Musings
About Retirement
These blogs first appear as weekly columns in the Red Deer Advocate
Back to school rituals
This is the week when kids are turning the corner from summer freedom to school routines. Parents are trying to break the habits of late nights, uncombed hair and spontaneous shenanigans, as they attempt to set the tone for the business at hand. So many common rituals mark this time of year – first day of school outfits have been purchased,...
Time to try something new!
Many people’s mindset runs on the school calendar instead of the regular calendar. This is the time of year when kids are going back to school, the peak vacation season draws to a close and the falling leaves remind you the times they are a changing. If you’re retired, especially newly retired like I am, you might be feeling a bit left out right...
My Gramma – an Alberta Pioneer
Jack Windle tied the leather straps of his boots and hoisted a rifle over his shoulder. It was time for the winter kill and Jack was on his way to help his neighbours butcher three of their pigs and salt the meat to preserve it for winter storage. Eventually freezers would be invented, but in 1899 the salting method was most effective. Jack’s...
Choosing a place of rest
When I was visiting my friend earlier this spring, she told me she had just coordinated all the logistics around her and her husband’s gravesite. They had purchased a plot for their final resting place and did I want to drive over to take a look? Well, it wasn’t the sort of activity we typically imbibe in when we’re together and I was taken aback...
Don’t let the sun leave scars
Did you know that sunscreen has a best before date? You’d likely never know by looking at the tubes of it in your bathroom cupboard, because many don’t provide any indication of this important information. You wouldn’t eat yogurt after the expiry date, because it could make you sick. Well, speaking from a person who has had half a dozen patches...
Common sense oncology
I realize writing about death and dying is not the usual fare for this lighthearted column. But I write about life every week, of which death is an inevitable part. I have reflected a great deal, as have many of you I’m sure, on whether I will be able to focus my attention on every precious moment to guide myself and those around me on my own end...
Remember the days of dating?
You know the drill. You’re showered and all shined up like a pretty penny. You’ve chosen your clothes with care and even put on some make-up. You’re ready to go, but stop and ask yourself: do I smell like pee? To be clear, the possibility of smelling like pee would be fault of my old dog and not of a bathroom accident on my part – although that...
Bringing home my bundle of joy
Oh my, I was excited. I had waited for this day for so long, had researched and planned and strategized – and now it was finally time to go pick her up. I was feeling pretty intimidated, but also full of hope. I had purchased all the things needed to make this a success, so it was time to step up and head out. She was so perfect as I stood gazing...
Two speeding tickets in the same spot
If you’re following along, last week I wrote quite boastfully that I have an accident-free driving record after nearly 50 years behind the wheel. Glad I didn’t say it was a completely clear driving record, because that would be an alternate truth. I’ve had my share of parking tickets and a couple of speeding tickets, and perhaps a yellow light...