A Day at the Boardwalk

If you go to Virginia Beach, visit the Boardwalk on the oceanfront.  Late September is a great time to go.  At 73 degrees, it’s warm enough to wear a swimsuit on the beach yet cool enough to take a brisk walk or bike ride without becoming overheated.  I took my dad to Virginia Beach to visit my son and daughter-in-law, see their newly purchased home and help them get the nursery ready for the baby.  We took a play day during our stay and ventured to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. 

Once we arrived at the Boardwalk area, it was easy enough to find a parking place.  If you can’t find a side street parking spot, park in the $5 all day beach parking - we parked in a lot near 21st and Atlantic.  My dad has an arthritic ankle so the walk was close to the Boardwalk.  We weren’t there too long before Dad spotted a surrey for rent.  We hopped into the surrey and peddled up and down the boardwalk, stopping to take pictures of beautiful scenery and look at the magnificent sculptures such as King Neptune and the memorials.   Loved the nice two hour “cycling” workout!!  It’s not Cyclebar, but it will do! 

The Boardwalk has a multitude of activities, including horseback riding, kite flying, biking and walking.  There is a jungle gym if you have young children with you and a fitness park for older children and adults.  Additionally, you will find the usual beach activities such as surfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, etc.  

Although an abundance of cafés with outdoor seating line the boardwalk, our choice was to grab a sandwich from the DQ “Grill and Chill” and sit on the park bench near the beach and have lunch as we enjoyed the surf.  Shopping near the Boardwalk consists mainly of tourist type shops, of which I am not a fan, so we did no shopping.  

After visiting the Old Coast Guard Station, we concluded our day with a “Cherry Garcia” from Ben and Jerry’s, located on Pacific Ave.  If you are staying in Virginia Beach, there are dozens of oceanfront hotels on Pacific Avenue with easy access to the Boardwalk.  The people on the Boardwalk were extremely friendly and the atmosphere was exceptionally relaxing.  It’s worth a visit. 

Take a Road Trip

When our kids were little, we took road trips out of necessity.  Air travel was rather pricey for a young family, so we purchased a nice conversion van and traveled “in style” on vacations and to out-of-town sporting events.  Although it was always exciting for the kids to pack all of their travel treasures into the van, select the VHS movies they would watch and get settled into their seats with snacks and juice boxes, by the end of the trip we certainly did not want to see the inside of the van for a while.  Fast forward years later to retirement and a list of chosen destinations to visit. 

A big fan of air travel, when I asked my dad if he wanted to travel to Virginia to see my son and his wife, and he suggested we drive, I was not completely committed to the idea of driving.  Visions of previous road trips with the kids came into my head - car sickness, flat tires, Chex mix on the floor - you know, your typical family road trip.  I had to regroup.  It’s not the same, we are grown adults.  How bad can it be?  Look at the positive side - we can take out some things for the kids and I can spend some real quality time in the car with my dad.  After all, I am retired and I can take my time getting there.  I’m in no rush.  

The drive to Virginia took us through the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  How wonderfully sweet it was to drive through such stunning scenery on an absolutely beautiful fall day in the middle of September to see my son and daughter-in-law.  My father and I chatted along the way, did a little shopping, and snapped some incredible pictures of the magnificent mountains of West Virginia and Virginia.  A year ago, a road trip in my life was defined as the drive to and from work and the scenery certainly wasn't mountain ranges.   

Now in my initial year of retirement, which I choose to call my “stop and smell the roses year,” I make a conscious effort to SLOW DOWN.  This is not easy for me.  A fast-paced lifestyle is one that is well within my comfort zone.  As a result of the slowing down, my stress level has decreased and I feel healthier.  The road trip to Virginia was a great idea.  Although I am certainly not going to make every trip a road trip, it is something I would repeat in order to see this beautiful country.  

If you have the driving stamina and the time, take a road trip once in a while. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

My father and I are taking a road trip to Virginia to see my son and his wife.   We sat in his living room on the eve of our trip and discussed our busy fall schedules while multi-tasking -- my dad on his iPad and me on my MacBook.  Dad has been retired now for about 24 years.  When my parents decided to retire, my dad let my mom retire “by herself” for a couple of years.  Mom always said that she wanted to retire alone for a couple of years before Dad retired, and like me, dived right into it - mini trips with girlfriends, helped organize the church bazaar, lunch and shopping with the ladies, quilting, crafting, etc…  When my dad retired a couple of years later, they started their retirement together with trips - Europe, Canada, Alaska, New England, a few islands, they bought an RV and parked it in Arizona during the winter, then purchased a second home in Arizona and became snowbirds - until my mom got sick.

