So far I've been very busy during these first couple of weeks as a "retired" person. I've put in a couple of applications at veterinarian offices nearby. I'm hoping to be able to work close to home and am open to whatever God may surprise me with. I need to find a little something to feed all of our critters and pay taxes going forward. So glad that my husband is supportive.
Alex, Ellen, Me, Cathy, Traci & Karen
I got to go camping at one of my favorite places, McCulley Farms, with my buddy Cathy for New Years. It rained and got pretty darned cold, but we still had a relaxing and fun time. Our other friends, Mike and Traci Woodard were there as well and we met a new lady that Traci met on line. Ellen May is taking a ride about with her cute little Arab mare for a couple of months.
Traci, Karen, Alex, Me and Cathy
This past week was spent starting on my list of chores that I want to accomplish while I'm currently not working. Unfortunately, I discovered a pretty big leak and mold in our large back storage room. I've spent days cleaning that room up; threw away 5 extra large bags of junk and wet papers, pictures, etc and also was able to bag up 5 bags of good items for donation. Took in lots of books to my favorite bookshop and got $48 in credit. The next step is to get some roofing repair estimates and some sheet rock repair estimates. OUCH! Not the way I was hoping to spend my savings.
Life is certainly less stressful already. I have enjoyed spending more time with the horses, working in their horse pen and just set up their new round bale slow feeder net. I hope it will save us some money on hay as our girls waste a lot. The net is supposed to cut out the waste completely. I'm hoping it will be a good solution for us. I just have to make sure that the older mare, Dixie, gets enough to eat. She is not used to using a slow feeder net.
The girls try out the new hay net
I also fixed up an easy peasy nesting box out of a plastic bin thanks to another blogger's suggestion, and now my two little free range chickens are laying their eggs where I can find them now. YAY!
The rain was threatening today, so instead of loading up for a ride, I went for a walk with Cathy and her mini mule Luna. Her little mule pulls already pulls a cart, but we thought it would be a good idea for Cathy to get her used to more traffic and we certainly could use the exercise ourselves. :-)
I am leaving my job of 39-1/2 years on December 27th. I have been working toward a simpler life for a couple of years now and am ready to leave my corporate job and find a rewarding, stress free hourly job.
I am hoping to find a job in one of the local veterinarian clinics, or something else working with animals. Who knows, maybe start a pet/livestock sitting home business. I've never taken this kind of a risk before in my life and it feels awesome!
I have taken the proper steps, I am debt free including having just paid off my mortgage this month. My husband is supporting my decision and is my encourager.
My company graciously gave me an awesome retirement party last weekend and I felt so loved and appreciated. Here is a video of my career at W&O that my wonderful friend Karen put together and shared at the party.
