Saturday, July 27, 2013

What Shall I Do? Panic Has Set In...

What Shall I Do?  Panic Has Set In...
July 27, 2013
 
Here's how I'm feeling nowadays...retirement in 3 months!
 
      Haven't been able to write here since the tragedy with the butterflies, June 18, but now I'm out of time.  I retire October 31.  The days are flying by and the retirement process is far more complicated than I had imagined.
 
     Lots of decisions on annuities, Medicare choices, and future plans have frozen into non-action.  Next week I sign all the final paperwork for leaving my professional employer forever. 
Reading and studying such books do nothing to ease the panic.
Image Credit:  www.amazon.com

 
     I really believed that research, interviews with retired friends, and positive plan-making would make the transition on November 1 a simple step into my future life.  Not true.
 
      So here I sit, looking at the documents and forms and other paperwork that must be completed before next week.  At the same time, I must commit to applying for Medicare part B with something else called part D...Way too much information.
 
The first thing I must do is get a new life-long companion...a loving dog to keep me company.
Photo Credit:  www.smh.co.au
 
 
     So, come November 1, I will spend the day contemplating the next third of my life and visiting local animal shelters for my new best friend.  I believed that I should jump on the nearest cruise ship to get far away from my home and my former job.  But I think now I must put down some more domestic roots to help me find my way through the emotional ups and downs of this process called retirement. 
 
 
The finish line is in view, and I'll cross it, whether I'm ready or not.
 
     In any case, in any scenario, retirement will happen, no matter how much I panic and worry during the next three months.  I am grateful that I will be returning to teaching when school begins on August 12, because that focus will relieve some of the panic every day until the final day arrives.
 
      My suggestion for anyone approaching retirement is to accept the fact that your life is about to change, for better or worse, and the future will be what you decide to make of it from now on.
Happy Trails To Everyone About To Retire!
Photo Credit:  www.blog.ebby.com
 

 
 
     
 

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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Watching Nature Is Not Always A Joy

Watching Nature Is Not Always A Joy
June 18, 2013
 
Butterfly that emerged from its chrysalis before my eyes today.
Photo Credit:  www.idleatlast.com
 
     The fuzzy photo above is that of a butterfly that emerged from its chrysalis while I was watching.  It happened very quickly.  However, the Monarch butterfly didn't seem to be able to do what it should do:  climb up the net enclosure to dry its wings.   As it was emerging, the chrysalis and butterfly both dropped to the bottom of the mesh enclosure...thus interrupting the natural process. 
 
This shows what should have happened today, but it didn't.
Photo Credit:  www.monarch-butterfly.com
 
 
     I'm keeping a friend's large mesh butterfly enclosure for her, which still has at least 8-10 more future butterfly births to go.  I don't think I can stand this.  Out of the three that have emerged so far, only one has made it to the successful  flying stage, which was glorious. 

 
     So, I took this newest butterfly to a nearby plant in my butterfly garden, but it still wasn't able to hold on to any plant stalk to finish its "birth" process.  Sadly, I have tried various ideas for helping it, but it just isn't going to be able to fly.  Nature, I don't like this part of your wonders.
 
     I'm actually thinking of pulling down each chrysalis and tossing it into the shrubbery.  Let "Nature take its course" where I don't have to see it.
 
     That's very ironic, because I have written several posts about enjoying the wonders of watching live eagle cameras as the eggs hatch, the eaglets grow up, and the young eagles fly away forever.
 
     With butterflies not in captivity, you don't actually see the ones that can't fly away, do you?  You only notice the fabulously colored ones as they flit and land among flowers. 
 

This is what is supposed to happen after the butterfly's wings have dried completely. 
 
     Please appreciate all of the butterflies you see this summer.  Only ten more butterflies will I have to watch as they struggle for life this month.  Sigh....
 