Mom and Dad were able to maintain the retired life they had dreamed of for several years after my mom’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s, but eventually, she succumbed to the illness and we lost our dear mother almost two years ago.  Although between my brother’s family and my family, we keep Dad very busy, he is still extremely restless without my mom.  This is where the planes, trains and automobiles come in.  

During our discussion about our fall schedules, my dad mentioned several times that he would like to go the house in Arizona for a couple of weeks this fall but “between all of the birthday parties, baby showers, deer hunting and holidays” he doesn’t know when he is going to have time to go.  He has two living children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren with two more greats on the way and his family includes him in EVERYTHING.  In fact, we call or text him immediately when something comes up so we are sure to be on his calendar.  

As I sat and listened to Dad complain that he didn’t want to just sit around the house doing nothing, but couldn’t find the time to go to Arizona because he had too many things on his schedule, I tried to make sense of what he was disgruntled about - did he have too much to do or not enough?  Hmmm…..  I finally realized that Dad was really missing Mom and that he needed to get out of the house for an extended period of time - he needs a change of scenery.  I think my dad and I are a lot alike.  The sun makes us happy.  I always said one of the best jobs in America is a weatherman in Arizona.  They get to wake up everyday and tell people how beautiful the weather is going to be.  

It was now time for me to work my magic - do what I do best - and work a schedule that will get this man not only to all of the family get-togethers, but also off to a mini vacay to sunny Arizona.  Within the next 7-8 weeks, he has a trip to Virginia, two baby showers for two great grandsons on-the-way, a birthday party for his great granddaughter, and deer hunting with my brother and nephew.  I immediately spotted a two week opening where he could take a train up for the first baby shower, fly to AZ, fly back two weeks later for the second baby shower, then take a train home.  Done!  

After booking all of the train and plane reservations, my dad marched off to bed, content that he had a full fall schedule complete with family events, sunshine and impending tee times in AZ with his buddy.  My dad is 85, soon to be 86 and his kids and grandkids compete to get on his calendar before he has other commitments.  How cool is that?  He is the coolest dad/grandfather in town!

The Cyclebar Experience

If you have been following my blog, you know that I believe that daily physical activity is crucial for a happy and healthy retirement.  The Phoenix area offers a multitude of options - swimming, hiking, walking, biking, various health and fitness clubs.  I recently posted about trying a cycle class at my local fitness club.  The experience was positive, but nothing compared to the cyclebar experience.  

Each time I visit the AZ abode, I contact my previous (I don’t use the word old) college roomie/cheer buddy, Mary and she finds a fun activity to do or trendy restaurant for us to visit - she never disappoints.  This time, it was cyclebar in Scottsdale.  After signing in and putting my things in the locker, I was given a pair of SPD shoes so I could “lock in.”  Hmm… I have never “locked in” before - this is serious.  I grabbed a complimentary water bottle, no need to bring a towel either - it’s waiting for you on your assigned bike.  The staff was extremely helpful and courteous, they helped me lock in and adjust my bike.  I’m already to go!

The cycletheatre was amazing!  The lighting, technology, audio, video and personal data monitors gave such a multi-sensory experience that the 50 minute workout flew by.  Have you ever been in an exercise class and found yourself looking at the clock thinking, “How many more minutes?”  That didn’t happen today.  

Our instructor, Holly Miller, was phenomenal.  She was inspiring, integrated a great mixture of strength and cardio, and was very clear with instructions throughout the entire workout.  The music she chose was energizing - the beat coordinated precisely with the desired performance to make it even more motivating.  The best part of the experience was that I could be a 55+ “rock star” among the 20, 30 and 40 somethings.  Everyone in the cycletheatre got a great workout, regardless of age or fitness level.  

What a great way to start my Saturday morning.  This is definitely worth a visit.  I’m going back!!  

Time To Spin

My 1st spin class was today.  Although spin has been a popular and effective form of exercise for many years, I have never tried it.  I have tried everything under the sun - yoga, Zumba, pilates, circuit, you name it, but never spin. Several friends have suggested we meet for a spin class and I always responded with, “Yes, that sounds fun.  We will do that sometime.”  I was never anxious to try it.  Why?

Six years ago, I broke both of my ankles in a fall.  Four years before that, I broke my knee in a fall.  In both situations, part of my rehab included work on a stationary bike.  Both rehabs included a lot of pain.  Since then, I have associated cycling with pain.  For this reason, spin never sounded like a very good

idea to me.

