-37

Well, the days are certainly dragging....I am still trying to get over a cold, my mother is still in the hospital, and I am daydreaming about what I will do on December 1!  First and foremost, sleep late. Well, sleeping late for me would be until around 7 a.m., but that sounds doable at this point.

Something else I've been thinking about is fall planting of bulbs. Usually I wait until late November or December to plant, since it's still not very cold here. That gives me plenty of time.  The easiest bulbs for me are daffodils.  I've got a few that come up each year, but I'd really love to do a mass planting this fall, now that I will have the time.  Pink daffodils seem like good a choice....I've just got to locate a good source for them.

-38

Good news to report--my mom's surgery went fine and as I write this she is eating lunch. So, I've been thinking about another way to volunteer.  Since I have worked in libraries most of my life, I am considering the Mobile Public Library.

I picked up a volunteer application a few days ago, and will definitely keep it in mind.  The picture above is of the Ben May Library (the main branch) located in downtown Mobile. If I volunteer, this is the location I prefer.

-39

Today as I sit here I am worried about my mother. She fell and broke her hip yesterday. So now we wait for the surgeon to appear and declare when he will operate to repair the broken hip. Needless to say, this is frustrating.

But I am taking a few moments while working on projects at work to contemplate another goal once I am retired.

The idea of volunteering appeals to me, and there are many opportunities. One of the first that comes to mind is getting involved in a nursing home ministry through my church, Dauphin Way Baptist.

They have several nursing homes which are part of their daily ministries and I would definitely like to become involved. Having had elderly relatives in nursing homes, I know firsthand how lonely it can be.

Making a List!

I am trying to organize my thoughts around activities which I want to do after I retire. First and foremost is spending more time with my 90-year-old mother. That takes priority over everything.

For the first time in my life, I'll be able to concentrate on me and what I want to do! I still can't believe it. So, the next priority is to take better care of myself. And that means getting on a regular exercise program.
There is no better place to take advantage of this opportunity than through my employer's recreation facility!
And yes, they do have retiree memberships!

http://www.southalabama.edu/campusrec/index.shtml

It has been virtually impossible to take full advantage of these great facilities while working full-time. But once I am retired there will be ample opportunity to get on a regular schedule.

The Countdown Clock - 40 Work Days!

The official Countdown has begun!  November 30 marks my last day at work. As of December 1 I will be officially "RETIRED." Don't let the word fool you. Retired implies withdrawn, put away, out to pasture, on the shelf. No way! This Retiree will not be categorized in any of those ways.  Plans are already under way for new adventures so let the fun begin!