Coffee mugs

Since retirement, I have wandered around wondering what all those things were I really wanted to do in my retirement time. I was making a list, but I look at it now and think, "No, what was it I was really wanting to do?" I mean, the chores I had been putting off for the last four or five years are here staring me in the face, but they still look as depressing as every.

Receiving a new coffee mug made by Mud Ceramics as a gift inspired me to clean out a cupboard section. I put a few things into the giveaway box then stood back to admire the organized cabinet. A quick count, we have nearly 50 coffee mugs for two people. Mugs not cups. Some I use for tea, some I use for decaf, some I use for guests, but I must admit it is representative of our embarrassment of riches.

I haven't started on the travel mugs yet.

My helpers

I paused to take pictures of my helpers.

Izzy with a reverse mohawk. She wouldn't let us trim any further yesterday.

On the second day

Day 2 of retirement:

The absolute, most sure-fire way of physically moving in the direction of your dreams, Melissa, on a day-to-day basis, without messing with the "cursed hows," is living them, now, to any degree that you can.

And you can.
The Universe

Which I translate: get off the computer.

Last Wednesday before retirement

I tried to open my Social Security account on-line. The security question was "What is your mother's maiden name?" I entered such and the website said, “No that is not right. You will have to go to a Social Security office." Well, I'll be. I thought I knew my mother's name, but off to Elkins we went today to the Federal Building. Modern protocol is the appointments are now by phone. Within the month, I will receive a phone call from my Social Security representative, to apply for benefits. The time is here. I retire again. I re-retire. I took early retirement from employment with the State of West Virginia in 2009 to be home for Maggie’s senior year in high school. That was a good decision and we had a great time. It was also fortuitous as the winter was a humdinger with record snowfall. I would have been stuck in Wheeling for the month of February. I worked three winters for Timberline Ski Resort and two years for Canaan Valley State Park Resort. Nice learning curves were enjoyed at both. If I were indeed being naturalist at Canaan, I might continue, but being building attendant and cashier is not a payoff. Here I hope to chronicle my entry into retirement.

Recycling

Here in Tucker County, we do have available some recycling opportunities: aluminum cans, office paper and cardboard. Yesterday I made a stop with just a few things. Starting the blog posts about flotsam and jetsam is a catalyst.

Left Behind

Left behind in the front flower bed.

Flotsam and Jetsam

So I had an idea today. I have struggled for years with trying to thin out the possessions. The popularity of storage units is rising in the US and I hanker to have less. On the other hand, I love a bargain and a yard sale. Sigh.

Back to the idea ... As incentive I will photograph and blog what I am setting free.

Today, I set a passel of weeds free from the front yard. I didn't photograph it, because the sun went down. My note for today is that I am not interested in landscaping because it is too much work and like housework, it never ends. And I hate to spend money on it.

Brickfish

http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/VideosSeries/VideoView.aspx?qsi=52110663   Melissa Home: Davis, WV 304 259-5777 Cell: 304 940-3677

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