons and drum practice are a priority and so is fitting in exercise at least 30 minutes a day (although I know that is no where near enough for weight loss) but it is better than nothing.
The weekly big clean of the house and weeding the garden is the next priority. I also go down to see Sara and Sophia a couple of times a week which is something I definitely look forward to! I want to devote time to writing and photography several times a week (ideally daily) and I would really like to finish just one of the hundreds of books I've started over the past few years! Leisurely reading has definitely taken a back seat to the other activities.
I try to pick up my guitar at least a couple of times a week to reinforce the picking and strum patterns I've recently learned. And, I need to plan a couple of camping trips and hikes into the Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Then there is a lot of work to do for the New Horizons Concert Band which kicks off a new season in September. I will need to put some time in with the Fort Collins Symphony Guild (not sure when that is going to happen) and I want to learn to swim "laps".
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with having so many interests! I'm just trying to figure out how to fit everything in.
I have so many different things I want to do, the trick is trying to figure out how to fit everything into my schedule. I need to resurrect my organizational skills again so that I can do more (activities) with less (hours in the day).
My drum lessons and drum practice are a priority and so is fitting in exercise at least 30 minutes a day (although I know that is no where near enough for weight loss) but it is better than nothing.
The weekly big clean of the house and weeding the garden is the next priority. I also go down to see Sara and Sophia a couple of times a week which is something I definitely look forward to! I want to devote time to writing and photography several times a week (ideally daily) and I would really like to finish just one of the hundreds of books I've started over the past few years! Leisurely reading has definitely taken a back seat to the other activities.
I try to pick up my guitar at least a couple of times a week to reinforce the picking and strum patterns I've recently learned. And, I need to plan a couple of camping trips and hikes into the Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Then there is a lot of work to do for the New Horizons Concert Band which kicks off a new season in September. I will need to put some time in with the Fort Collins Symphony Guild (not sure when that is going to happen) and I want to learn to swim "laps".
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with having so many interests! I'm just trying to figure out how to fit everything in.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Back to Life as I Know It
May was an amazing month full of joys, concerns, anxiety, anticipation, and love! So many things happened so quickly that I didn't have time to sit down and think about them much less write about them. So, let me now recollect the adventures that took place...
Holly, Zoe, and Ezra flew in from California on May 10th and our house filled with laughter, screeches, and sometimes tears for the next 3 weeks! I'm always amazed how the house blossoms into the brightest most colorful bouquet of emotions and activity when they are here; I LOVE it!
My first concert band performance was on May 11th and several of our friends as well as Holly and the kids were able to attend! I didn't have a flawless performance on percussion but no one noticed the "mistakes" but me. I'm glad to have my first concert behind me now. Too many jittery nerves on the first one!
Sara's due date came and went on May 10th, too! By late in the night on the 11th, she went into labor for 12 hours and then it stopped for the next 12 hours or so. This pattern went on for 4 days! On Monday, May 16th at 2 p.m., she was given Pitocin to speed up the contractions and by 9:03 p.m., our beautiful granddaughter, Sophia Lena Goldberg was born! Holly was thrilled to have been able to be a part of the delivery with Sara and Zach!
There should have been a camera filming Ellen, Howard and I (the anxious and excited grandparents we were) who waited just outside the room door while the miracle of birth took place! We looked like the Three Stooges with our ears against the door! Sophia is their first grandchild so you can imagine their excitement level was over the top! I was also anxious to know if both Mom and baby were doing well!
After a day, it became clear that Sophia needed a few more days in the hospital due to a condition called "tracheal malasia". Her oxygen level dropped when she would cry; that appears to have resolved itself and she's gone from her birth weight of 6 lbs. 10 oz. to 8 lbs. 5 oz. in two weeks! Sophia along with her mommy and daddy came home on Saturday, May 21st!
She had her first "outing" to Grandma's and Grandpa's this past Saturday and we invited Howard and Ellen to participate! We had a little BBQ and ate inside as the weather was rather cold and cloudy.
Speaking of weather, I couldn't believe how almost every day for three weeks we had cold, cloudy/rainy weather! I was so upset for Holly and the kids because it limited their outdoor activities! But, if you check out the pictures on the right, you'll see we fit in just a little fishing, park/playground visits, sculpture park and the Denver Children's Museum!
So, now the house is empty and I'm playing catch-up on my drum practice. I also will start walking outside a lot more frequently as long as the good weather holds up! We need to plan a Rocky Mountain National Park hike, dinner events, camping, and practice shooting more photos to prep for an August engagement shoot and wedding in January back East. I also have more work to do as a board member for our band to get us ready for a new season in the fall. I hope to get a few more people to join so need to push the publicity even harder this year.
I have more than enough to do but despite this activity, I can't help but miss Holly and the kids! (I miss Erich too...don't get to see much of him at all.) They are such an important part of our life that it's sad we see them so seldom.
Tomorrow is another day...we'll be heading to Sara and Zach's in the morning. We'll take Sara and Sophia to Buckley AFB in Aurora to get my prescriptions refilled and to do a little commissary/BX shopping. Then, back to Sara's to do a baby photo shoot!
Holly, Zoe, and Ezra flew in from California on May 10th and our house filled with laughter, screeches, and sometimes tears for the next 3 weeks! I'm always amazed how the house blossoms into the brightest most colorful bouquet of emotions and activity when they are here; I LOVE it!
My first concert band performance was on May 11th and several of our friends as well as Holly and the kids were able to attend! I didn't have a flawless performance on percussion but no one noticed the "mistakes" but me. I'm glad to have my first concert behind me now. Too many jittery nerves on the first one!
