April has been a hugely busy month, mainly due to the A to Z Blogging Challenge that I’m participating in on another blog. Regardless of how busy the month has been, it has also been a really great month, for no reason in particular. I think I’m just settling down into the life of retirement, feeling grateful for it, and really starting to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
We had a casual night out at our local pub, after a bit of an absence. As is usual, when I go to this venue, I went for a traditional old fashioned pub meal of fish and chips. It’s a meal that I love, and once again was absolutely yummy,but, as always there was much too much food on the plate. We bought a doggie box home for Oscar.
Garden
I’ve spent a big chunk of my spare time in the garden, over the past few weeks. It’s been a pleasure to be outside on the beautiful autumn days we are having. My favourite time of the year. I love seeing the leaves turning golden bronze and the warm days and cold nights.
We put in a new cottage garden when we first moved here, which I love. Even though it’s still a work in progress, it’s coming together quite nicely. I Will have to wait until spring to share photos, when there is more growth. There was one corner of the garden that I wasn’t satisfied with, so I decided it to re-do it, even though it didn’t really need rejuvenating. I have been busy pulling plants out and replanting them in other areas. It’s been fun to go out buying new plants for this area.
I have ordered a few new standard roses which won’t arrive until June, so I’ve been getting the soil ready for them. The new Double Delight roses that went in last year, are thriving.
My Favourite: Double Delight rose
Out and About
I caught up with my favourite bookish friend, Karen, during the month. We met in a book club about fifteen years ago, and stayed in contact when the book club folded. We spent two hours comparing books that we had been reading, and making recommendations to each other for future reads. Our catch ups are like little mini bookclubs. As usual, I came away with more books for my very quickly growing ‘tbr’ list.
Another highlight of April has been to reconnect with a work colleague, who has recently retired and moved not very far from us. We were great friends when we worked together, but didn’t really socialise as one or other of us was always working, and she lived an hour from us. We caught up over coffee earlier in the month, and she was my plant buying buddy at the garden nursery. I’m looking forward to us having more fun times together, without the need to rush, as was always the case when we were working.
Walking in the park has been lovely, as we shuffle our way through the autumn leaves. It’s been a pleasure, walking in the autumn sunshine. My knee is going well, and I’m able to walk for an hour without much trouble. I usually also do a second walk at the end of the day, so Oscar and I are both happy.
My partner and I have started a new Sunday morning tradition of having coffee at the lake, followed by a walk. It’s a fun thing to do, especially for him, as he works all week and on Saturday night doesn’t get home until 10pm. The slow start to Sunday, along with a walk is a lovely, relaxing way to start to his weekend.
Of course, if we’re talking about April smiles, then I need to include Oscar, as he makes me smile many times, every day. He had (very expensive) surgery due to an ear infection during the month, and was quiet for a couple of days. All went well and he is nowback to his normal playful self, and leaving his toys everywhere around the house.
My big news is that I’m now back on the bike after my knee injury. I’ve been stressing a bit that I may never be able to ride again, but after the first ride, I’ve realised that though I’m quite unfit, cycling isn’t going to be a problem. We are just a short bike ride, on the bike path, to the start of the O’Keefe Rail Trail, which is perfect.
The bike below is my new retirement ebike, which I bought just before retiring, in readiness. And then, the knee! Before this week, I had only ridden it a couple of times, so it still feels brand new and exciting.
I’m looking forward to riding down the bike path to my favourite coffee shop, in the autumn sunshine, without a care in the world, in my retirement. This is the way, I had envisioned my retirement would be, so I’m very happy it’s all coming together and working out the way I had planned.
Blogging
During April I have blogged here less than usual. This is due to the AtoZ Challenge. I am doing the challenge on my One Place Study blog and have blogged there every day in April, except Sundays, as per the challenge rules. Even though I was very organised for the challenge, with my posts all prepared before the start, it’s still very time consuming. However, it’s lots of fun.
Below are April posts published on all blogs:
Another phase:
Making Plans for April
Changing Seasons at the Garden For the Future
Best Bookish Blog:
Book Review: The Women by Hannah Kent
The Seven Sisters Series #5/6/7
Reading Update April #WOYBS
Jones Family History
Unfortunately, and a big surprise to me, there were no posts published during April. The month seemed to get away from me, again due to the blogging challenge.
One Place Study: Haverfordwest History
AtoZ Challenge, posting every day in April, except Sundays. I am up to date with the challenge. Today is the letter W, so we are almost at the finish line.
This post is linked to the monthly #whatsbeenonyourcalendar #WBOYC linkup hosted by bloggers Deb, Sue, Donna, and Jo. Pop over and check out what they have been up to during April.
I'm smiling reading your post, Jen as you certainly had an uplifting April. I'm so happy that your knee has improved and there won't be any stopping you now. I'm impressed with your AtoZ challenge you really are committed to that each year. The rose is stunning and I also love the new Sunday morning tradition you've started with your partner. Thanks so much for sharing at #WBOYC? and have a lovely May x
I miss being able to grow roses and cottage garden plants. Heavy sighs. SO happy to hear your knee is improved enough for you to begin cycling again. Heading over to check out your one place posts.