








Living the Dream in Retirement
The latest blooms…..
Less than a week ago I was in flip flops…today it’s been snowing all day and I’m back to wearing Uggs.
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.
A feral colony of three sibling kittens born in my garden this summer, have decided to stay on for the winter.
The black kitty I named Coal. From a very young age he’s been the most gregarious. The kitchen window looks out on my garden (not pretty in winter). When I walk in the kitchen, Coal jumps from his napping spot on my jacuzzi onto the window ledge. He is captivated by me, regardless of what I’m doing. Anytime I’m cooking is his favorite time to visit.
Recently he’s taken to high-fiving me through the glass then walking back and forth rubbing against the window. He’s now “trained me” to pet him through the glass. This goes on until I’m tired. Not once a day but rather each time he sees me – including after dark when he’s visible only by his topaz eyes.
As a result, my kitchen window is dotted with nose-prints from Coal and fingerprints from me. It’s messy but I love the connection we have and look forward to seeing him each day.
Upon returning from my vacation earlier this week I was heartened to see the beginnings of my garden returning to life. Though today is a cold, dreary and rainy one I managed to capture the first flowers of 2019, here in my garden in Michigan.
Seriously, buds on the trees and a full-on snow storm. The winter that would not end.
With wishful thinking I put the pretty tulip garden flag out yesterday. Premature? Jinx?