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Saturday, June 15, 2013

Cell Phone Not For Me

 Cell Phone Not For Me
June 15, 2013
 

I will flag down a serial killer and use his/her cell phone if I have car trouble now.
Yes, Voldemort will surely help me make that call.
Photo Credit:  www.filmonic.com
 
 
      I returned the new Samsung cell phone to Target, and cancelled my carrier, Virgin Mobile, thus losing the $20 for minutes I had put on the phone.
 
      It would have been a good thing to have a cell phone in the car, in case of car trouble, but it turned out to be something that was not helpful or good.
 
     After giving my new number to the doctor at the hospital (my mother is back in the hospital), I felt at ease that I could receive any calls on her condition wherever I went.  That didn't happen, as the phone never rang, even when the hospital did call.
 
      So, leaving out all of the other problems with Virgin Mobile, let me just say that I am not going to get another cell phone.  If I have car trouble, I will flag down a passing serial killer and use his/her cell phone to call for help.
 

I'm not a cell phone fan.
Photo Credit:  www.safetysign.com
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
     
 
      
 

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Happy Father's Day Next Week June 9, 2013

 Happy Father's Day Next Week
and Pursuing Lifelong Dreams
June 9, 2013
 
 
Happy Father's Day To All The Fathers In The World!
 

     It's a little early, but Happy Father's Day to everyone who is a father, or who is about to become a father, or to those who love and miss a father.  So here's a video to make you smile and cry...
 
 
This is what the singer-songwriter said about writing this tribute to his father:
"A one day wonder that I would never have dreamed could have been a hit. My manager, Irving Azoff, heard the track and had it released. Great instincts. One of my most emotional memories was playing it for my father for the first time. He truly gave me more than I could ever repay." (Dan Fogelberg) - from the liner notes in Portrait.

What about "The Leader of the Band," was that something you had been wanting to write for a while?

"That was totally spontaneous, it was a one-day wonder, I just happened to sit down with the guitar and bingo, that thing was done. I mean I never consciously wanted to write a song to my father. If I had consciously thought about it, I never would have done it. Because I thought it was too obscure and certainly non-commercial. That for me was a real great moment, because whether or not that song was ever a hit, it meant a great deal to my father. He got to hear it, and it said things that neither one of us could say to each other. We weren't real communicative males, you know, we're midwestern (laughs). So that song was so timely because he only lasted about another year after that. That'll always be a real special song to me." (Dan Fogelberg) - Interview by Lydia Hutchinson
Dan Fogelberg: Acoustics Guitars and Vocals.
Vince Melamed: Synthesizer Horns.
*Special thanks to Bobby for sharing Liner Notes from his Portrait Booklet!


 
 
On another topic... 
 
     The following article appeared on my Road Runner home page, from www.bankrate.com this morning:  "Pursuing Lifelong Dreams In Retirement."  It's worth a read, but it really encourages giving one's time to helping others after one retires from a lifelong career.  The article was written by Sheyna Steiner and Sharon Anne Waldrop.
 
 
 Photo Credit:  www.bankrate.com or www.rr.com
 
       After reading the article, it appears that one should devote the retirement years to giving back to others.  I tend to disagree with that premise; I have been "giving back" to students, parents, and employers, not to mention churches, homeless shelters, Salvation Army, and many, many other organizations for my entire career.
 
     So, I hate to admit it, but I'm ready for someone to give back to me.   The next time a Boy Scout or church youth group or social organization wants to mow and edge the lawn of this helpless old senior citizen, I'm going to say, "Yes!" and "Yippee!" and "Thanks very much!"
 
 
 
 
      
 
     
 
 
 
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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I Broke Down and Bought a Cell Phone! June 4, 2013

I Broke Down and Bought a Cell Phone!
June 4, 2013
 
Here is my adorable flip phone from Samsung.
Photo Credit:  www.samsung.com
 
     The last time I owned a cell phone was way back in 2005.  Happily for my bank account, I lost it somewhere when eating out one evening.  I swore I'd never waste my money like that again.  Yes, I even texted with it. 
 
