It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

My Reflections on Retirement- a cautionary tale

it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us...
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

I have reached the ninth month of my retirement life.  

I have given birth to boredom and second thoughts.

Perhaps I should have waited to collect "full retirement benefits" at age 65, 66 or 70!

My premature departure at 62 has left me in a less than desirable financial state.  

Continuing to indulge in the reckless lifestyle I had grown accustomed to was slowly draining my savings and threatening my security. 

Once the gift cards ran out and the checks were cashed in,  reality hit me like a ton of bricks.  

The every other week paydays, opportunities for extra income via overtime and working holidays at time and a half $$ had vanished into thin air.

My monthly pension and social security payments were my new reality. And they were not going to increase or arrive more often then scheduled.  

(Regrettably, I had even tapped into my 401K on several occasions. Realizing that my retirement savings was going to have to last me the rest of my life, I resolved to only use that money as a last resort!)
So, either I had to go back to work or I had to change my life style. My old job was gone and I wasn't ready to flip burgers at McDonald's quite yet.

Therefore, I came up with a ten step plan of action:

1. Stop going out to eat on a daily basis.
try for three times a week and go at lunch time

2. On that same line of thinking, learn to cook!  Practice, practice, practice. Be creative.

3. Do not go to the mall!  (do not commit spontaneous acts of purchase)

4. Make a list when grocery shopping and stick to it.  Go for sale items and use coupons.

5. set  goals and reward myself realistically. (no take out pizza til I loose 3 lbs, no horseback riding til I loose 30 lbs)

6. Go to the library rather than loading up on E books.

7. Stay Busy!  Make a schedule and incorporate exercise as part of my daily routine.

(I joined a Wellness Center and will keep a calender of attendance to justify the expense versus the health benefits.)

8. Have a vacation fund.  If I know I have the air fare ahead of time, I won't feel guilty or deprive myself.

9. Take time to unclutter my life.  Throw away, give away or otherwise remove excess baggage. reorganize!

10. Enjoy family and friends.  Make time to write, call or visit loved ones.
After all... the best things in life are free!  :-)

If I can successfully fulfill that list, I will strive to be more global or, at the very least, community centered next time around .  (For example, walk dogs at Humane Society, volunteer at church or nursing homes, etc.)

But one step at a time.

If all else fails, you may see my smiling face in the persona of a Walmart greeter!!

"I am the breadman, they are the breadman. 

I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob"

Ho ho ho, hee hee hee, ha ha ha... Sorry, couldn't resist.  So many Beatle songs, so many choices!

Supper at the picnic table- check out the tin TV dinners! 

Nicholaus Joel was born on August 27, 1957.  He was the seventh child and the youngest of my six brothers. 

Nic was named after our maternal grandfather, with a possible nod to my Uncle Nick as well.

When my parents moved from Lakewood to Massillon back in 1974, Nic became the oldest of the four children to make the cut.  My parents abandoned the older five birds along with the nest! 

Jan had long ago flown the coop.

with the parents

The Kucera Family

Nic married Lori and fathered Zachary and Trevor. 

Today they live in a cabin down south in the Atwood Lake region.  He is the proud grandfather to Joni Lynn.  

And yes, he IS a "breadman" by default but at  heart and soul, he is a "lensman"!

beautiful beautiful beautiful boys

the little cabin in the woods

musical ability is in the genes

Nic is a talented and skilled wedding photographer.

For years he "practiced" at his older sibling's weddings and developed the expertise and eye necessary to capture those once in a lifetime shots.

He also photographs sports teams, shoots senior pictures and has entered and won many contests in local art shows.

His assistant extraordinaire is wife Lori, who is able to utilize the computer and her scrapebooking knowledge to take the photos to new heights.
They are an inventive and more than capable team and I know the future looks bright for their dream of a photography studio.

Meanwhile, he labors away in his "day job" until he can make the move.

the shutterbugs

Here is hoping it is a short term goal and that the breadman is soon a distant memory.

