A Day at the Bronx Zoo

Being Happy in Life

I read this as being one of things that defined retirees who are happy. Probably applies to peoples' lives in general?
"The more you are defined by your job, the harder it will be to adjust to life without it. According to Robert Delamontagne's book The Retiring Mind: How to Make the Psychological Transition to Retirement, achievement addicts have the most difficulty transitioning to retirement."
Obviously I'm not an 'achievement addict' as I love my retired life!

RIP Phoenix

So many Facebook comments about the sad passing of the baby eagle Phoenix at 76 days old on Hornby Island, BC. Phoenix was removed from the nest and flown by special helicopter to Vancouver. All we know at this time is she (they think 'she' so far) was quite thin. Necropsy being done. What a wonderful thing the Carricks have done in providing the webcam. This was my first year watching Mom and Dad Hornby but certainly will not be the last.

Prospect Towers, Hackensack NJ

Moved from 310 Prospect Street, Hackensack, NJ in May of 2006. Today the large awning over the front entry of 300, the Towers, fell and they believe that's what's responsible for the collapse of the 3 garage floors underneath! One person trapped in a car on the bottom level no word as to his/her condition! At least the city officials are saying they are going to get the pets out. No idea if the residents of 310 the low-rise units will be allowed in. Terrible weather for the responders to the scene too it's 97 and very humid!

Third Day With Kiera

Picture one: "Third Day Here and Lovin' it!"
Picture two: "The World From a Puppy's Point of View "
Picture three: "Do I Look Fierce?"
Picture four: "Do my ear's fit in the picture?"

New Furry Companion

It's been three very long, sad and lonely weeks without my precious Annie who will always be irreplaceable. But yesterday I met Kiera, a six month old Shepherd/Corgi mix puppy, at a local shelter. In the evening Stef, Andre and Sophia went back with me. The shelter management was concerned that Kiera likes to jump and how would that affect the children. Andre of course just laughed and moved away. Sophia let it be known she was not happy at all, but of course she'd been used to Annie -they'd gotten along very well and she'd often gently pat Annie and giggle. So that will take time after all Sophia is only one and Kiera's a puppy. We were delighted that we were able to bring her home with us! She rode in the front seat of the car on my lap just fine. When we arrived here she roamed around the yard and inside her new home. She met her Uncle Alex via iChat. We went out walking and she has already met three neighbors and the children of two of them.
When it was time for bed off she went into the crate which is in the closet and slept all night without a peep. Andre quietly came up at 6:15 a.m. and immediately went to see her. A bit later they ran around the yard together. When we came inside she spent the morning following me all over the place. Then we went for a nice walk. She is now napping in the crate the neighbor has loaned us. It's ok for now but looks like she'll outgrow it soon.
She has huge ears and short little legs. I'm looking forward to spending time with my new furry companion.

Furry Companions

Still hurting over losing my dear Annie. Thinking perhaps I will get another doggie soon though. Hard being dogless after 26 years.

Celery Farm July 5, 2010

Today is a holiday and a hot one. It is 101 degrees out right now. I went for an hour's walk at the Celery Farm in Allendale NJ at 7:30 a.m. while it was still cool under the trees. Maybe only a half dozen people there judging by the parked cars. As I walked in this little bunny was sitting in the middle of the path.

Birds in the morning

Watching and listening to the birds chirping on my deck early in the morning - a great way to start the day.

July 4th weekend

Thursday was July 1st, Canada Day. Monday is July 4th, Independence Day. Not that it makes much of a difference as far as a "day off" to those of us fortunate enough to be retired. Not a good weekend, however, for those in the area of the oil spill. Such a terrible and unnecessary tragedy for those killed in the explosion, those whose lives are being so severely affected, and the poor, innocent wildlife creatures.

Another member at kettlebell class

I've been going to kettlebell classes for three months now. The other fellow who used to attend has taken off for the summer due to work and spending time with his family so I have been getting private lessons at the group rate, can't beat that. Another woman had attended one session but has problems getting there by 6 p.m. She hopes to return in the future. Last night a new member arrived. She'd done kettlebells some time ago and is now coming back. Within 5 minutes of being there I found out: she is 31, does kickboxing, bikram yoga (where it's 106 deg), runs and has done very well in the four marathons in which she's competed, and is in the best shape she's ever been in. She asked the instructor if he noticed a difference and weren't her abs great now. This is, of course, all good. She is in great shape. But, and this sounds terrible, the word that immediately came to my mind was "Guidette". After all, I am a 66-year old grandmother and am not anyone she needs to impress am I? But she is pleasant company. Our instructor gave us the same workout to do simultaneously, the only difference being the weight of the kettlebells we were using. Obviously she used heavier. And the good thing about having here there: I am happy to say the old lady kept up right through the whole hour.