🌟 Because life doesn’t follow a theme — and neither does this blog
If you’ve been reading Around Dusty Roads lately, you’ve probably noticed that there isn’t exactly a theme happening. One day it’s cats, the next it’s a local adventure, then a recipe, then some random daily trivia. That’s retirement for you — footloose, fancy free, and no longer tied to a work schedule or those precious two weeks of vacation.
These days, I just enjoy jotting down whatever crosses my mind and sharing the little slices of life that make me smile (or roll my eyes). And for you youngsters out there, consider this a preview of what might be waiting for you when you finally escape the daily grind. Whether that’s a good thing… well, jury’s still out.
🌱 Projects, Experiments, and the Things That Didn’t Quite Pan Out
I’ll admit it — I’m still a little disappointed that Welcoming Haven didn’t take off the way I hoped. It was a solid idea; I just didn’t have the budget to push it where it needed to go. Same with my brief Etsy printable experiment. Let’s just say I’m much better at buying cute printables than designing them.
DoorDash had its moment too. It was fun… until it wasn’t. Once I factored in gas, maintenance, and the joy of climbing to third‑floor walkups with arthritis, the math stopped mathing. When I took a spill on a delivery run, that was my sign to wrap up that chapter.
So for now, no side gigs. Just me, my home projects, and the cats supervising everything I do.
📸 The Great Photo Tagging Marathon
One of my big undertakings is the massive photo‑tagging project. I’m working backward from Now and have made it to May 2021. Considering my media library goes back to January 2011, this should keep me entertained for a while. Maybe longer.
🧹 Decluttering: The Adventure Continues
Then there’s the decluttering saga. I’ve got boxes to donate, boxes to sell, and boxes that are destined for the trash — all currently cluttering my living space. But the cupboards are looking pretty good, and AARP swears I’ll be done in a few weeks. I’m choosing to believe them.
Part of my motivation comes from watching my sister deal with the mountain of stuff my mom left behind. I still have boxes from that era that I haven’t opened. Someday I’ll tackle them… probably when I reach the dining room. Until then, yes, the place looks a little like I’m auditioning for Hoarders: The Prequel.
🚶♀️ Health, Mobility, and a Dash of Pride
Now for the big topic: mobility. My arthritis has been getting worse, and while the hip replacement went well, I’m not eager to repeat the experience with my knee. I lost 25 pounds hoping it would help — and while I look better, my walking hasn’t improved much.
I’m seriously considering a walker. I still have the one from my surgery, but it’s not great for strolling around parks. A new one would let me load my camera on the seat and get back to exploring. The cane works, but juggling that and a camera is a circus act.
My pride is the real obstacle. I don’t want to admit I’ve reached the “walker stage.” But as the saying goes, pride goeth before a fall — and in my case, that might be more literal than I’d like.
Future Me?
🐾 And Through It All…
My days are full — projects, decluttering, mobility puzzles, and of course, the cats “helping” every step of the way. But one thing remains constant: I’ll keep sharing my rambling thoughts here on Around Dusty Roads.
Thanks for sticking with me through all the twists, turns, and experiments. And if you’ve got advice, stories, or your own retirement adventures to share, feel free to jump in. Even if I pretend I don’t want advice, I usually enjoy hearing it.