I use this time to reorient myself to what’s important — When we board the ferry we feel our shoulders relax. We are making a crossing that is familiar but never ceases to work its magic on us. As we cross the inlet to an uninhabited island that will be our home for the next 5 days, we breathe easier. …

There are no Mondays anymore! — I know my husband is grateful beyond words that he doesn’t have to face Monday morning traffic anymore. He always hated Mondays, and now, every day is Saturday, so there are no more Mondays to dread. But what I am finding is that retirement also brings a feeling like the…

Learning as we go how to do this retirement thing. — My husband retired a couple of weeks ago and we are on a steep learning curve. The advantage we have is that we have a strong marriage and are in alignment on the most important things in life. …

It’s hard for a hugger to understand — I am a hugger. I know just reading that will make non-huggers cringe. …

The first three days were a honeymoon. Now the hard work begins. — My husband turned 68 in February and he retired on March 31. …

This is a lesson I have to learn over and over again — “The attribute of reverence is the remedy for rescuing.” — Matt Kahn When we love someone it is hard for us to watch them struggle without wanting to jump in and rescue them, or judge them, or grieve for them - or all of the above all at the same…

Some things have an expiration date — I started writing and publishing here in 2019. It was a way for me to process a lot of what I was experiencing in my life. My mother was diagnosed with a serious illness and I was estranged from my youngest daughter. …

Are you feeling frozen, too? — I’ve been chastising myself for not being able to get anything done for the last few days. I seem to be spinning my wheels, and I usually just end up wandering around feeling a little lost. …

I would not be who I am without the influence of gardens and gardening, which is why I am passing the gift on. — As a very little girl, I followed my mother around in her garden, helping her by uprooting all her newly planted tomato plants. I laid each plant neatly beside its hole. I don’t remember this incident; it is merely family folklore that I hear repeated. But I know it to…