Merry Christmas 2016!
This year, it's early December and I'm starting our Christmas newsletter. I can hear the gasps of disbelief as I write. How is this possible? What happened to procrastination? Do not worry, Dear Readers, I've finally retired and have started to find the time to do things on an almost timely basis.
I turned 66 in August and officially retired the middle of September. Ah, the life of leisure! It was easy falling into a relaxed schedule. But to be fully transparent, I tried to retire but couldn't completely cut all ties with PTI. They asked if I would be available to consult for them. I'm available to answer questions and offer advice by e-mail or phone. I never need go into the office. Some days I'll spend a half hour or so either exchanging e-mails or on the phone. Many days there's no contact at all. So far it's working nicely.
But you ask “How do I fill my day”? I try real hard not to. There's a Spanish proverb that I'm starting to understand. ¡Que bueno es no hacer nada y descansar después - How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward.
My only regret is that poor Susan (remember I married a child) won't turn 62 until next year, December 2017. Hopefully she'll be able to join me then. Though truthfully, retirement will be wasted on Susan. When she retires, we both know that she'll be busier than she is now. With knitting, sewing, mission projects and many other pastimes she'll fill every minute of the day.
But on to what happened since we last wrote you; Carlotta is well (for an old cat with thyroid problems) and tries to keep me busy during the day. The vet recommended that we switch her for dry food to wet, so she let's me know (almost hourly) when she's ready for another meal.
Daylyte is also doing well this year. Susan met a new boarder at the barn and Susan and Sue load the horses on our trailer and haul out to ride on trails in local forest reserves and county parks. Weather permitting (and once in the rain), they went out nearly every weekend, right through November.
With the hours Susan works at L&S, this Spring we finally got smart and hired a gardener to come in clean the flower beds, move some plants and add some new ones, and mulch everything, so that the gardens look more organized, rather than the eclectic hodgepodge that they had slipped into. And at the same time we gave up the vegetable garden. A late flood last year washed out the raised beds. Too much work, too little time.
While Susan has not given up knitting, especially children's hats, mittens and scarves for the local schools, Susan has taken up sewing projects. One of which is “Days for Girls”. Susan will sew reusable sanitary products for girls around the world. She's even started a team at Bethany Baptist to volunteer together to support this organization.
God's blessings to you for the coming year.
Susan and Paul Stomieroski
6310 Setter Road
Weston, WI 54476
(715) 355-7769
Susan@Stomieroski.com
Paul@Stomieroski.com
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