Happy Halloween! I did succumb to tradition and bought candy to give out. However, I reduced the amount, don't need extras, and will limit my time. It's DD1's birthday and I'm making her a special pizza. Plus, I think, why not take her for a specialty coffee or another treat when she gets here? She'll have been gone over the weekend. If that happens, we might not even be around during some of the trick or treat hours.
I ended up spending $23.47 on treats, enough for 50 kids. When it's gone, lights are out. They'll also be out after DH gets home from work. And if the dogs are too stressed, I'll turn them off too, and bring the candy to a neighbor who's handing out. Halloween Grinch solved, but limit the chaos.
Tomorrow turns attention to planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm starting a budget, more about that next week. Cash for my kids will be the main gifts. They need things of value and cash to put towards said items, but not random stuff. DH gave me the greatest gift, committing to a retirement date. I need nothing but focus on the home improvements. Realistically, we'll be here another decade. I can't see us relocating while his mom is alive, and that, God willing, is a long time, and now we have at least one child in the area for the near future. We need to enjoy our home more.
Talking to my youngest, she mentioned that in hindsight, the Twin Cities area is much more appealing having now lived elsewhere for seven weeks. She missed true fall in Minnesota. We'll see what she says about true January when she gets home. I still hold on that DS might want to move back this way, or at least somewhere a bit more accessible for us. All this to say, we'll take our time figuring out where if at all, we want to relocate, or if we just do long winter vacations.
We talked at church with several old friends, one of each couple retired. On now does five weeks in Florida after new years, but don't want to relocate or even fully winter there. The other couple now have a grandchild blocks away, so are staying put. Ask me again in three months when I'm sick of winter where my head is at.
I've sort of rambled all over from Halloween to retirement living. Well, there's my money mind this Monday. Late fall is upon us; the unexpectedly beautiful days will be fewer, but we're still moving forward with our life and plans.
Deciding where to live after retirement is a difficult decision, I am opting to stay put for a while and see what eventuates. I don’t want to rush into a big financial commitment and then regret it as I have seen others do. It’s a hard decision and it has big ramifications. Megan.
ReplyDeleteThat's our course as well. We just don't want to make a poor decision for us. We both have siblings here too, so there's extended family to think about.
DeleteMy husband retired at 62 (three years ago!) and we have had same discussion about moving. Both of our sons are still in the area, so it's more about how long we can continue to maintain the house/yard and walk up and down the stairs. In the past three years we have redone the bathrooms, and replaced the roof, windows and siding. Now I don't want to move because I want to enjoy all of our efforts!
ReplyDeleteI know I'll feel that way too. Unfortunately we have a lot of steps so that will be a factor eventually.
DeleteI didn't buy Halloween candy this year, as we've never gotten any ToTers. We live at the top of a giant hill, in a neighborhood of largely older people. The neighborhood makeup is changing, as more and more original residents are selling and moving to retirement communities. I suspect we might get more kiddos in future years. Today is a regular day with soccer carpooling, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt seems weekday Halloween is less busy. Our community had so many weekend events that tt was probably an afterthought.
DeleteCongrats on finally getting your DH to commit to a retirement date!! Happy Birthday to DD1. I hope you enjoy your Halloween!
ReplyDeleteI had a good day. Pizza was tasty.
DeleteThat’s great news that DH set a retirement date! I’ve been picking up some holiday items each week just to try to get ahead of the game. I didn’t buy any candy since I work til
ReplyDelete7:30 and trick or treat is 6-8 here. Hubby is feeling better but probably shouldn’t be handing out candy yet anyway. Also rain showers are in the forecast so I doubt we will have any kids. I am dressing up a little for work though. Gotta have some fun! JoAnn
We ended up with 16 kiddos, just in the Cul de sac. I can see why he wouldn't want to get up for doorbells.
DeleteThat's great that your husband has set a retirement date, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI would love a bolthole in Greece to retire to, sadly Bresh*t put paid to that dream! xxx
I just changed the light bulb by my garage so I guess I’m ready for the kidlets. The last two years my lights were off and I felt guilty. I’m lazy today- did make a big pan of Chex mix to freeze for grandsons. Youngest came home briefly but then left to visit HS friends who attend college about 2 hours away. As DD says, we’ll see both boys Thanksgiving. Nan
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't feel guilty, just for me it's been such a part of the year to skip entirely felt odd. Chex mix is always a hit.
DeleteLiving in NWPA, I have to admit I love it here. Winter does suck, but the years we plan a hot vacation in the winter make them go faster.
ReplyDeleteI figure we can always travel. It's the day to day stuff though that gets old come winter. We'll likely hire out some of that though.
DeleteRamble On! (One of my favorite tunes.) Glad DH picked a date. I certainly hear you on wanting to, possibly, escape harsh winters. That's why we chose the PNW. I couldn't handle the winters of the Northeast, and DH couldn't bear the heat of the Southwest (or Southeast.) We had our Panhandle place for a while--it was affordable and less built up while we did, but, eventually, it became so populated, and getting there more difficult, that we sold. I could never live in FL fulltime, though I would have loved to help turn that purple state blue. That said, I DO miss New England, and extended family there, and spend many, many hours searching for properties in Maine. But, then I remember the brutally cold days, icy sidewalks, and winters which seem to last until June. Then, the heat and humidity in summer, and MOSQUITOES. The PNW was our compromise, but now, even the north sound, where I am, is experiencing a huge population surge--one of the reasons we moved from where we were was the unchecked suburban sprawl. (Also, in the midst of climate change, if you read climate science at all, you know this area will be one of the best places to be, as our geographic location ensures that. In spite of temperature rise, we will still get rain, thus WATER. Sea level rise, though--well, glad I'm at a higher elevation.)
ReplyDeleteIt would be tough being away from all family year round. We'd have the cabin for nice weather any time we wanted though.
DeleteI've been thinking more about the PNW. We need to do more travel to that part of the country.
DeleteWow, a retirement date! Now if we could get Anne's husband to do that. Happy birthday to the oldest. I can't believe my youngest will be 30 in less than a month!
ReplyDeleteThe years fly by. Anne doesn't seem convinced her hubs will ever retire. I'm looking forward to it for DH.
DeletePre-covid I was spending a couple of weeks around March somewhere hot and I found that was enough for me. Some people say why not spend the winter in Spain but I find I only need a few weeks break from the grey skies and I'm rejuvenated (mentally at least). So I think you're wise to give it some time. And well done to your DH for setting a retirement date!
ReplyDeleteWe'll not make rash decisions. Relocating somewhere just because of weather doesn't seem smart. Sluggy moved close to daughter. Who knows where my kids might end up.
DeleteI am glad you got the retirement date settled. When? We bought no treats since there is no light at all on the front of Tommy's house. Saturday, I was thinking, "now, on to Thanksgiving."
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth do you still have no light? I think we had a whole conversation a few weeks ago about the safety issue of two people with mobility issues having no outside light. Other people that needed to help you could get hurt.
DeleteI have to agree. I see Linda complain so much about things not being set up for her the way she wants at stores and medical offices but yet won’t put something in place for times someone may need to help her. It’s head shaking really. Time for Linda to get into her own place, have her kids help or sort out something else. Tough love time. And I’m an avid reader and fan of hers. Hard to read/watch such a wonky situation - Wendy in London. And if my email would help you PP bridge a gap or reach out to kids for help I’m here to help.
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