A Girls Gotta Shop!

And then there is shopping! Okay, so aside from the ability now to just go out for lunch with girlfriends when we can make it work, I can also pick and choose when I take an hour or two or three to go shopping. I’m not talking groceries here, that is still a chore but when the urge hits to buy something new (or even new to me) and inexpensive to wear, I am able to go without any time restrictions.

I can’t deny and would never even attempt to try to deny that I love my clothes and the thrill of hunting for those unique purchases. Shoes are not a huge thing for me, nor purses, I have ample for whatever occasion should arise. Other than that when it comes to finding something special to wear count me in for the challenge. It isn’t always a ‘need’ but yesterday there was some of that.

Bill was on vacation from his regular job but was called in to do a couple of orientations on newly purchased rv’s at CanAm. He loves that part time job so seldom turns it down. It meant I would be alone here with the mutt all day so wanted to plan things to keep me busy.

First thing I needed to use up 3 ½ very ripe bananas so made a loaf of bread and also some extra fresh fruit in the fridge that was aging so made up a fruit cobbler for dinner.

Using the convection oven is a learning experience for me but since it is my only baking option, I am picking it up quickly! The bread looks wonderful and the cobbler was yum yum yummy!

Little more topping than fruit but delicious none the less!

That was my morning and I needed to get into the city to purchase an anniversary card and gift for a party on Saturday evening. Their gift of choice is simply a donation to the local food bank which is very generous of them. After 50 years of marriage what more could you want, when you have the perfect union?

So since I was in London I decided to take my time and visit a few stores I’ve not frequented for quite some time with my retirement gift of a prepaid Visa card. I stopped at the new Winners plaza on Exeter Road and had a ball! Tried things on, dismissed this and that but walked out with a couple of versatile items. One was the perfect cover for a dress in the event of a cool night at a July wedding.

Clemson modelling a few of my purchases.

Poked around here and there and found myself drawn to “clearance” and “buy 1 get 1” deals in various stores in White Oaks mall.

My receipts always display 'savings'.

I made a stop in the Bell store to pick up a prepaid phone card and price a turbo hub in case that is the way we go, and then touched base with my hubby to see how long he might be before continuing my spree. Three hours later and a few new articles for my closet I was exhausted and just wanted to get home. I hopped on the 401E and was home to Clemson by 4:30.

I love this feeling of freedom that retirement gives us. At home, I grabbed a bottle of water and listened to our neighbor in the park talk of her work schedule and I wanted to envelop her in the cocoon of how nice this is. She has a few more years to go but is a nurse working 12 hr. shifts and has a very strict regiment for her days. Of course she does, we all did!

When Bill arrived home from his long day at 6 pm he suggested we hop down the street to Alberta’s for dinner instead of barbecuing.

No argument from me. We love their food but they are very slow in food service so didn’t get home until 8:30. Bill had one of his regulars, fish and chips and I had one of mine, a rambunctious chicken quesadilla! Loved it! By the time this settled we were anxious to sample my cobbler. Success!

That is it for another fun-filled day in my life of retirement. I hope yours are just as bountiful!

Thank you for stopping in.

Retirement Lunch

With a few pension cheques under my belt from my former job, I’m starting to settle in. I’ve been nervous about one thing and that is my speech for our June luncheon. Every month, for the time period that Bill and I have been working, we have paid $1 towards the gift fund. It was a choice when we were hired and since you don’t miss such a small amount, we both signed up individually.

The gift fund provides either flowers, gift cards or a monetary gift towards our wedding, birth, death of family member or retirement throughout our career. Each June a lovely retirement luncheon is hosted by said Gift Fund and members can attend for $3.50. I have gone to every one since it started and loved reuniting with co-workers from other departments as well as congratulating those who have retired.

This year it is our turn, Bills and mine. I could just go, accept the lovely lunch, the introduction, my gift, say thank you and sit down BUT…………I have things I want to say and even though putting the words on paper is simple for me, getting those same words out of my mouth to a roomful of people is a whole other story! Why do I put myself in this position? Well, I am proud of what I’ve accomplished in my career with the Board and want to share my humble beginnings with the many newer staff who have no idea of the changes over 33 years.

We arrive, all gussied up with 9 other retirees for our social including lemonade, fruit and pictures. Corsages/boutonnieres are pinned on and we get photos taken individually and as a group. Very nicely done although a little confusion due to the cooler weather. Inside or outside?

After lunch, a cheese stuffed chicken, green beans, carrots and salad topped off with strawberry shortcake and whipped cream, speeches begin. Obviously with our last name beginning with an  ”R” I know we are near the end……….so even though I enjoy the other speeches, the nerves are settling in with each retiree’s intro. Breathe Pat breathe.

Our supervisor, Deb, rises and introduces us both together at our request. Mine, especially, feeling that I need Bill’s closeness for support. My speech is about 6 minutes long, when practiced at home here but I probably ran through it in 4 min. tops. Lucky for the audience, no doubt!  At least I remembered to pause and look at people once in a while even though I read from my notes verbatim.

 

Bill stepped up after me with no paperwork and although he surprisingly sounded a bit nervous too, he spoke off the cuff! He is so good at that and he got a few chuckles as he’d hoped. We were done. I folded my papers and we sat………. then I relaxed. I wish I didn’t get that way but I think I have actually improved over the years, if you can believe it!

The gift cards were in a denomination much higher than either of us expected and for the venue of our own choosing. Nice, we can eat and drink on the ‘house’ for a while!

Our pictures were ready before we left which was nice and didn’t turn out too badly. Who really likes having their photo taken? We will have to get a frame so it can be hung in our home.

With that business out of the way I have no other reason to worry and stew about anything. The rest of the week is slipping by.

Thank you for stopping in! Comments are welcome.