Five Years Later. . .

Twenty-seven years as a homeschool mom ended for me five years ago when my youngest graduated from high school.

Now a married woman, this precious daughter and I reflected on the number of years that have passed. Here she is in her own home, a brand new husband, a dog, and much happiness.

I thought about my own life. I even spoke out loud, "What have I done in those five years?"

A lot.

A look back.

I traveled to Hawaii, England, Ireland, Italy, and France for extended amounts of time.

I bought a kayak and thoroughly enjoy paddling it in our local waters.

I passed six terms in French and Italian language study, and am in my seventh.

I study American Sign Language.

I took two art history classes and visited numerous art museums.

I have participated in a lengthy study of early philosophers and philosophy.

I began an extensive study of the Left Bank artists of Paris.

My husband and I bought a large swimming pool and have put it up for enjoyment every summer.

I have designed and supervised the construction of a beautiful, long concrete walkway along our house.

I've learned to prepare French foods such as croissants, Mousse au chocolat, and Croque Monsieur.

I negotiated the use of land which increased the quality and use of ours and our neighbors' property.

I have reconnected with college friends, sharing many visits, laughs, and deep conversations.

I continue to play tennis - badly - with my husband.

My mother died - I grieve.

My father died - I grieve.

I orchestrated the cleaning of my mother-in-law's hoarded house - a nightmare, but it's done.

I helped plan the weddings of two daughters who were married six months apart.

I have continued writing three blogs, three paper journals, and the occasional published article.

These things quickly pop into my head. I know there are more delightful and difficult experiences within those five years. Some things are too private to share here.

I am satisfied with how I've spent my time as a retired teacher. I intend to keep learning, traveling, following my curiosity, pursuing my dreams, serving those I love. I look forward to being a grandmother to my very first grandchild soon.

"Aging can be fun if you lie back and enjoy it." ~~ Clint Eastwood