     Times have drastically changed since then, and now I find myself leery of driving all over Orlando without a way to get help, should I be plagued with car trouble.  Senior moments have alerted me to the benefit of having a way to reach out for help when I'm alone on the road.
 
     Tonight I purchased the cutest, cheapest, tiniest little cell phone, along with a "top up" card to add minutes.  I'm not interested in anything with a monthly plan, a phone that will surf the internet while I'm driving, or a way to take photos of my food when I'm in a restaurant.  I just want something that will get the police, ambulance, or road-side assistance to me as quickly as possible.
 
Photo Credit:
 
     On an entirely different topic, I have been considering renting out my home this summer, and putting my belongings in storage while I go stay with a friend in another state until school begins in mid-August.  I'll rent a small apartment when I return...after that I will make some decisions regarding how and where I want to settle down again. 
 
Here I go!  Just me and my cell phone and my memories!
 
     When I make the 10-hour drive to her home, I'll have my adorable little emergency phone with me to give me the peace of mind while I'm on the road for so long.
 
     Why would I do this?  Because I am determined to write a short book before I forget how to type...don't laugh.  Really.  Don't laugh.
I'm going to attack this life-long dream in the lovely surroundings of my friend's home, sit with her on her front porch swing, and laugh about the ridiculously outrageous times we used to share long ago.
 
     That's my newest plan and I owe it all to my brand new cell phone.  Believe it or not. 
 
     Tomorrow is the last day for students in our school system in Orlando, and I wish everyone a very happy and safe summer vacation!  School's out for me for the very last time.
 

Happy Summer Everyone!
Photo Credit:  www.en.paperblog.com

 
 
 
      
 

 

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Sunday, May 26, 2013

My Mother Celebrated Her 100th Birthday Today May 26, 2013

My Mother Celebrated Her 100th Birthday Today
May 26, 2013
 
Happy 100th Birthday to my mother today!
Photo Credit:  www.partytimesrus.com
 
     Last Saturday, May 19, I wrote that my mother was passing away.  With the expertise, medical care, and prayers of others, my mother is alive today, breathing on her own, and resting comfortably.  We sang "Happy Birthday" with the nurses, aides, and attendants on her hospital unit twice! 
 
     Thank you to everyone at Florida Hospital South, especially the Emergency Room staff, the Intensive Care staff, and the continued care unit.
 
     Her grandson was able to visit and even took a few photos.  She was awake and alert as all of the happiness surrounded her.
 
     We don't expect any more miracles, nor have we asked for any more.  She will determine how long she is with us from now on.
 
     Thank you for your kind remarks, prayers, and comments, especially those from my G+ friends.  Our only wish was for her to recover from her pneumonia and live to her 100th birthday...and she did.
 
     She has the best of caring people surrounding her.  She is loved and I believe she knows it. 
 
    
 

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

My Mother Is Passing Away Now May 19, 2013

 My Mother Is Passing Away Now
 
May 19, 2013
 
I held her hand as she struggled to breathe.  She does not know it's me.
Photo Credit:  www.querulousone.com
 
     As I worked slowly to clear the mess in my recently robbed house Saturday evening, I received a phone call that my 99-year-old mother was in the emergency room with pneumonia.  I was told to come to the hospital as soon as possible.  I left her side a few hours later as she continued to hold on to life.  As I write this, I do not know if she is still alive.  The critical care nurse said she would call me if there was any change.  It is now 3:04 a.m. on Sunday morning.
 
     Next week, on May 26, my mother will be 100 years old.  She was in the first group of women in the Women's Army Corps, when it was founded.  She spent two years in London during World War II, and endured the blitz raids there. 
 
     She had the sharpest mind and sharpest tongue of anyone I ever knew.  She could be charming and witty as well as stinging and sarcastic.
 
     She has lived longer than Queen Elizabeth, and she actually met King George III, Queen Elizabeth's father, during WWII.  She has shown me the actual photo of the meeting many times.
 
