Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow—by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, 1945

Snowy days define my retirement. Define, you may ask. Let me take the long way to explain why.
I just celebrated my 75th birthday and I’ve tried to stay mindful and intentional with my actions. After all, I don’t have a lot of years to waste. Since I retired 15 years ago, I’ve been busy traveling with hubby, my daughters, my in-laws, and with myself. I’ve worked outside of the home doing everything I was too busy to do while working. I’ve chaired various galas, celebrations, and fundraisers.
I’ve worked on myself, including cataract removal, dental implants, and weight loss (30 pounds and counting). But of all this, the retirement thing that makes me the happiest is being warm, cozy, and not the responsible party on snowy days like this. When I look out of the window and see snow covering my back and side yards, I sip my hot coffee, and sigh.
I remember dark, early mornings when I stood out in the blizzard, batting snow flakes from my eyes, as I scanned the area to be sure my school’s walkways were shoveled; and to be sure there was safe passage for the school buses, the student drop-off lane, the teacher’s parking lot, and all the entrances and exits.
Snow covered me from 6:00 A.M. until the outside monitors arrived at 7:30. That meant getting up at five, leaving home by 5:30. That was on a good day when I’d received advance notice of the forecast; and when all of my custodial staff was present. Sometimes, I’d need to recruit teachers and students to help.
I’ve said this before, and I will probably say it again on the next snowy morning. The best part of retirement for me is snuggling up on the sofa, wrapped in a warm throw or blanket, watching the big fluffy flakes fall, prettily, to the ground

Happy birthday, Linda! I’m with you on leaving the snow for other people to worry about. Lol!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yvette! I’m also famous for not showing up to unscheduled events if it’s raining (only for impromptu things). lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I have been told sugar melts in water, so… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yvette, I just saw this! 😂 Sugar?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up with the saying that if someone didn’t go out in the rain, it was because they thought they were made of sugar and were afraid they would melt. And you are as sweet as they come! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well thank you! That’s sweet of you to say! 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice blog. We got a lot of snow but its pretty mild comparing to years past.
I celebrated my 79th birthday on Thanksgiving Day. I have a gut disease called diverticulosis and it also started taking a dangerous turn a year ago on my birthday. I’m in the middle of a toxic cleanse by Dr. Bobby Price. My sister sent a link, and a lightbulb finally went off in my head and I decided to try the 14-day cleanse. On Day 11 (today) and not liking the experience but hope to come out on the other end whole again.
I didn’t mean to go on this way but this is my life right now. 😝😝
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Shirley! Happy Birthday and Happy New Year. I hope your cleanse works. Don’t mind sharing with me. Sometimes it helps to talk about this aging thing. Who knows, we may be able to help each other or someone else. It’s good to “talk” to you. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like that. It’s always good to share information.
LikeLike
I love those scenes, Linda. Memories of our work life keep the gratitude flowing for these retirement years. Stay warm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, John! Yes, I’m so grateful! Happy New Year and Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Linda.
LikeLike