September

and life goes on. Summer flew by. House prep, care taking of the house, pool, gardens etc. Vacation, then more house prep and thoughts of selling. I didn't list. Decided to wait but search for my next forever home by the water. K & T were helpful and encouraging. THEN I was approached by a broker. He had clients who wanted to see my house. They LOVED it. They made an offer, Can I be out by Oct.19th? Yes I can. Can I? Where will I go? The search and anguish began. I looked and hoped and found and then lost and decided I could stay anywhere for a short while. Then all of a sudden a dear friend offered me her apartment in her house. Could I come see it? I went fell in love and was happy. She offered it for free!! Three hours later the house deal fell through. That was all in 4 short agonizing weeks. Flights were booked, UHAUL'S were rented, kids came to help and now I am here. Back in the house I know I should sell but am being told to wait for the spring market. I am in a good place but thoroughly exhausted. A few more strings to untie and then settle in for the next season. Pool closed today. Now to get the windows hung, wall insert up and everything else buttoned up. I have met new friends, my true ones have revealed themselves and I am all the richer for it. I also found a small house for rent by a cranberry bog. Should I do it? I think so. It might ease the pain of having to move on from this home that I love and hoping to be enthusiastic about it all. My kids and grand kiddos are healthy and happy and secure, as much as we all can be. I am very grateful. Optimism kicking in. I am down 5 sizes, feeling great, looking pretty good. My head is clearer than ever before. Now by the grace of God I will carry on.

autumn fall get up go on

Autumn is approaching. I say autumn because fall is such an ominous word. Lots of changes, travels, growth, new friends, visits with old ones this year. So a big birthday is approaching and I got to chose where ever I wanted to go, well, within reason and budgetary constraints. We leave soon and I am excited. Favorite spots are favorite spots and if I can't live there I can at least visit every chance I get.

Watching from afar, I see two of my babies just venturing out into the world of school, sports, social obligations with new friends. They are happy and their little ones are the same. They are with men they love who are helpmates and that is good.  My two youngest are working, productive and establishing themselves in areas they have chosen.  I pray they surround themselves with good and positive people. I think they have for the most part. Happy, healthy and safe is what I always wished for for them. Love, adventure and fun will come along but I hope they all have a sense of purpose and enough financial freedom to live a good life.

We have had a good life, financially there have been ups and downs, sacrifices and very few regrets. We have always worked hard and put our family first. No regrets. As you sow, so shall you reap. My soulmate pointed out the other day a long list of what  we have done, spent and focused on over theses 40 years. It is amazing when you look back and see what you have accomplished. The titles and retirement funds may not be as impressive as others who went down a different path, but all in all we have a strong balance sheet of goodness, love and family experiences. Friendships and family have added significantly to our blessings. I've come a long way baby and hopefully have a good way yet to travel.

Happy, healthy and safe is what I pray for, for all of us. And hopefully much more time along the way to hug my loved ones.