Pay cut

As of October 1 we started receiving our retirement sized pay check which amounts to about 1/2 what we were getting on active duty.  But with minor adjustments we are living life even more fully than we did before!  Without the rush and hurry and trying to get things done on the weekends and on rare off days, life is more relaxed and we do things as we feel like it or as they need doing.  More time is spent in long conversations, often over nothing major, just for the pleasure of sitting down to chat.  Meals are not hurried.  Meals are often more nutritious too since the making is not hurried.  There's plenty of time for making breads, slow cooking meats, preparing fresh vegetables and fruits.  We spend time most mornings doing yoga together, at least Russ and I do, then we linger over cups of coffee asking what the plans are for the day.  Sometimes there isn't one.  There's time with friends, longer trips with time for family.  We pursue interests that have been put to the back burner for too many years.  Life has taken on a whole new pattern.  And though there may not be the amount of money coming in that there once was, life is richer.

Laugh...Love...Live...Blessed

It's not just a philosophy anymore, it is the way our lives are lived.

Growing

I have noticed that grandchildren grow even faster than children.  It's just not right!  They are suppose to stay little longer! But alas, telling them doesn't work, bricks on their heads doesn't work, even not buying any bigger clothes doesn't work....sigh.  Instead I guess I will enjoy each new age and stage as it comes even if that is too fast.  Stole these from Lex's Facebook page **grin**

He's 10 months old now!

Home again!

We are home again from another grand adventure!  I do think I'm starting to really get into this whole retirement thing *cheshire cat smile*.  This time around we went over to the Houston area to go to Texas Renaissance Festival.  We also had some friends join us on this trip!  We drove over on Friday, did the Faire on Saturday and Sunday, then chilled out and played in Houston on Monday and Tuesday and drove home Wednesday.  Our friends came home Monday night but had as much fun at the Faire as we did!  In the couple weeks leading up to the Faire, we were all busy sewing costumes.  Mykhal made new tunics, a vest, pants, and a cloak for himself with only a bit of guidance and help cutting things out from me!  He could be quite the tailor let me tell you!  I made Kerrie a cloak as well as making Russ two more pair of pants, and a vest.  Russ and I had both ordered some additional costuming pieces online and picked up a few more the first day of the faire.  So much fun!  My friend Jessie made the costumes for herself and family (with a bit of help from me so it would go faster).  The kids stuck together and did their own thing and we all had such a wonderful time!  We did meals together at the camp site and that was fun too.  Can't wait till next time!  Ok here are some pictures ....