Monday, July 1, 2024

Yes, today’s news worries me. Yes, the state of our world has worried me for a long time now. But this blog is not the forum I want to use to work through that set of emotions. I am not burying my head in the sand (or “drinking to forget”, either) but I want to this blog to focus on my emotions about aging, my adventures going forth in retirement, and my challenges as the next chapters of my life unfold.

I want to focus on the positive, at least for today. I don’t want to be in a perpetual state of worry.

Today was Husband’s first official day of retirement. We didn’t set any alarm clocks, but we awoke kind of early, anyhow. We both did chores around the house, and we both caught up on our emails.

AND…my first retirement check arrived. Wow. Kudos to my former employers for being on the ball and getting the checks to us before the long July 4 weekend ahead. (I was impressed with the efficiency!)

My first retirement check arrived. I am still needing that to sink in. The amount isn’t large, but it’s going to be coming for the rest of my life. Wow. I am so very grateful that my job–and more importantly, that Husband’s job–came with the guarantee of pension checks. Not too many employers offer pensions anymore, do they? Still, our new budget is being put into place, and I am staying vigilant about all our financial affairs. Worrying is not fun, nor healthy. Forward I go–time to deposit that check!

In a lowball glass, mix 3 ounces pineapple juice (I used the unsweetened juice from a can of pineapple rings), 2 ounces vodka, and 1/2 ounce lime juice. Stir well, add ice to almost fill the glass, and stir again. Slowly drizzle about 2 teaspoons of grenadine down the inside of the glass. The grenadine will sink to the bottom. Stir the drink before you sip, which will sweeten it and make it a pretty pink color.