Regardless of my “fear of spin,” the activity is something I have wanted to add to my exercise repertoire specifically for the benefits it gives and to add another change-up to my routine.  I knew this fear I had was silly, especially since I don’t have a problem trying new and challenging activities.  In the past five years, I have mastered scuba, zip lining through treetop canopies in Puerto Vallarta and rappelling down waterfalls. I believe I can handle a spin class!  

This week, I decided to check on the AZ abode.  As soon as I arrived, I texted my long-time friend from college who lives nearby to let her know that I was in town so we could make plans to meet up.  My dear friend always has an idea of a fun and trendy place for us to enjoy.  She’s in great shape and is very health conscious.  I love that about her! This time, she suggested we go to a cycle class at a boutique style cycle place then to a great snack place next door.  I immediately said, “Yes, let’s do it!” 

I decided to try a cycle class at my health club beforehand so that at least I will know what’s going on before I get to the class with my friend.  As I arrived at the cycle class, I noticed a couple of people around my age or older - that’s always a good sign.  I watched as others entered and adjusted their seats - I did the same.  It was easy to follow the instructor as she directed us to adjust the resistance on the cycles and I made it through the class with great success, feeling like I got a great workout that was not over my head!!  So glad I went!

Looking forward to another class with my friend.  Wonder what my legs will feel like tomorrow? 

Amazing Pear Butter

Many, many years ago, we planted a pear tree.  This pear tree produces dozens and dozens of pears at the end of every summer.  Some years when I felt ambitious, I would harvest the pears and take them to work for my colleagues to take home.  During years when I was extremely busy (which were most years) I told my friends and family to come pick pears for themselves and from time to time, I actually tried finding recipes requiring pears so that my fruit would have a purpose.  

It is now the end of summer, I am finally retired, my pear tree is full of pears, I have been harvesting tomatoes and peppers out of my new garden for the purpose of creating and preserving salsa and pasta sauce, how can I not devote time and attention to these pears?  I take to the wonderful social media site we all know as Pinterest and find what looks like a tasty yet simple Vanilla Cinnamon Pear Butter recipe.  We are not really sweet eaters, so I wanted to find a recipe for something I could preserve and give away to friends and family.  The Pear Butter seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.  Similar to my approach to the Jalapeño Pepper Jelly recipe, I decided to try it out with one batch, evaluate, then either move forward or dump the idea.  

One batch used 28 pears, an array of interesting spices, fresh fruit juice from an orange and a lemon and a little sugar.  Compared to the jalapeño jelly, the pear butter had much less sugar.  Except for pealing all of the pears, the pear butter was very easy to make.  New at preserving, I did not consider the size of the jars in relation to the product I was preserving.  Pear Butter isn’t something that is used in large amounts so although I used a larger jar on the 1st batch, I used 8 oz. jelly jars on the subsequent batches.    

I ended up making many, many batches.  The taste - awesome!  The combination of fresh pears with cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and cardamom was perfect.  In my opinion, the cardamom really makes this recipe.  I offered it to my Labor Day End of Summer Party guests and they loved it!  We used it for a dip with cinnamon pita chips.  Since then, I have used it on a bagel and toast in the morning.  A friend suggested putting it on ice cream.  I have also read that it's great on chicken or pork chops!  It has the same consistency as apple butter except thicker and chunkier with small chunks of pear.  

After promising my daughter we would give out homemade favors at her baby shower, (yes, pear butter) I have made close to 100 jars!  I have given jars to friends and family, and I will be taking plenty with me when I go to visit my son and daughter-in-law to see their new house in a couple of weeks.  I believe I could make a small fortune selling this stuff!  I have definitely stumbled upon a treasure!       

Becoming Reacquainted With Yourself

Before I retired, I would sometimes spend time with a retiree and conclude that he or she was inflexible or "set in their ways."  I wondered, "Am I going to be like that as I age?  Am I going to be unable to adapt to change?"  After being retired only a few short months, I have come to realize that it's not so much that retirees are living in an inflexible world, but that they are living in a world where they have the luxury of choosing what works for them, what makes them happy.  After all, what's wrong with that?  Isn't that the ultimate goal - to be able to finally live the life you've always wanted (or at least close to it)?  I like going to the health club for my workout in the morning - right after I have had a chance to have my coffee (in my favorite mug of course) and watch the news.  I don't like exercising later in the day and if at all possible, I won't deviate from my schedule.  Does that make me inflexible?  No, it means that I like what I like and I don't have to change that.  Gone are the days when I have to go to the gym later in the day because I am at work all day - one of the luxuries of retirement.    

