V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

I'm leavin' on a jet plane
Don't know if I'll be back again

Yes folks, I am goin' on vacation on Friday. I am taking the big silver bird to Dallas/Ft. Worth for a wonderful 9 days with my brother and sister-in-law. I am anxious. Probably more excited than I have ever been since I have been going there. I always have a great time. The weather there looks promising. I told them not to plan anything too strenuous cause I plan to hang loose.
Then it's back for a few more weeks of school, and then...did I mention I was retiring?????
Peace,
JE

What I Read #23

Blue Wolf in Green Fire by Joseph Heywood: I learned more about wolves than I ever knew before in this fast paced, exciting novel. Officer Service again was the conquering hero in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Thoroughly entertaining.
Happy Reading,
JE

The Times: They Are A-changing

Whoooppee!! I have finally made the decision to retire. I have had enough! Each year at the school, discipline gets tougher, the kids are rowdier, and less respectful. I actually felt nauseous this morning just thinking about going to school this AM. I take this as a sign that maybe, just maybe it's time for me to pack it in.
I have tried very hard to get my finances in order since I have become a widower, and have succeeded pretty well. I won't have a cent extra to blow, but if I am careful, I should be able to make it. I inquired with the school about insurance, and they informed me that even if I stay employed there next year, since I will be 65, and qualify for SS, they won't insure me any longer. I have been there for 9 years and in order to be paid for my accrued sick days, of which I have 19, I have to be there for 10 years. That sucks, but is it really worth spending another year of my life at school for $570.00? I think not. I tried to talk them into paying me for them anyway, but that is school policy, so no-go.
I am comfortable with this decision, even though it is a bit scary. I do look forward to being able to do some of the things that I haven't done because of time, and to working in my yard, and getting my house in order. I plan to do some short-term traveling and spending time with my kids and grands. That's what life is all about. I plan on singing my heart out in my quartet and just taking life easy. I began working away from home at age 15. That is 50 years ago. I think I deserve to retire.
Wish me luck!
Peace,
JE

What I Read #22

U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton: I have read them all and Sue Grafton hasn't let me down yet. How she can keep writing about the same character and make you want more is beyond me. But she knows what she is doing. Kinsey Millhone is still the nosey, but likeable P.I. who is unrelenting once she is on the case. U is no different. Still cast in the 80's, Grafton's characters are still believable and interesting. Those of you who follow the alphabet series will not be disappointed.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #21

Ice Hunter by Joseph Heywood. Great read about law enforcement in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Main character is a Conservation Officer. A good story line and interesting writing about the area. I would like to read more of Heywood's novels if they are about the same characters and area.
Happy Reading,
JE

Cricut mania strikes again

Last night I got a call from Curley. Actually, she called before I got home and talked to my grandson Kiddo, and left a message. She told me she had something for me for my birthday. That celebrated occasion isn't for two months yet, but she couldn't wait to give it to me. So I skipped choir practice and went out to her house. I took my Cricut and the equipment with me so she could see it. She had gotten me a new cartridge for the machine. A Christmas one. She knew I wanted it and that I make my own Christmas cards, so she came through with it for me. Of course we had to try it out and cut several different things. It was fun. What made it doubly fun was the fact that Curley's oldest son, Tallguy, came and sat with us at the table. His "two-cents-worth" comments were hysterical. We laughed a lot and had a great time. This was so thoughtful of Curley. She is a great friend. Now, what will get her for her birthday which is coming up here before very long? She doesn't have a Cricut. YET! But I am betting she gets one before long!
Peace,
JE

What I Read #20

The First Rule by Robert Crais: Man! You gotta read this one! This was exciting and Joe Pike and Elvis Cole were at their very best. Russian and Serbian mafia at their finest are infighting with each other. The ATF gets involved for a rollicking, high speed read. Run, don't walk, to your nearest book place.
Very Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #19

Forced Out by Stephen Frey: A break from big business. This was a real page turner. Exciting, well written and a welcome change for Frey. I would recommend this one!
Happy Reading,
JE

How Important are Roots?

I read the word "anomie" today and wondered what it meant. By looking it up, I found that it means lacking roots or the feeling of not belonging. Interesting!
As I approach age 65 and am giving more than a cursory thought to retirement, I am thinking seriously of moving. I mean really moving. Across the U.S. My only sibling lives in Texas and he has been encouraging me to join them in the Lone Star state. It all sounds great. Warmer weather year around, close to my brother in our later years, which we know can't last forever. I have looked randomly at places there, which may be or may not be affordable. I like it there. So what, you might ask, is keeping me from saying "O.K. and going.
I am afraid of "anomie," I guess. Here in the small Midwest town I live in I have roots. Outside of 2 years I spent in the Big City while in college, I have always lived here in this county. My roots go deep into the marl of this tiny blip on the map. Here I know my neighbors. I know the people who check me out at the grocery store. I know the people sitting beside me at church. I can walk down the street anytime and see people whom I know and that know me.
Right now, my children and grandchildren are here. That fact makes my "root system" go even deeper. But, I know, too, that my children will not always stay around here. Jobs are not too plentiful here, and there's really nothing keeping them here if they decide to look for more lucrative opportunities.
My friends are here. What would I do without Curley, my singing buddies, and , of course, my church family. Yes, I could make new friends, but would it be the same?
I fear going where I would be just another number. I fear going to a place where there are 4 to 6 lanes of traffic going in each direction. I fear a place where I have to drive at least an hour just to be out in the "country" instead of one city after the other after the other. I fear maybe living in a place where I could die and no one would care.
Growing old is not for sissies, I have determined. I am used to where I am and what I have. I do know that a house is just a house, stuff is just stuff, and I can live anywhere. But I have to have roots.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #18

The Fourth Order by Stephen Frey: This is not a favorite Frey book. It was confusing, hard to understand, distasteful, and just generally not a good read. There was too much going to keep trackof, and too many characters and sub plots. Maybe other readers will like it, but I had to struggle just to finish it. Better luck next time. I'm thinking that I should take a break from Frey's books and try something else, or I should stop reading for a while and do some Cricut work!
Happy reading,
JE

What I Read #17

The Day Trader by Stephen Frey: This was a fast read. Exciting with the money-grubbing rich guys, lots of suspense, and a wild ride to the end. The ending of this book was absolutely fantastic! I recommend this one!
Happy reading,
JE