I haven’t written anything personal in a long time. Mostly because, well, life. But I feel big life changes need to be celebrated and shared so here I go…I have officially left the cold and snow behind for sand and sun for the next few months.
Let’s back up a bit…
In the last few years, my husband retired. But since we were not able to travel, life carried on pretty much the same, day in, day out, except for him getting under my feet all the time. We always talked about being snowbirds and now that restrictions are mostly lifted, we decided it was time to do it.
There was quite a bit of pre-planning. You really need to get your ducks in a row before you do this sort of thing. I’m sure it will become second nature in subsequent years but it was a little daunting this first time.
- How can I make sure my home is safe while I am away?
- How long can I stay away?
- Should I buy health and travel insurance? From where?
- What should I bring?
- Who will pick up my mail and check on things?
- Who will drive my car around every week to keep the battery fresh?
- Do we have enough medications for the time we will be away?
- Have we had all important dentist/doctor/etc. appointments done before we go?
- How will my adult children be without me?…Just kidding, they can figure things out on their own.
I have to admit, it is was a little scary. Going away, and so far away from home, for an extended period of time once you get older, is daunting. At least it is for me.
My biggest worry I had was health care and getting that in place before we left. Nobody plans to be sick while you are away but with the length of time we will be away from home, it was really important to me to have a contingency plan just in case. Thankfully, my husband’s retirement plan covers a lot of the expenses but we topped it up too for extra protection.
We also had a lot of doctor, dentist, bank, lawyer, etc. appointments before we left. Was I over-bearing and overly meticulous? Yes, that’s me. lol I drove my husband nuts for sure.
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As for my home, I bought these cameras, and these locks for my home. That made it easy for my older son to drop by whenever to check on my other son who still lives with us. Surprisingly, my younger son was ok with the cameras and security cameras we had installed around the house which I can remotely see whenever I want. He gets a big kick out of setting off the cameras by holding up the cat right in front of the camera knowing I will get a notification and see him.
I managed to cross everything off of my list.
I am not sure if I was waiting for something to unexpectedly happened and stop us from going or what but I didn’t actually embrace our journey and relax until we landed, walked out of the airport and seen our first palm tree. So…now what?
What will I do with myself?
I really have no plans. I mean none. I’m not working on anything, helping someone with something or filling up my agenda with appointments.
Being away for months is not like going on vacation. When you go for a short period of time, you jam a whole bunch of things in. But I don’t have to do that. It is pretty much just like home, except it’s warm and sunny, and there are no kids around asking me to do stuff for them.
Yes, it is heaven!
Lounging at the pool, taking sunset walks along the beach, taking lots of naps.
Heaven.
I actually read a book in 24 hours, am working on a needlepoint craft and write in my journal every day. My husband has purchased a used guitar and is practicing everyday. I love to hear him strumming and singing on the balcony.
Tomorrow I am meeting up with a friend I haven’t seen years that has recently moved into the area.
Life is good and I know I am blessed.