Transitions

We are going to retire. Shirley is retiring from work at the end of October and I am cruising slowly in that direction, doing less work and not actively seeking any. Several things interest me:

• Work still trickles in even when I'm not looking for it. It isn't a lot and it isn't the most highly paid I've ever done but it's still there. Makes me wonder why I worried about work drying up for so long.
• Seven years ago when I left my full time job I had a few weeks off and then knew for certain I wasn't ready to give up work altogether. Now I feel more ready - although I still need interesting things to do.
• I've just been published in a Practical Motorhome magazine. A wee article I put together when on holiday in March complete with pictures. I am chuffed to bits. I really fancy being a part time travel writer.

So with these plans for retirement comes a feeling of endings. We wonder how long we will be in this house and sit and dream of trips we can take and places we can visit. Surprisingly the anxiety of having a vastly reduced income isn't an issue. Living simply here we come!

Family

This is an exciting time to be part of our fabulous family. About a month ago baby Cara was born to Adrian, middle son and his wife Rachel. Cara is number four grandchild and she's beautiful. On Saturday oldest son Robert, his wife Julie and Iain and Becca (number two and three grandchildren) arrive from North Dakota for two weeks. Then next Friday youngest son Chris is getting married to Mary up in the Highlands of Scotland. The whole family is going to have a weekend together to celebrate their wedding. Abbey, oldest grandchild will be a bridesmaid and the others have special roles to play. The older ones have jobs to do and wee Cara just needs to be. She'll be providing the cuddles.

I am near beside myself with excitement, in a Yorkshire matter of fact kind of a way.

Isn't it great that families continually change and shift, welcoming new members and celebrating with so much fun and joy?