Getting Started

I retired from the Federal Government in July 2003. At the same time, we moved from frantic-paced metropolitan D.C. to slower, more courteous south central Virginia. My husband and I live in paradise: Smith Mountain Lake, a man-made heavenly body of water. This picture is a view from a recent outing on our pontoon boat. We have a new home, three successful adult children, and two gorgeous grand daughters, aged 4 and 2.

Life is good at the lake. What more could I want?

Three years ago, in addition to my desire to swim, boat, and laze on the dock, I had a four-pronged plan for retirement - 1) hone my golf game, 2) write something other than bureaucratic techno-babble, 3) get arty , and 4) become a percussionist.

Hubby nixed the planned timpani performance and refused to invest in a set of drums, so make that three retirement goals.

Nearly thirty-six months retired...I'm considering selling my golf clubs on E-Bay. My drives are pathetic, my fairway shots are worm-burners, and what used to be my crowning glory -- the short game -- is ailing. Some Tuesdays and all Thursdays the ladies play; couples play after church on Sundays. (Our course is closed on Mondays. More on my golf game in later blogs.) I took a golf lesson this past Tuesday. Within three minutes of watching me chop at the ball, the pro told me "it's all between your ears." That's what he thinks!

Almost 156 weeks retired...I'm a member of Lake Writers, a support group for real authors and wanna-be's (like me). The group meets every other Friday. I've written several essays and read them to the group. They are quietly encouraging, probably underwhelmed by my efforts thus far (as am I). Now I've created this blog as an incentive to write regulaly. I have things to say. Does anyone what to hear them? My writer colleagues tell me "just get started." That's what they think!

Over a thousand days retired...I took a couple of art workshops in Boone, NC -- one on acryllics and one on water colors. (I'll write about those experiences one of these days!) I like the intense colors from acryllic painting, but I abhor the mess! When my fingernails are red, I want them red from polish not paint. Working with acryllics, I wear disposable gloves (like those dental hygienists wear), sparking ridicule from real artists. I'm fond of water colors - no mess! I joined an informal art group that paints on Wednesdays. I have a small water color travel kit, a perfect investment for my fledgling talent. My artist friends speak of showing and selling their pictures at various galleries around town. I'm hoping to paint something worthy of hanging in my laundry room. Just be creative, express yourself. That's what they think!

Know what I think? Three years and I'm just getting started. Time is running out on achieving my retirement goals. Now where did I put the snare drum and those cymbals?