Sara's due date came and went on May 10th, too! By late in the night on the 11th, she went into labor for 12 hours and then it stopped for the next 12 hours or so. This pattern went on for 4 days! On Monday, May 16th at 2 p.m., she was given Pitocin to speed up the contractions and by 9:03 p.m., our beautiful granddaughter, Sophia Lena Goldberg was born! Holly was thrilled to have been able to be a part of the delivery with Sara and Zach!
There should have been a camera filming Ellen, Howard and I (the anxious and excited grandparents we were) who waited just outside the room door while the miracle of birth took place! We looked like the Three Stooges with our ears against the door! Sophia is their first grandchild so you can imagine their excitement level was over the top! I was also anxious to know if both Mom and baby were doing well!
After a day, it became clear that Sophia needed a few more days in the hospital due to a condition called "tracheal malasia". Her oxygen level dropped when she would cry; that appears to have resolved itself and she's gone from her birth weight of 6 lbs. 10 oz. to 8 lbs. 5 oz. in two weeks! Sophia along with her mommy and daddy came home on Saturday, May 21st!
She had her first "outing" to Grandma's and Grandpa's this past Saturday and we invited Howard and Ellen to participate! We had a little BBQ and ate inside as the weather was rather cold and cloudy.
Speaking of weather, I couldn't believe how almost every day for three weeks we had cold, cloudy/rainy weather! I was so upset for Holly and the kids because it limited their outdoor activities! But, if you check out the pictures on the right, you'll see we fit in just a little fishing, park/playground visits, sculpture park and the Denver Children's Museum!
So, now the house is empty and I'm playing catch-up on my drum practice. I also will start walking outside a lot more frequently as long as the good weather holds up! We need to plan a Rocky Mountain National Park hike, dinner events, camping, and practice shooting more photos to prep for an August engagement shoot and wedding in January back East. I also have more work to do as a board member for our band to get us ready for a new season in the fall. I hope to get a few more people to join so need to push the publicity even harder this year.
I have more than enough to do but despite this activity, I can't help but miss Holly and the kids! (I miss Erich too...don't get to see much of him at all.) They are such an important part of our life that it's sad we see them so seldom.
Tomorrow is another day...we'll be heading to Sara and Zach's in the morning. We'll take Sara and Sophia to Buckley AFB in Aurora to get my prescriptions refilled and to do a little commissary/BX shopping. Then, back to Sara's to do a baby photo shoot!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Lovin' the Activities
I'm still amazed at all the opportunities Fort Collins has for someone to get involved with. Every day the newspaper (even though it is quite small) is filled with a host of different activities and events that anyone can participate in. And at least once a week I've seen a page on all the volunteer opportunities.
I know that had we retired in Virginia where we lived for 20 years, we would not have found the numerous opportunities we've found here to meet new people. The community was simply too large and was not conducive to more intimate gatherings where friendships can be forged.
The most surprising thing I've found is the wide range of opportunities here...from all genres of music, to art, photography, hiking, skiing, camping, biking, the list goes on and on. The Fort Collins Newcomers Club (FCNC) helps open the door to a number of these activities. (I'm not aware of any other community that I've lived in that had an active newcomers club.)
Between the newspaper ads and the Fort Collins Newcomers Club, Mark and I (in some cases, just me) are participating (or will be participating shortly) in these activities: a monthly FCNC winetasting event, newcomers coffee, a Dinners for 8 group, Pinochle group, and a book club. On top of that, I am in two concert bands, Mark is in 3 concert bands, and each of us take music lessons--Mark - trumpet and me - guitar and drums.
Along with these activities, we both love photography and try to develop our skills as much as possible. And, on top of everything, I try to fit in some writing and sewing, too.
I love trying new things. I'm sure some things I'll really like and in other instances, I may decide to move on and try something else. I'm very happy that Fort Collins provides these kinds of opportunities for the area residents. This community cares about its citizens...other U.S. communities should take note!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
It's 2011!!! Is it just me or does it seem like it wasn't too long ago we were all worrying about Y2K? Yes, time does seem to fly by but that may not be a bad thing after all. I recently came across this quote, "The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot".
As we all age and the years ahead of us are less than those we've already lived, this really is good news! I'm in control and I decide what the quality of my life will be from this point going forward!
When we were raising our children and working full time the days seemed endless. I never gave much thought to the fact that some day our daughters would graduate from college and move away. And, retirement wasn't even a part of my vocabulary back then!
Year after year went by and then one day...bam! Both daughters graduated, worked, fell in love, married, started families and then retirement arrives. All the planning in the world doesn't really prepare you for this change in your life until it happens.
No matter what age you are when you retire, the quality of the rest of your life lies in your hands. Imagine that! No boss, spouse, significant other, best friend, no one controls what you do with the rest of your life. You chart your own course from this point forward! A little scary...perhaps but oh so exciting!
So where to start? Make a list of things that make you happy. Include the fun things you like to do. Then add those things you've never done before but always wanted to try. If you like taking pictures, check your local colleges or recreation centers for classes. Tap dancing or a little ballroom dancing? How about a book club, bridge club or wine tasting events?
Many communities offer classes in a variety of areas. Do an internet search on your local county offerings or check the local meet-up groups...www.meetup.com. You can even start your own if one isn't available.
Perhaps volunteering is right up your alley. Again, an internet search is a good place to start your search for the right volunteering opportunity. Check your local newspaper and library, too. They often post community news and events. You might find something that interests you there, too.
The possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Stay active. Be involved. This is the secret to a quality life in retirement. You say nothing interests you? Then be bold and try something completely different; you just might be surprised!
Happy New Year!!! 2011 will be my best year yet! I hope it is yours, too!
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