     I am praying that she will somehow recover, if God is willing, so that we can celebrate her 100th birthday with her next week.  She will not enjoy her birthday, as she is deep in her dementia and Alzheimer's these days.  Last year both of her long and shapely legs had to be amputated at the knees due to a rare infection.  She lived through the operation we thought would kill her for sure.
 
     So, tonight, friends, my heart is heavy with memories and sadness for her lost energy and vigor.
 
     God bless you, Mommy.  I hope I get to see you tomorrow morning, one more time, before you leave your daughter, your two grandsons,  and your five great-grandchildren forever. 
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Today My Home Was Robbed May 18, 2013

Today My Home Was Robbed
 
May 18, 2013
 
 
The thief got in through an open window in the back of my home.
I left it open to let in some fresh air.
Photo Credit:  www.painetworks.com



Hundreds of pieces of mail, documents, tax information, and other important papers were scattered all across my living room floor.
Photo Credit:  www.wikihow.com

Photo Credit:  www.tribuneindia.com

     My bedroom looked like this when the police examined it.
Everything in the closet and wardrobe had been thrown on the floor and the mattress was thrown off the bed.  My jewelry was thrown all around the room.  Clothes, many purses, and shoes were everywhere.


     My solid gold four seasons bracelet from Thailand during the Vietnam war was among the junk jewelry on the floor, so I knew the thief was an ignorant person, probably a teenager. 

Here is the four seasons bracelet.
Photo Credit: www.venus-Thailand.com


     My sterling silver flatware service for 12 was left in it box in the middle of the living room, so I knew the thief was an ignorant person, probably a teenager.


Photo Credit:  www.silversuperstore.com

     Sadly, I discovered that the two boxes of many rings I love are missing.  Happily, most of the rings are not valuable, but there are at least 7 that have much sentimental value for me.

     The four Orlando policemen, who arrived after I called 911 for help, entered my home with their guns drawn to see if someone was still inside.  Happily, there was no thief hiding in there.
 
     They said the same thief had just robbed a neighbor of mine a few houses away earlier that day, and in the same way.

     One policeman said that the thief's work looked like he was looking for cash money.

     The joke was on him because I neither use cash  nor carry cash nor hide cash in my home.  The credit cards were
not taken either.

     Oddly, there was no damage to anything and no damage to the window.  This thief was not interested in electronics or other easy to sell items.  He took only what he could carry in his pocket.

     How do I feel about this?  I feel that I am glad I wasn't home at the time, but I also feel this very inexperienced thief wouldn't have tried to enter my home had I been there. 
 
     I hope I can sleep well in my other bedroom after I clean up the mess he made in there also.
 
     Goodnight everyone.  I am thanking God that my life was spared. 
 
     Tomorrow I am going to the animal shelter to adopt a nice big dog!




Click here to see my pinterest interests.  I don't have a board about thieves, however.


 
 

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Friday, May 17, 2013

14 School Days Remaining--My Last Ever "School's Out"

14 School Days Remaining--My Last Ever "School's Out" 
May 16, 2013
Yes!  School is out for summer soon!
 
Schools will be closed all summer!
Photo Credit:  www.theromancedish.com
 
 
     In 14 school days, I will experience my very last "school's out" celebration with my students.  That will certainly be a memorable day for me.
 
     Granted, I will be returning in August for two and a half more months of another school year.  However, this is my last "end of term" for my career. 
 
     I hope every student everywhere will enjoy summer vacation.  Stay safe and enjoy your time with your families and friends. 
Who knows?  I  had the privilege of teaching someone who went on to be a real credit to society, or a rock star!
Photo Credit:  www.beliefnet.com
 
 
Here we are, waiting for the last bell to ring...School's Out!
Photo Credit:  www.theispot.com  by Tom Richmond
 
Sorry kids.  Teachers are going home for the summer, just like you!
 
To all parents and kids:  Have a wonderful summer!  See you next year!
 



