Away From The Madding Crowd

Humboldt

Morning @Katiehound I did not know that Dunnocks were originally called Hedge Sparrows.  I hope that you won't mind if I do not reveal where we saw the crested grebes.  By not providing any personal identifying information on this thread, I hope to retain my anonymity.  Life has been a little challenging of late and I take solace in this private space.  Thank you for your understanding. Great to know that your dog is enjoying canicross at the grand old age of 12. 

Hello @bluenose1 thank you lots for providing feedback on your meal plans.  An even bigger thank you for sharing the beautiful photo of your local woodland.  Such a joy to have such a stunning area only 5 minutes walking distance from your home.

Today's simple pleasure - DH and I spent some time removing winter debris from the garden border yesterday and this morning it was lovely to see the positive results of our efforts. 

Clowance

I think grebes are found on the norfolk broads, probably other places too

Katiehound

Clowance said:

I think grebes are found on the norfolk broads, probably other places too

Yes, I saw a film taken a couple of years ago of the grebes on the Broads. They looked stunning especially the 'mirrored' courtship routine.

Today's naughty, simple little pleasure- very squashed jam & cream doughnuts in Aldi- 1/2 price. (squashing only affected the look not the taste!!!)

Humboldt

@Clowance welcome and thank you for taking the time to comment.  I have edited my response to @Katiehound and expanded a little on the reasons why I did not want to provide any personal identifying information.

Katiehound

I was just being curious- that's fine if you want your privacy, I do understand.

Mrsfreedom

Humboldt said:

Hello and welcome to my little part of this wonderful MSE community.  For almost 10 years I have read the contents of various forums seeking advice and inspiration regarding a multitude of subjects.  The help and knowledge that I have gained cannot be underestimated and there are literally too many people to thank individually. Despite being an avid reader of numerous threads, I have never actually contributed, until now.

So, why now? At the age of 60 years old, I find myself mortgage free, debt free and semi-retired. I feel very fortunate to be in this position, but it was not easily achieved.  Since making the difficult decision to leave full-time employment due to work-related stress, I have attempted to manage the negative impact this situation had on my health and our finances.   However, I am slowly realising that this new chapter in my life is not only an opportunity to heal, but to also thrive.  I hope that a diary will keep me motivated and may even help others in some small way.

I have chosen the ‘Over 50’s MoneySaving’ thread for my diary because I think it best fits my criteria.  I am over 50 and intend to share how I make the best of our finances whilst also enjoying life.  

In terms of money, my DH still works full-time. I work part-time, receive a small work pension and monies from my side hustle (crafting). I do not intend to share detailed information regarding our finances; however, I will include tips on how we keep within our own budget and how we make the most of it.  Suffice to say that some have more than us and others have less.  We have enough for our needs.

So, deep breath. Here we go.

I am in a very similar position at 54. I am semi retired after leaving my previous job due to work and family stress and am taking the same approach as you; exercising, eating healthily, meal planning and taking up new hobbies. My physical and mental health has improved so much and feel fit, happy and content. 
I'm looking forward to following your posts.
All the best for your new life.

Humboldt

@Katiehound I very much hope that you enjoyed your jam and cream doughnuts. Bonus points for purchasing them at a reduced price.

@Mrsfreedom welcome and thank you for your kind words.   As I said in my opening post, "this new chapter in our lives is an opportunity for us to not only heal, but thrive".  I wish you health and happiness, in fact your name says it all.

Today's simple pleasure - a cup of tea and slice of leftover Christmas cake.

Mrsfreedom

It definitely is and yes my name embraces exactly how I feel. My husband and I are enjoying this period of our lives after bringing up our 3 (now grown up) children. 

bluenose1

@Humboldt - I love your simple pleasures, especially like the Christmas cake yesterday, could just eat that now.  
Started my day doing Yoga Nidra which is basically Meditation where you scan each part of the body, really enjoying it, especially as do it lying down. Another of my podcast finds…..  Just been for a wet walk in woods for an hour, now sat warming up with  a coffee drank out of one of my pleasures, a lovely China mug and my heated throw warming my legs, bliss….

Off to visit my auntie in hospital later so enjoying the relaxation while I can.

Humboldt

@Mrsfreedom I personally believe that every area of our lives can benefit from streamlining; when I took the decision to let go of things that were having a negative impact on me, I found that I had the space and time to focus on things that were more beneficial to both myself, and those that mattered to me.  This is still work in progress, but I am enjoying the journey.

@bluenose1 as you probably know, simple pleasures are a result of mindful practice. I was interested to read that you find podcasts a good source of online meditation tutorials and will take a peep at what is available.  I am sure that your auntie appreciated your visit. 

Today's simple pleasure -  Early Spring blossom carried on the wind like confetti.