Yesterday we gathered together to help celebrate his 55th birthday.
Happy Birthday, brother!

"Hau`oli Lā Hānau"

Greetings on your birthday, in Hawaiian!   

Kani (or Kaniele for Daniel) is celebrating his birthday this year somewhere on the Islands of Hawaii.  Lucky.
Wish I were there... no, REALLY, I wish I were there!!
Daniel Warren was born August 20, 1954- the fourth son of a preacher man.
He is the Executive chef for the Washington Convention Center and, hold your breath ladies, according to his Facebook status, he is presently single!

Danny is the most adventuresome of my siblings and he has traveled the world in search of  unusual and culturally unique cuisines.
From the jungles of South America to the Peruvian mountain tops and beyond, Danny has explored back alley kitchens and tasted the strange delicacies of the local street vendors.
He is an Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern wannabe.
I am more of a Bob Evan's girl, myself.

a frankfurter and beer in Frankfurt

Although I was fortunate to have accompanied him and my parents on a memorable trip to our father's homeland, the former Republic of Czechoslovakia, back in 1992.
Even now I can recall the unusual dishes prepared for our dining pleasure by our well meaning relatives, most especially the infamous "fat sandwich".  My eyes still water and I suppress a gag from the mere memory of it.
We fared far better while touring Germany, Hungary and  Austria, especially sampling those fabulous meals on the trains.  Who will ever forget the taxi driver's reaction when he saw our mountain of luggage: "Spectacular!"  He said it was the heaviest load he had ever carried.  And this was before luggage was on wheels.  Danny and I carried each and every piece from country to country.
Thank you, Danny, for allowing me to tag along on the adventure of a lifetime!

The Bratislava relatives

Your horoscope for today:
This is a year in which you might put your life in order in some manner. Improved concentration, a more realistic outlook, and a practical awareness of the limits of time all help you to make steady progress, particularly in your career. Your concern for your future this year is stronger than usual, and you may find that projects you start, or investments you make, this year will benefit you for years to come. The key to success this year is adopting a realistic, practical, disciplined, and orderly approach to your life.

where's the beef?

LEO:  Keywords: Creative, Generous, Flamboyant, Egotistical, Selfish, Attention-seeker, Optimistic
The Leo lover is devoted, creative and almost too hot to handle! Since Leo rules the heart and back, however, overzealous Lions may have to take a deep breath and slow down a bit. 

a beautiful family 

The great strengths of the Leo-born are their creativity, idealism and leadership. Lions don't lack for ambition, either, so they're likely to accomplish a lot -- and have fun while they're at it. Their warmth and loyalty ensures that others will enjoy the ride as well.

still friends

"Welcome back, Cotter" days

star of the play Johnny Appleseed

There's no other love like the love for a brother.  There's no other love like the love from a brother.  ~Terri Guillemets

I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.  It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage.  Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at.  ~Maya Angelou

A friend is a brother who was once a bother.  ~Author Unknown

father and son today

"Oh, Danny boy!"

A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.  ~Author Unknown

Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.  ~Susan Scarf Merrell

Giddy Up Cowpoke

Me and my trusty steed

Last week I went horseback riding with my friend Faith, four of her seven kids and 18 of their 69 cousins.
Yes, they even outsize the Kucera clan!

Each member of the Lanshe family has a minimum of five kids.

We only average1.2 offspring per sibling. (I guess I didn't contribute my fair share)

Embarrassed by my size and feeling too guilty
to put the horse through that much discomfort, Faith and I sat out the riding experience that day.
(Al tho the cowboys assured me they had a mixed draft horse that could easily accommodate me.)
Might as well bring me a Clydesdale!!!


Ironically, the name of the place was Faith Ranch!

these boots were made for walkin'

here comes dinner!

Located in south eastern Ohio (Jewett), it was just an hour and twenty minutes drive through sceneic backroads and country lanes.

