Autumn is definitely in the air now. The wonderful prolonged summer is over and cool nights prevail. Wasn’t that an amazing summer?
Unfortunately, the budgie I was going to try to capture disappeared. Hopefully, someone else was able to catch him. He was certainly entertaining for quite a while.
After much thought, we decided to sell our 23-foot Citation RV. Jim and I have several physical issues which made it harder to take it longer distances. We thoroughly enjoyed the trips we took. The trip through the U.S.A. and across Canada was our biggest and most memorable as we took in magnificent sceneries and visited with relatives. It also made an excellent cottage when visitors arrived.
We had many years of going to the KOA in Barrie where we had our grandchildren stay with us. All of our dogs enjoyed the adventures; however, Bella especially loved the Grandchildren and all the walks they took her on. This was so much fun.
The people who bought it were thrilled to have it. Mom is a farmer and she and her husband were up to the challenges an older trailer might have. Their 6-year-old was so excited. It soothed my soul for it to go to people who would love it as much as we did. It was made by Thor here in Ontario. For an old girl, it was in better shape than some of the newer models.
I went back to giving Reiki treatments at Wellspring last Monday. It proved to be too soon for me as my shoulder started to hurt again. I will take a short break to let it heal further, then likely do fewer treatments. I missed all the wonderful staff and volunteers there. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the waiting to heal seems so long. I have to learn patience with myself, knowing that as I age it does take longer. I now have a young lady who cuts the grass weekly and a cleaner for our home once a month.
I just completed a 7-week course with the South West Management Program on How to Deal with Chronic Illnesses. I already have the course on Chronic Pain. (Yes I am using some of the ideas from this course!) I thoroughly enjoyed this course every Tuesday and Friday. I am a peer leader who will volunteer to give these courses with management from the organization. I always loved to teach when I was in the Concurrent Disorder Program (Addictions and Mental Health) at Regional Mental Health both in St. Thomas and London. This course fulfilled my love of teaching. The course was online. I met so many great people from all areas of Southwestern Ontario.
My gardens are slowly being prepped for winter. I try to not overdo it. Slow but steady. If you are like me taking it slow is not in my makeup but I have had to learn. My body thanks me for this.
I went with a former peer from Nursing to my favourite place Pinecroft for lunch. This place not only has yummy food, but the scenery is soothing to my soul. There are woods and a pond and a pottery building as well. Just going there I always can breathe easier and relax. My friend Kelly actually got married there as she loved this place so much. Across from Pinecroft is another pond with swans in it. The pair was there with their adolescent babies. I was smart this time to stay in the car. Dad can be very protective, and I respect that.
I also took a three-day decluttering course. I have slowly been getting rid of stuff or taking it to Anova (for battered women) or Value Village. It feels good to be letting some things go and to organize other items. We also got a beautiful coffee table from a friend who is moving. Her father, now deceased, made it for her. We were thrilled to have it as it adds so much to our living room.
My car is winterized with snow tires on. I have had my flu shot and will get my COVID vaccine this week. So I am personally getting ready for winter too. The birds are appreciative of the bird seed in the feeders. My water lily barrels I heat throughout the winter to give them water to drink.
Of great note, I completed my second personal book with Storyworth. I wanted to get some of my blogs from this website into a book. My Virtual Assistant helped me to get them moved from the blog to Storyworth’s format. My first book was on my own personal history with ancestor pictures and trips with family and friends. That first book I gave to my children for Christmas. It is great to know that they have some information on my life, and places I have travelled to. This current book was just for me as I wanted to be able to view these blogs from 2012-2023 in a book format. They are still here if you are interested in viewing them. There are current blogs plus e-zine archives. My next project is to write about the history of my parents’ former cottage and how they came to be at this beach. Can you tell I love to write??!!
Enjoy the crisp fall air and the beauty of the colourful leaves as they show off their beautiful colours. Nature is at its best at this time of year.
Remember to listen to what your body has to tell you. I know I am grateful for finally listening.
Take care until next time!
Sue