Living the Dream in Retirement
While there is a chill in the air in Michigan, a combination of rain and sunny days has kept my garden flourishing. A freeze is imminent so I’m getting some photos of the last beautiful blooms …while I can. Enjoy!
Puzzles continue to be a source of fun, focus and quieting the mind. I set up my mat, cover the top so that Reo and Biscotti can observe and put on a playlist for ambiance.
Simple pleasures are the best.
Autumn in Michigan is my favorite season with cooler nights, leaves changing color and this year unseasonably mild day time temps. My BFF invited me to visit her in Traverse City for a couple of days and wine tasting at several vineyards – including a 3 course wine pairing -were on the agenda. Northern Michigan’s west coast has a robust wine region. With elevations overlooking the bay and endless rows of vines heavy with clusters of grapes, natural beauty surrounds you. The wine tasting rooms are elegant, inviting and always a fun way to enjoy the day. It was sunny so we opted to sit outside while they brought us wine flights to sample overlooking views like this. Perfection.
Leaves are falling and my garden is still producing beautiful blooms. As I did my daily “garden tour” I was inspired to photograph and share them.
I’ve been obsessed with hydrangeas for years but have had little success other than healthy green plants. In April I hired a professional landscaping company to make the front of my home prettier. Among other lovely plants he brought in three hydrangeas, all of which have been blooming for months, I was thrilled. Success at last!
Always lovely are my turtleheads, flowering garlic chives and annuals that continue to add punches of color…
Life is better when surrounded by the beauty of nature isn’t it?
Biscotti has been amazing about sharing things with his little sister Reo who we adopted 5 months ago. She’s taken over ownership of the cat tree, sleeps on top of the mini fridge on the porch both of which were previously Biscotti’s domain.
The one spot he still called his own is my desk chair. Often during the day and always at night, it’s where he sleeps and chills out when he needs a bit of “me-time”.
Until this weekend…..
Time will tell if Biscotti will stage a coup to reclaim his ownership, time-share or simply wedge himself in next to Reo for a snuggle. For now, he’s tolerant.
Just back from my first flight since February 2020, for a small family reunion with all four of us vaccinated. Spending time together sans masks, with laughter, hugs and fun was a gift after months of pandemic isolation. When in Vegas, we always visit the fabulous Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Their Conservatory and Botanical Gardens change seasonally and the horticultural creativity and scale of their displays are inspired and breathtaking.
There is something magical about Tennessee that draws me back year after year. With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop and overlooking Wears Valley, the view from my cabin is ever-changing. Rising early to watch the sunrise – this year with a rooster cock-a-doodle-doing in the valley and enjoying a glass of wine while witnessing every sunset is a priority for me. It’s a perfect way to bookend a day in Tennessee and never disappoints.
Road trip 2021, arrived on Memorial Day hours early for my Wears Valley cabin check-in. Already in nearby Townsend it was time to let my vacation begin, starting with an impromptu wine tasting at Cades Cove Cellars, stocking up on wine…. since I was there anyway. Next on to drive Cades Cove Loop, 11 miles, one lane/one way road. The 11 miles is leisurely and slow-moving easily 2-3 hours which lined up with my check-in and a perfect choice as this place is everything I love about Tennessee. My #1 Tennessee trip goal is to see a black bear every trip – hopefully more than one. Photos never truly capture the majestic mountains, abundant meadows and that sky above… what I’d imagine heaven looks like.
And on this first vacay day, I had my first bear sighting, check!