With all of the hustle and bustle of city living, take a moment to step away from it all and experience the peace and tranquility to be found at Faith Ranch

Faith Ranch blends the best of people with the best of nature to paint that clear picture of the wonders of God, oh yeah and you get to ride horses as a bonus.

 I was impressed that all the staff were patient and considerate of both the rider and the horse.  So lay back and unhurried, they took extra steps to optimize everyone's ranch experience.
They even had special mounting decks to easily get on and off the horses.
With arthritis and weak wrists and increased weight concerns, this is definitely something I will appreciate and take advantage of next time.
Also their rates are very reasonable ($20 per hour). They even have overnight accommodations with perks like campfires, hayrides, barn dances and real cowboy chow!
And so, as the sun sets in the West, I will borrow words from Roy Rogers and end with "Happy Trails to you... until we meet again!"

instructional tutorial

petting zoo

mini horses

7,000 private acres to explore

Happy Birthday 

Yes, this is becoming a never ending "birthday blog".
With ten siblings,  I am afraid I've only just begun!

Beth is the baby in our family.  We saved the best for last!
By the time she came along, the excitement and novelty of capturing  and  preserving the many milestones in a baby's life was long extinguished.  (Been there, done that...)
Video cameras were not yet invented and our old vintage 8mm movie camera was out of order.
Sadly, there are precious few photographs and even less film archives to validate my sister's early years.
Even my Dad's infamous audio tapes were no longer being recorded.
Sorry, little sister.
If it's any consolation, you can always view  the miles and miles of tape documenting every moment of my childhood :-)

Beth Ann was born on August 1, 1963.  (Every female in our family was given the middle name of "Ann", including all of our dogs!)

This was a year marked by two other events that would abruptly end  my age of innocence: the assassination of  President Kennedy and the sudden loss of my beloved Grandma.  It was also the year I got my period!

I was thirteen years old and still lived in a fantasy world of make believe.  Heck, I still played with baby dolls and the worst thing I had experienced up until then was the death of Bambi's mother in a Disney cartoon.

The birth of my last baby sister was the only joyful event of the year.

So, "Happy Birthday, Beth".
At 49 years of age, you are the last of the Kucera siblings to enjoy the under 50 status!!!
Just one more birthday and you will be oldies but goodies like us...
God bless you and grant you health and happiness for all the days of your life.

The Davis Family

Beth meaning and name origin

Beth \b(e)-th\ as a girl's name is pronounced beth. It is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Beth is "house". Short form of Elizabeth (Hebrew) "God's promise", Bethel and Bethany. Not used before the 19th century. Literary: Louisa May Alcott gave the name to the sweet, gentleand most beloved of the four daughters in "Little Women".

If You Were Born Today, August 1:

Famous people born today: Yves Saint-Laurent, Dom DeLuise, Jerry Garcia, and Sam Mendes. 

Back in 1963, Coolio was also born on this day!!

Early 70's

Your Birthday Year Forecast:
Your birthday this year occurs shortly after a New Moon, suggesting a time of new beginnings and fresh energy. You are instinctively starting a new phase in your life. It's time to give your life a makeover and to branch out into the untried.
Care should be taken when it comes to expressing yourself this year, as the chance of misunderstandings runs high. Fuzzy thinking or glossing over important details should be watched for. Nevertheless, you are eager to put some of your ideas into action this year.

And now some sister quotes:

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they'll still be there.  ~Amy Li


Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life.  ~Charles M. Schulz


If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.  ~Linda Sunshine

The original Fab Five

No Sex and the City

Night out on the town .  OK, we are not quite "sex in the city" material!

Happy Birthday, Donna! 

Now you have caught up to your old friends Cindy, Carol and Judi!!!

 Although in general we have aged rather gracefully, we can still feel the accumulated wear and tear from our time on this planet.