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Friday, May 10, 2013

Owl Baby Shower To Be A Hoot May 10, 2013

Owl Baby Shower To Be A Hoot--For Mother's Day
 
May 10, 2013
 
Baby Owl Shower
These babies are Eastern Screech owls. 
Photo Credit:  Raptor Center Staff
 
      For Mother's Day, this Saturday, we will go to the Audubon Center's Birds of Prey to attend an owl baby shower.  What?  Yes,there will be a baby shower to help all the baby raptors that are brought to the raptor rescue and rehabilitation center in Maitland, Florida.
 

Here are two baby eagles, eaglets in their nest.
Photo Credit:  www.eagles.org
 
      Here is part of the article link which appeared in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper this week.  We won't be bringing baby clothes and toys.  We'll be bringing needed supplies to help feed and maintain the lives of the raptors, including babies and all other ages. 
 
 "Spring is coming and with it brings baby bird season.  During “baby season,” as the Center calls it, the clinic receives approximately 20% of our annual patient load.  Most of these young birds have been temporarily displaced from their nests. The Center’s ultimate goal is to get all these babies back into the wild where they belong, and we need your help!  Many of these babies will be reunited with their families or placed in foster nests. Others that are orphaned or that cannot be returned with their families are being raised and prepared for life in the wild.  Center staff spends many hours educating the public on what to do if they find a baby bird and if the bird is in need of help.  The best procedure is to get the baby back up into the nest with its parents if at all possible."
 

Baby hawks, older than the newborn size.
Photo Credit:  www.trianglewildlife.org
 
      Some of the requested baby shower gifts include cases of paper towels, king size bed sheets, washing detergent, and much, much more.  In exchange for the baby shower gifts, we gain free admission to see all of the raptor center's inhabitants for the day.  Here is the complete list of requested baby shower gifts:
 
 
 
       If you live anywhere near Maitland or Orlando, consider attending the Owl Baby Shower to honor Mother's Day by helping orphaned baby raptors. 
 
Happy Mother's Day To All Mothers!
 
 

 
 
 

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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Making More Plans Today For Retirement May 7, 2013

Making More Plans Today For Retirement
May 7, 2013
 
 
     Because I am unable to acquire my dream home at this time in Celebration, Florida, I am once again absorbed in additional options for retirement.
 
     Thank you to everyone who saw my dream home photos.  Thank you to my Google+ friends who gave me +1s for my posts.
 
     Life isn't about having a perfect home; life is about living a peaceful life, isn't it?  So now I am back to searching for the peace I want for my future. 
 
     For now, my life consists of working my best every week.  That will continue into the next school year.  However, once November 1 comes around, my life will consist of being peaceful on a permanent basis.  I don't believe that not working will bring me peace. 

 Photo Credit: www.barnesandnoble.com
 
     In the summer months, school is not in session.  Most teachers use these 60 days for vacations, relaxing, home improvement, or part-time jobs for a little extra income.  I usually spend my summers at home or at our theme parks, waiting for school to begin again.

Photo Credit: www.salon.com
    
     After November 1, I will live the life of the "endless summer."  I find that thought most disturbing and unsettling.  In truth, it is causing more and more anxiety as the days go by.
 
     From my list of retirement activities, I can say that taking that train trip is the most appealing.  So instead of looking for another perfect retirement home, I'm going to escape to somewhere by train this summer.  Train costs are far more inexpensive than cruising on the Queen Mary II. 
Photo Credit:  Bob Reck

 
     Maybe I'll discover the peace I seek from the window of a train going somewhere far away. 

 
Photo Credit:  www.traintravelconsulting.com  
 
 

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Sunday, May 5, 2013

Cannot Get My Retirement Cottage--Maybe Someday May 5, 2013

Cannot Get My Retirement Cottage--Maybe Someday
May 5, 2013
 
Here is the lovely living area...Perfect for me.
Photo Credit:  Allan Thomas
 
      I visited this lovely cottage and met the owners, a young professor and his attorney wife.  The cottage was like a dream I had wished for, but it cannot be for me at this time.  Maybe in the future, things will work out for me.
 
