blogging again

So, after almost 2 years absence, I thought I'd try blogging again...I certainly follow enough blogs & look forward to reading them almost daily.

Although we retired 6 months ago, I am amazed at how busy we are! Sounds crazy, right? But it's true. Summer time is always hectic as is the mid-November thru December time. Cooking, entertaining, shopping, Christmas decorations up, wrapping, more cooking and celebrating. But who knew that Fall would be busy?

A little health scare for me in late September but all is well. October brought lots of visits to a Chicago area hospital and sad news as our beloved brother/brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly. For his siblings, he was the "hero" (oldest brother). Such a compassionate, loving man with a great-dimpled smile and twinkling blue eyes. Brilliant. So involved in his community, especially his church community. Although it sounds odd to say, we met so many wonderful people during Jake's illness. We also got to know his step-children much more. And, as you might imagine, they are a wonderful, loving family of 6. Great hearing then share their stories - we had a glimpse into Jake's day-to-day life in Chicago with his wife, kids and grandkids that we hadn't experienced as siblings.  It confirmed that we need to spend time with those we love and make sure they know how we feel. You never know how much time you will have with them.

We're both enjoying retirement - lots of projects and some new hobbies for both Ralph and me. The very best part has been the increase in time we've been able to spend with our grandsons.  All are in the metro area.  Truly a blessing.

Ralph's interest in techy things  continues and, of course for him, GOLF is life. Winter isn't conducive to playing golf here so he needed a new hobby. He's just purchased his first model train and is setting that up.  We've also unpacked my old Lionel trains - there's now one under the Christmas tree.

I'm involved in volunteering at several organizations which, for the most part, is enjoyable. One organization is an older group and very slow to adopt change. I find that pretty frustrating but understandable.  We've just gotten an Internet presence with our first web-site, a Facebook page and an electronic newsletter so we've moved into the current century at last.

I'm hooked on decorating blogs. Way too many ideas tho' for my own house now. The hard part is finishing projects that I begin!  The project thing is on hold for now as Christmas shopping, wrapping, planning takes up a ton of time.  Speaking of Christmas, I need to go pull out gifts to assess what I still need to buy and/or do.  Perfect rainy day to force me to do so.