An Ordinary Day

In the beginning of writing this blog, I couldn't write fast enough to keep up with my ideas. Lately, I feel a bit uninspired. The weeks have been full...so what really have two retired old farts done all day? Whatever we do, we do it differently!

I'll start with Frank. He's the perfect picture of habit. He wakes up about 6:30, and he first takes out the dogs and tries to keep the cat from coming in. Feeds the outside cats, opens the chicken house, and feeds the goats and big dogs. Back to the house where he starts his coffee in the Keurig, then empties the dishwasher while he waits. If there is a pan on the stove from last night, he usually washes it. Coffee and laptop take up his next hour or so. That's when I wake up, about 8:00, unless I'm subbing. 

I love the gentle quiet of morning. In the year I was here alone, I got up, made my coffee, then watched the birds and read. Part of that doesn't happen anymore because the second I get up, someone is all ready for his day, sharing his list and I can't even function yet! In an effort to curb my desire to read a book snuggled in with the puppers, I promised myself I could only read and check the devices for one hour. Something has gone wrong...the plan just sort of died...for the lack of my participation. Basically I read and goof around until about 10:00, then I feel guilty if I don't get dressed. (Please understand, that I don't feel guilty doing chores, inside or out, in my nightgown.) Sometimes I escape to buy groceries or have lunch with my bestie.

Bless his heart, Frank always has a list, and he goes outside raring to go. He argues with the mower until it starts or gets tangled up with a fence/dog/tree that creates a wound. I have finally convinced him he retired to not work an eight hour day, especially in the heat. I'm noticing that he now has lawn chairs in several strategic shady places around the yard. He told me he is satisfied 
to rest and hydrate. Some days I can even convince him to come in and eat. He's like I was as a kid - we hit the screen door early, and only came in quietly to eat or use the bathroom (our mom slept days as she worked nights), and were back whenever we were called or it was dark. 

We have both agreed that a nap is just part of being retired. Neither of us have been huge nappers until now. It makes it a great deal easier to finish our day, when we meet up again for supper, tv, and closing up the animals!!  I putsy around until well after midnight; Frank has another nap from 9-10:00, then finally to bed at 11:30. 

At 6:30 a.m. the routine begins again.

Now, we aren't total slugs! We've been having a blast with our camping club, traveling, watching the little girls, going to all kinds of events, and serving our county through the Democratic committee. We've even protested! I still enjoy subbing and being at school. At least once a day, one of us says how happy we are to be here at the farm. 

It would be great if there was progress on our "list," but it is also important to acknowledge this is our time, no longer worrying if it fits someone else's schedule. 

Life is peaceful. Life is fun. Life is full. Life is good. I wish the same for you!