Short and sweet, retirement is a time when you know what you like and you get an opportunity to celebrate it.  It's that simple.  Retirement means you don't have to grab the first clean coffee mug you find running out the door and your days are filled with things you want to do instead of things you have to do.    

When you retire, you have an opportunity to become reacquainted with yourself.  You discover the person you are comfortable with, without the influence of outside forces that have been draining you of "me time" for so many years.  Like so many others, I wore a lot of hats during my teaching career - teacher, mentor, union President, project developer, negotiator, etc... The person I had become was almost entirely a product of those roles.  My goals had become more professional than personal and my stress level was so high that it started to affect my health.  I wanted to retire at the top of my game so that I could feel comfortable closing that chapter of my life and moving on to the next.  The consequence was that although I felt very accomplished professionally, my personal life was suffering.  I wasn't able to dedicate as much time to my family and friends that I wanted, nor was I able to be the "me" I really wanted to be.    

The problem with becoming so immersed in your career is that when your career is over and you start your new chapter, you have to decide what that new chapter is going to look like.  This is where you become reacquainted with yourself.  For me, this wasn't a problem.  I have never had a problem spending time alone or trying new things.  Through self-reflection, trial and error and just plain experience, you eventually settle into your new life as a retiree and hopefully find a comfortable and happy place.  You develop favorites - favorite hobbies, favorite times to eat dinner, favorite nighttime routine, favorite authors to read - even your favorite coffee mug for your morning cup of joe.  Why change what you like just for the sake of changing?

50+ year olds are no more inflexible than the under 50 group.  We have plenty of change in our lives - new in-laws, new grandkids, new health problems, medication, technology to learn (so we stay cool), and plenty of new responsibilities that are not work related.  Most of the time, changes in my life are changes that make my life even better.  For me, I am going to stick with my routine of up by 7 and out the door by 8:30ish on my way to the gym on most days because it makes me happy.  I am going to meet my friends for breakfast every Tuesday because I love spending time with them.  And I am going to continue to flee to Arizona every time the weather gets bad because I love the sun.  Yet I will be flexible enough to travel to be with my kids who live in a zip code across the country or with my father who has a health scare from time to time.  I will be able to adapt when I need to instantly change my plans for "Mimi Help" after the grandkids are born whenever they need me.  I will, from time to time, reschedule my workout to the evening so I can work out with my friend who is not yet retired.  Who says we're not flexible?             

Every Day Is Not Fun Day

Tonight at dinner, my son-in-law asked me how I was liking retirement so far.  Immediately, I replied, "Having the time of my life - I advise everyone to do it while they are young enough to enjoy it!"  Many people, including me, thought I was going to struggle with retirement.  I always thrived on being busy - it gave me energy.  I'm still busy, just busy doing other things.  Since retiring a little over 3 months ago, I have been traveling, playing golf, working out, gardening, sewing, cooking, planning baby showers, shopping, etc.  But let me make it clear - every day is not a fun day.  

Just the other day, I was commenting that I wanted to find something to do with all of the jalapeños growing in my garden.  My friend suggested I make and preserve jalapeño pepper jelly.  I thought it was a great idea.  I have tried the jalapeño jelly from Arizona and loved it.  It's sweet and tasty.  After finding a recipe for jalapeño jelly on Pinterest, I chopped the jalapeños (wearing gloves of course) and followed all of the steps described in the recipe.  To make a very long story short, here are the reasons I will never try that again:

• Jelly has WAY too much sugar in it!
• Sticky and messy
• Ugly (they must add a lot of food coloring to the jelly they make in AZ)
• No. One. Will. Ever. Eat. It.
• I am highly sensitive to the capsaicin in jalapeño peppers even wearing gloves! Yikes! 

Sometimes you try an activity that you think you might like and either you don't care for it or it doesn't work out.  Isn't it better to try something and fail than to not try it at all?  Honestly, jelly making is the first thing since retiring that hasn't really worked out.  At least I know that jelly making isn't really my thing.  Jalapeños aside,  I don't care to give that much energy to anything with THAT much sugar!    

Some days, you have to still be a grown-up and do grown-up tasks - clean your car, clean your house, wait for the repairman, wash windows, etc.  These would be the "not fun" days.  It"s easy to get caught up in "play mode" especially when you know you have the next day to do your grown-up jobs.  For this reason, I do try and use my planner to keep me on track and grounded.  Although the luxury of having a flexible schedule is great, my Type A personality won't allow complete flexibility.  I do love my planner!   

