Things to do... or not do. What do you put off?

Good morning Hodgepodge friends!  Without further adieu, here are this week's questions with my answers.  Feel free to chime in here in the 'comments' section, or on Facebook.

1. What does retirement mean to you? Are you planning for it, not thinking about it, looking forward to it, or dreading it?

Retirement sure can be a big ole question mark!  Who knows how long you will live?  And, how will you keep busy?  Do you have the funds required?  How will your health be?    Hubby and I have done our best to plan financially and have thought it through on where to live (here) to enjoy our 'later years.'  I admit that I am going through a bit of a head challenge right now about reaching the years of 'down-sizing' - and just wondering how I got to it already!?!  I have been thinking about giving things to my daughters as they get their own homes. And giving other things to charity.   It's harder than I thought. I try not to be about things, but it's also hard to let go of items that have sentimental value. 

My hubby tried retirement once already and it lasted about six months.  He needs business stimulation and challenges.  But, he is also pretty tired of business game-playing and all the traveling.  So, I don't know how much longer he will stick with it this second time around.

Then we will have many more hours together, after all of our married life being on our own in many ways.  That will be an adjustment.   He is high energy and I am more laid back.   So, it concerns me a little.  He likes projects. Activity.  I like 'doing' at times, but I also like just 'being' with a book or with music.


So, yes, I am thinking about retirement a lot (hubby's) and I am thinking how it's a major life change... for both of us.   We will go with what each day brings - together.

2. It's International Guitar Month...do you play? Does anyone in your family play? What's a song you especially like to hear played on the guitar or a favorite song featuring the guitar?

I wish I played.  I have tried several times to learn on my own but never stuck with it - and I never allowed my fingers to get calloused enough for the strings.   My hubby has also thought of learning (perhaps a retirement hobby??)  and one year I bought him a guitar as a gift.   So, we have one in the house.

I have said this before, but I love love love a singer/songwriter who can sing and accompany themselves on an acoustic guitar.  I find it mesmorizing!  I play flute and a little piano - so I have enough musical knowledge to understand the ability it takes to play guitar and sing - and to hold an audience with it.   I love it too because it's raw, open...there is no hiding behind other instruments.  Such a talent!!

A favorite?  I love a lot of the "folk sound" of the 60's and 70's.  Today:  Keith Urban is a triple threat - songwriting, singing, playing his guitar.  One of his early songs "You'll Think of Me" is wonderful.  Also "Tonight I Want a Cry".


3. What's your comfort food?

When all else fails, I go to peanut butter.  It's always in my pantry.  I slather some on Ritz crackers.  Or, I make a sandwich - and I am happy!

4. What's one activity or area of your life where you absolutely never procrastinate?

Gee, it's easier to tell you areas where I do procrastinate!   Like today (actually, last week) I need to call the sprinkler irrigation system guy to come repair some sprinkler heads. I am terrible about calling repair people in general - or anyone that I have to be at their 'beck and call' for... because they keep me waiting.  Grrrr  

Where I do NOT procrastinate?  In general I am not a 'last minute' person so I will say if I have a project, then I prefer to finish it up a few days before a deadline. I don't like the stress of waiting until the last minute.

5. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Does your local store bag the groceries for you or is it a do-it-yourself kind of place? Do you like someone packing your groceries?

I do the food shopping for our home.  Hubby does it for our riva cabin because he goes there more - he keeps an office there.  The stores I go to - Publix, Lowe's, Fresh Market - have baggers.  Most places here in the south do.  I appreciate it.  It moves the checkout line along faster and is better customer service.  Plus, the stores' employ more people.  So, it's a win-win.  

6. What's the coolest thing you've seen in nature?

Oh wow!  So many things!  In general I find nature awesome!   (Except for snakes.)   I can't think of one thing that was unusually cool or different, or odd, but I love the sights and sounds of nature. 

7. Share a favorite quote about home.

Well, Dorothy said "There's no place like home!"

And, I always like a Tim McGraw lyric.  This song is called "Home."



Back home
Where the memories all have gathered up
And slowly turned to gold
And I carry them along with me wherever I may go
And I feel fine
So fine
In knowing that this road I'm wandering on
From time to time
It always leads me home
Back home


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tonight starts the 3 final nights of "American Idol."   You gonna watch?   I am looking forward to seeing many of the past winners appearing on it.  So, many many singers have gotten their starts from Idol!   There's going to be lots of hoopla.         I have said it before: I will certainly miss this show!