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This blog has been rather silent only for the reason that I continue to have ongoing writer’s block for what goes on this site. But I am not in hibernation, despite it being winter where I live in Maryland, USA.<\/p>\nThis blog has been rather silent only for the reason that I continue to have ongoing writer’s block for what goes on this site. But I am not in hibernation, despite it being winter where I live in Maryland, USA.<\/p>\n
Since I returned from my winter escape to Puerto Rico, I have been …
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\n… enjoying being retired where every day is a Saturday. Or one would think.<\/p>\n
I am enjoying a steady routine.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dawn.jpg?resize=300%2C195&ssl=1\")
My day begins before dawn. I still wake around 0430. Every single day. That is my biorhythm. Early to rise, early to bed has always been what I do.<\/p>\n
After tending to email and scanning the news, right before dawn, I go outside and sit by the garden where I scattered half of my late husband’s ashes to meditate. I am self-taught; no apps or classes. It works for me by listening to a repetitive sound, usually a woodpecker or when it is warmer, water trickling in the steam at the far end of my property.<\/p>\n
Meditation brings me peace, calm, and centers me. I am prepared for whatever the day shall bring on.<\/p>\n
Two mornings each week, I still take two lovely little old ladies grocery shopping. They are loathe to order groceries on-line for delivery. Let’s say they like to “squeeze the fruit” as well as ask for my help to get products they want but can’t reach on high shelves.<\/p>\n
Two or three days each week, I volunteer my services as a vaccinator and first aid helper at a non-profit community clinic that serves a large Spanish-speaking community. I also volunteer with my local fire department as a paramedic on an “as-needed” basis. I am “the oldest in the fleet,” but like a Timex Watch, I keep on ticking.<\/p>\n As Yogi Berra might have said, “the other nine or ten days each week” find me busy doing … well … lots of things. I can not remember. I keep busy but am not overloaded or overwhelmed. When I reach a fork in the road, I take it.<\/p>\n I haven’t gone on a date since mid-January. My intimate friend is also pretty much in hibernation, too. He can’t wait for Spring–the same as me. I am itchin’ to get out on my Harley and just ride.<\/p>\n * Puerto Rico, April 9 – 21. One week in the west where I feel at home, and one week in the Capital for meetings and a speaking engagement.<\/p>\n * Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 – May 6. I am leading a three-day meeting for a national-level group, as well as taking some time in advance of the meeting to adjust to jet lag. Hang out with friends, rest & relax on a beach somewhere.<\/p>\n I likely will return to Puerto Rico for the winter again, but have not made plans this far out.<\/p>\n Anyway, this is my boring little life update for now. <\/p>\n Life is short: live life by the bucketfull!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This blog has been rather silent only for the reason that I continue to have ongoing writer’s block for what goes on this site. But I am not in hibernation, despite it being winter where I live in Maryland, USA. … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Medicblog.jpg?resize=300%2C282&ssl=1\")
Those days are my usual “off days” where I have nothing else scheduled. I work on my website<\/a> as an ongoing hobby, participate as a leader for two national-level organizations and three local organizations in which I remain involved (usually via email and video meetings), and do some housecleaning, laundry, and home organizing. One thing of many that I miss about my husband not being here is that he did the laundry and half of the housecleaning. I hate those chores, but they have to be done.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BHDsmilealum.jpg?resize=292%2C300&ssl=1\")
I continue engagement with my undergraduate alma mater<\/em>, and show up on campus regularly to do different things, from attend lectures, watch sports events as a guest of campus leadership, or meet with campus officials about my ongoing philanthropic ideas and scholarships I have endowed. I also go swimming at the campus’ huge “natatorium” (Olympic-sized indoor pool) once each week. Students learning to be physical trainers coach me. I need all the help I can get.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/HawaiiKona.jpg?resize=224%2C300&ssl=1\")
I have three major trips planned this year, so my “off time” has involved a LOT of trip planning and arranging. This year (so far):<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bootedmanblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/CalgaryStampede.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1\")
* Western Canada, July 1 – July 12. I am taking a photo adventure tour. Begins in Vancouver, goes via train to the Rockies, transfers to a bus and goes through Lake Louise & Banff, then ends up in Calgary where I’ll attend to watch the Calgary Stampede and its hot cowboys! <\/p>\n