It is obvious that I have taken the summer to immerse myself into activities that I have had an interest for but never had time to try.  It's been a great summer but I need to have more "not fun" days to organize those photos and get all of the house projects finished that are on my "to do" list.   I do have two grandbabies coming so finishing off my projects now is a priority.  Retirement is awesome but remember to balance.        

Labor Day "End of Summer" Party

Labor Day is a yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country and I believe it's something worth celebrating.  I host a Labor Day "End of Summer" Party every year.  Additionally, as a warm weather and sun lover, I like to preserve summertime in September with a Labor Day party.  

Appetizers and dinner are served on the deck near the pool and my table is decorated with a blue and white table runner and white hydrangeas, my mother's favorite flower.  Both of our birthdays are in September so I always feel like September is "our month."  The menu consists of healthy fare such as roasted vegetables, fresh salad and grilled corn and fruit.  This year I am excited to be able to use vegetables from my garden in addition to some of the yummies that I have been preserving over the summer.  The bread and butter pickles made from the cucumbers in my garden will be used to garnish the pulled chicken sliders.  The peach salsa made from the Calhoun peaches picked up in southern Illinois and the vanilla pear butter made from the fruit from our pear tree will be paired with tortilla and cinnamon pita chips for appetizers before the main course.  I am looking forward to feedback on these recipes.  

With each party, I try something a little different.  For this year's Labor Day "End of Summer" party, guests can choose from 3 different infused water recipes:  Blackberry Sage, Strawberry Pink Grapefruit and Cucumber Mint.  Never afraid to try out new recipes on guests, we will also be trying out a new parmesan potato wedge appetizer.   After dinner and some great conversation, we will continue our celebration inside with some of our favorite board games.  

This year, the "End of Summer" has an entirely different meaning for me.  As a retiree, "every day is Saturday," and as a retired teacher, I feel like "every day is summer."  I am so looking forward to this coming year of summer all year long!  (Remind me of that when it's January in Chicago!)    

You Can Still Be Trendy Over 50

Embracing trendiness after you reach the age of 50 is more than just fashion.  Having a trendy style encompasses your lifestyle as well as your attire.  You can google "trendy styles for women over 50" and your laptop will present you with dozens of outfits to copy.  It's a great idea to stay current on fashion trends since they are constantly changing for women.  Obviously, we can't wear the same things we did in our youth, but we can incorporate a hint of youthful dress for an edgy, trendy look.  Also, everyone needs a fashion barometer - someone who will be brutally honest with you on your fashion choices.  My daughter is my barometer.  I once wore a long jacket with a stand up collar and a pair of black pants tucked into my boots.  She told me I looked like Hans Solo.  I never wore it again.  That happens sometimes.  Trust the opinion of someone younger who loves you and doesn't want you to go out into the world looking like a Jedi.  

Being trendy can travel beyond your attire and into your lifestyle.  I like being trendy with lifestyle accessories like my travel mug and my planner -  both from ban.dō.  I recently gifted a ban.dō planner (with accessories such as gel pens, Washi tape and giant paper clip) and a ban.dō bag (after this we're getting pizza) to a good friend of mine who is fighting cancer.  She loved them!!  Actually, my daughter was the one who turned me on to the ban.dō products.  I spotted my first planner in a boutique and she told me she had one and I should get one too.  She's pretty trendy and she always has suggestions for me - "Mom, we're going to get you a cross body purse.  You look ridiculous carrying all those things in your hands,"  "Mom, you need to get yourself some shorty boots."  


My daughter-in-law is also a good source for me.  She owns an Etsy shop and sells unique items she creates with ink (UnINKway).  My daughter-in-law created my daughter's wedding invitations and her own baby shower invitations.  I consulted her when creating the invitations for my daughter's baby shower and designing the centerpieces.  You can be trendy when planning a party, from the invitations to the decorations to the menu.  Many times I will get ideas from Pinterest, have the girls look at them and ask their opinions.  They are my unofficial trend consultants.  

As a former teacher, staying in touch with the latest trends always helped me relate to the kids and talk with them about things they were interested in.  Same goes with your own kids and grandkids.  I remember my mother was great at knowing the hottest trends when the kids were little.  She was aware of the most popular toys, slang terms, you name it.  She was able to do this by spending time with them and being a good listener.  She was truly interested in their world.  The kids loved that she was so in touch with their world. 

Remember - America's new favorite age is 50.