Experiences in Retirement

      I'd have liked to have titled this, Adventures in Retirement, but that would be a stretch. Even in retirement life throws curve balls, but I'm rolling with them. 

      I was not expecting to be a caregiver for an aging dog with health needs that dictates my schedule. Other pets I've ever had clearly were in agony before assisting them to pass or died in their sleep. Pup, when awake, seems quite content, though often confused. He still likes though is very slow, his walks to the pond and park. The potty issues are tough. I'm trying doggie diaper bands. Fortunately it's just his bladder, and it's mostly that he's just not quick enough to alert us before too late. He clearly doesn't like having accidents as he howls for me when one happens. If I stay diligent during the day, use the bands overnight or if left alone, that hopefully solves the mess part. I'm also now one of those dog owners with a little stroller for him. This will solve the problem of him not being able to walk very far when I want long, brisk walks, or to take him along so he's not left alone so often or too long to outdoor events. I'm not complaining, but sharing the situation and how I'm trying to balance his needs in my life.

Pup walked himself into the cat tunnel then
just sort of gave up until I helped him out. 

     I'm doing a lot of other pet care. I mentioned my son left the cats with me until after labor day due to his summer schedule pulling him away multiple nights a week, particularly weekends. I've also had grandpup this whole weekend and will next weekend too. I'm rewarded in cuddles and extra ball play outside.

Pardon my knees, but Little Miss decided
this was a good resting spot. 

Little Mister found me still in pj's.

And...pup and grandpup enjoying the yard.
They don't seem to mind the weeds,
bare spots, and chaos.

     I was hoping to do more travel, but see above.  It'll be hard to arrange care. He went downhill fast when I was in Greece, or as my son says, "went full on old man dog" that week. There's also the budget. Having $200 more a month in medicine takes a bite out of the fun money (even after finding lower costs with Chewy pharmacy). But, with the stroller, I feel more confident doing daytrips and even short distant overnights at dog friendly accommodations. I'm close to reserving a two night stay in Galena, Illinois after many recommendations for shortish driving getaways. I can book at a slightly higher rate with cancellation as late as four days ahead. I'd likely go Thursday-Saturday or Friday-Sunday to not interfere with my daughters schedule for her dog. I don't know why I'm hesitating as with gas, hotel (even with extra pet fee), and meals can do for about $400. I earn easily that much in cash rewards on my Visa in a year and theres a sizeable balance already.

    I don't think I've ever made potato salad before. I had a large supply thanks to a loss leader and thought, why not try. I used this potato salad recipe because of the seemingly simplicity and that I had all ingredients on hand and seemed what I like best in the salad. I actually halved the recipe as I didn't want leftovers. It was, OK. Far easier to grab from the deli counter for the very occasional hankering.

     I've been watching, or at least it's on while I'm doing other things, The World Cup. For the life of me though, I can't figure out if some of these men went to training camp or drama camp. The overreaction to bumps and trips is sometimes comical as they try to draw a penalty. I coached youth soccer with both my girls and they seemed to roll with the falls with more dignity and less exaggeration. It's been a fun tournament, though the US giving up the winning goal with seconds left the other night was very deflating.

     We picked the next round of Mom's Book Club books. We tend to go September to June, but often have to stretch so might end up bumping a book. I've looked to see what has long reserve lists at the library. The Correspondant seems to be THE book right now so I got on the hold request now even though it's March's book.

September is Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books and so I'll try and add to my summer read list. Buying books is a main pause I'm trying to rein in miscellaneous spending. 

     I have some timing with some automatic scheduled payments and my car tabs all needing paid by or on July 1, but I left the checkbook tight. My retirement draw is supposed to happen by the 28th but I've found when it lands on a weekend like today, the dollars don't clear for several days later. It'll be fine, could even move funds around, though I prefer that it forces discipline to other spending. With June winding up, meteorological summer is nearly 1/3 over, though of course I know it technically just started and it ends September 20th. Retirement life is just sort of uneventful right now and that's ok.