Today, for YOU, that would be a grand total of 22,630 days!
And I have been privileged to have known you for 16,790 of those days :-)


"It's not the years, it's the mileage!"

God Bless and Keep you for many many more.

Birthday Horoscope for July 19th:
Cancer is the fourth sign of the astrological year and is known by its symbol, the Crab.  Cancer individuals are intelligent, organized, generous, home loving and tenacious.  They are also devoted to family members and provide enormous emotional support.  AMEN to all of that!!

A few celebrity birthday buddies: 02/03 Morgan Fairchild 02/06 Natalie Cole 02/10 Mark Spitz 02/13 Peter Gabriel 02/18 Cybill Shepherd 03/02 Karen Ann Carpenter d.2/4/1983 03/11 Bobby McFerrin 03/13 William H. Macy 03/12 Jon Provost 03/26 Teddy Pendergrass 03/26 Martin Short 03/21 Tom Berenger 04/12 David Cassidy 04/20 William Hurt 04/22 Peter Frampton 04/28 Jay Leno  In 1950:  3,632,000 babies are born

Oops... I messed up!

Donna and her sister Lynn a few days ago

A friend is someone who knows all about you... and still loves you!"

51... or 15?  You be the judge!

 My sister Laurie celebrates her 51st birthday today!  

The meaning of the name Laurie is Laurel
(Any of a number of shrubs and other plants with dark green glossy leaves, in particular the mountain laurel and the bay tree)

On your birthday July 14th 1961:

 Jane Goodall arrives at the Gombe Stream Reserve in present-day Tanzania to begin her famous study of chimpanzees in the wild.

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Laurie
Happy Birthday to You.

From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.

Celebreties who share your birthday:

Actor Harry Dean Stanton is 86. Actress-singerPolly Bergen is 82. Actor Vincent Pastore(“The Sopranos”) is 66. Singer-comedian Kyle Gass of Tenacious D is 52. Actress Jane Lynchis 52. Actor Jackie Earle Haley is 51. ActorMatthew Fox (“Lost”) is 46. Actress Missy Gold(”Benson”) is 42. Singer Tameka Cottle of Xscape is 37. Country singer Jamey Johnson is 37. Musician taboo of Black Eyed Peas is 37.  Also Woody Guthrie and Gerald Ford.

• 
  

  Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/14/2894017/celebrity-birthdays-on-july-14.html#storylink=cpy

• Your name of Laurie gives you a very happy-go-lucky, spontaneous nature.
   
• You see the humorous side of many situations and can laugh at yourself as well as at others.
   
• This name gives you a musical, artistic nature and you would do well in any occupation in the entertainment field.
   
• You have many friends because of your generous, happy nature, but if crossed you have a quick temper, although your annoyance does not last too long.
   
• You do enjoy an argument and will at times say things just to get others going and then you sit back and enjoy the debate.
   
• You lack system and order and find it very difficult to budget and save money.
  
• Although the name Laurie creates idealism and the urge to help others, we emphasize that it frustrates you through a scattered and emotional nature.
   
• This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the nervous system, liver, and bloodstream.

 Dyslexia?  Who moved your candles?!

July 14 Cancers are quick-witted, highly verbal, and prone to react in a haughty manner when crossed. Although social and fun-loving, they are more serious than they appear. They understand the structure needed to maintain tradition.

Friends and Lovers

July 14 people are likely to feel especially close to someone who has acted as a mentor to them. In love, either they met their partner through an unusual set of circumstances or they persevered through difficult times in order to keep their marriage or relationship together.

Children and Family

Whether they are aware of the fact, July 14 folks have a desire to constantly reconnect with their upbringing. They have great respect for their parents. As parents, they are often far too permissive. They believe a child should have maximum freedom to develop his or her own potential without interference from parents.

Grandma Cook and her musical birthday cake server

"Hail, hail the gang's all here!"

Sisters Lois, Judi, Beth and Laurie

               "A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."