My Thoughts on Summer and Retirement

Yes, this is a boring post about the weather. It's officially summer now, and the temperature has skyrocketed into the 80s this week. That means no more fun in the sun for me. I can't stand the feel of the sun on my skin, and my brain starts to fry when I'm out more than a few minutes. The trek to the mailbox wears me out, and I spend about 15 minutes recovering every time I walk outside. Did I mention that I hate summer?

I'll never retire to a hot climate. On the other hand, I can't stand extreme cold, either, so I don't know where I want to move to after the kids are grown and gone. I suppose if I just stay inside all the time it won't really matter. But, I'm looking forward to doing all the fun stuff you see the older people in the commercials doing: hiking, biking, golfing, barbequing, etc., etc. I don't personally know anyone who does those things, but then I don't have a wide circle of older friends. Mostly the ones I'm acquainted with go out for lunch and take in an occasional craft show. They attend Bible study, and church on Sunday. Hmmmm, that sounds a lot like my life; does that mean I'm already old?

About Cameras and Newsletters

My daughter and I looked for cameras on the internet this morning; hers quit working, and we promised her one for her birthday in April. I gave her money to buy one (twice), but of course it's all gone. She has a catering job this weekend and will make enough money to pay for it, so I ordered her a new camera today. She's getting a Kodak EasyShare, in pink. It seems like a good deal, and has 10.2 Megapixels. Her old one had 3.

I have a new Nikon CoolPix, in maroon, and love it. Someday I'm going to take a class on photography so I can learn how to make my own calendars and Christmas newsletters. I know people probably don't like getting newletters because they seem so generic--but I want to make one anyway. :) I'll put a crossword puzzle, pictures, a maze, and other good stuff in it so it will be fun instead of just a "who cares" list of things my family did.

What do you like to see in a family newsletter? Or do you even bother reading them?

feeling blue

One of the baby skunks died today. It was injured somehow--possibly by my dog when I let him out this morning, possbily by a stray cat or other creature. My daughter and I took care of it as best we could; the vet said she couldn't help us. The Wildlife Center didn't call back until after it already died, but the lady there was nice, and said if anything happens to the others to give them a call.

I know it's the cycle of life: things are born, live a short while, then die. But why do they suffer? Why do animals, and people, die when they haven't even lived long enough to learn how to protect themselves? Why do some people care so much, and others don't seem to care at all?

Some days I have answers to those questions. Some days I don't. Today I don't know anything at all except that I am one of the ones who care, and I feel terrible.

Random Ramblings

I went to church this morning and really had a nice time. Some of my favorite people were there, and speaking to them always cheers me up. And, I looked great for a change. I have a new blouse that makes me look like a classy suburbanite, and a pair of black slacks that are just a wee bit too big. They have an adjustable waist and I forgot to tighten it before I left, so they didn't choke my guts through service. When I walked it felt like they might fall down, but that made me feel skinny...a lovely feeling.

Have you tried the Jolly Rancher drinks? I bought the watermelon flavor today, and it really tastes like the candy. Yummmy!

Some Sights of Summer

We've been inundated with baby critters this week. There's a little skunk that keeps following us around, and hanging out by the house. He is adorable, and though he tries to spray everyone and everything he sees, he's too young to have an odor--yet. I hope he finds another hunting ground before he matures enough to be a problem. (Edit June 7, 2009: There are 3 of the little skunks!)





This may be the same fawn we saw last week by my garden. He was laying in the grass today watching me walk around the driveway. He ran off when my dog joined me, but I wasn't quick enough to take his picture while he was running.




Living in the country is inconvenient, but I sure love the nature scenes.