      In the meantime, I will continue to look for my "forever" home near Disney World.  Thank you for following my search with me.
 
      I did go to Disney World after the viewing, and I met with my family and grandchildren for a few hours of Disney fun.  Beautiful day, blue skies, not too many people, and so peaceful.
 
      It was sad to say good bye to them as I left for home, but I know I will see them again in a few weeks, back at Disney World.
 
 

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I'm On My Way To See My Retirement Home May 5, 2013

I'm On My Way To See My Retirement Home
May 5, 2013
 
125 Longview Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34747
 
Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone!
 
 

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Found The Home I Want In Celebration, Florida May, 3, 2013

Found The Home I Want In Celebration, Florida
 
May 3, 2013
 
125 Longview Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34747
 
Here is the ideal home for me when I retire.  I want this little cottage to be my new home.  I'll make plans to go take a tour of it this weekend.  Adorable.
 
 
 

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Like Watching Live Eagle Cams? Here's Another One May 2. 2013

Like Watching Live Eagle Cams?  Here's One With Two New Eaglets, Harmony and Hope
May 2, 2013
 

Dad and Mom keep a sharp lookout for intruders.
Photo Credit:  www.popscreen.com/mnbound


 
Click here to watch live streaming video of eagle family in Minnesota.

Hope and Harmony bobbing and stretching their little wings in the nest bowl.
They are about two weeks old now.

Click here to see a recent example of what you will be able to see. Amazing nature!


Dad flies in with another gigantic stick to build up the nest and startles nesting Mom again.

     I truly hope you will watch the Minnesota Bound eagles and their tiny eaglets.  The camera is solar powered by day, but there is no infrared camera at night. 
 
     A Google+ friend, +Saleem Khan, sent me the Native American symbolism of the eagle:
         spirit, spirituality, renewal, intelligence, courage,
      illumination of Spirit, healing, and creation
 
     Here's wishing that watching this eagle family raise their young will raise your spirits and bring you peace in your heart.
 
 
 
     
 




 
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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Harry Potter Helped Clarify My Retirement Goals Yesterday April 28, 2013

Harry Potter Helped Clarify My Retirement Goals Yesterday
 
April 28, 2013
 
"You're a wizard, Harry Potter"
 
Inside Hogwarts stairwell, watching the paintings having their conversations with each other.
Photo Credit: www.fanpop.com
 
I joined the hundreds of Harry Potter fans approaching the entrance to Hogwarts.
Photo Credit:  www.ieadc.blogspot.com
 
Waited an hour to see the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang Wizards perform their highly different displays of powers.
Photo Credit:  www.blogsmeadevillage.com 
 
Enjoyed my lunch of pasties and salad at the Three Broomsticks Pub.
Photo Credit:  www.fanpop.com
 
Saw Professor Dumbledore up close and personal as he gave his lecture from his Headmaster's office.
Photo Credit:  www.fanpop.com
 
Adored seeing Harry, Ron, and Hermione give their warnings and use the invisibility cloak for all the visitors to watch. 
Photo Credit:  www.fanpop.com
 
I strolled the streets of Hogsmeade as I sipped my delicious butterbeer.
Photo Credit: www.favim.com

 Lots of other people visited the shops of Hogsmeade as well.
Photo Credit:  www.caroghobrien.com


Moaning Myrtle wasn't visible, but you could hear her in the restrooms warning and annoying everyone.  Loved that.
Photo Credit:  www.harrypotter.wikia.com

     The visit to Hogwarts yesterday, and the memories of all of the seven Harry Potter novels, completely restored my abilities to focus on retirement goals.  I knew it would work its wizarding on me.
 
      I'm refreshed and ready to return to opening my thoughts to new ideas and new possibilities for my future.  My horoscope was right.  Thank you, Harry Potter.  You're a wizard!
 
 
 
 




 
 
 

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