Skip to main content

Taking a "snow day" or two . . . or several~


My daughter arrived home from a week-long business trip to Amsterdam bearing gifts: a snow globe for my collection, magnets for the fridge, a small Delft shoe, chocolates, and for each of us, a pouch of "hot chocolate to die for" from the batch she intends to take to work and give to her colleagues.

So I sat-- feet tucked beneath me, blanket over my lap-- reading a book and savoring a cup of rich hot chocolate straight from the Netherlands at 3 in the afternoon. Not a book for review. A book for pure pleasure, no less. A book for me.

And I wondered . . . did I plan so well in the years leading to retirement, in an effort not to end up twiddling my thumbs, that I forgot the importance of hot chocolate and a book on a cold grey afternoon?

Seems I did.

I have a full schedule. It feels fuller than when I was working, if that's possible. I'm doing what I love, but it has expanded to fill the space of my days, and squeezed out "me time."

Ages ago when my kids were small, I often sat with a blanket, a book and a cup of tea. At a time when the kids needed a constant watchful eye, it was the perfect way to supervise while also relaxing.

But now they're grown and I'm retired and . . . somehow I seldom sit with a blanket and a book any more.

That will change.

Today with a hint of snow in the forecast, I commented to David that his college is in a snow belt, and he could expect to have classes canceled for snow this winter.

And then I said with a touch of sadness, "I'll never have another snow day."

"Mom," he said, "Everyday is a snow day for you, now"

When I worked, I got vacations; they were scheduled-- a time for a change of pace. I'd be wise to schedule vacations into retirement, as well.

And to schedule in some snow days, too!

***From now until after the New Year: first vacation from the blog in nearly two years. I'll return refreshed in January. Enjoy the holidays, and best wishes to you all.
~~~~~
“Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.” ~Douglas Pagels

Comments

Linda said…
Enjoy your holidays, your "snow days", and that blanket and hot chocolate!
Pauline said…
happy snow days, happy holidays, and happy book & blanket days!
Tere said…
We will miss you on your snow days/vacation. But enjoy the times and bring back stories. The best to you and your family for the holidays.
I love hot chocolate, but then I love all things chocolate. By the way, what book are you reading "just for Ruth?" Inquiring minds want to know...

s
Anonymous said…
What a delightful quote. Enjoy your holidays. Will look forward to your return.
RiverPoet said…
Enjoy your snow days, Ruth. I'm sure we'll be in touch, though.

Peace - D
MightyMom said…
hello and thanks for stopping by my place!

Enjoy your time off and I hope to see more of you next year!!

Oh, yes, definitely schedule yourself vacations from retirement! they're essential! :-)

and I just love that Pagels quote to death! I may just post it at my place sometime soon!
Michelle said…
New Years Resolution: Take Snow Days!

Hope you have a lovely vacation.
Unknown said…
Wishing you a magical, wonderful Christmas, Ruth, and I hope 2009 is full of all good things for you and your family.

I've missed you, and I'm sorry I didn't get out in November to see your pictures on display at The Better Bean. Hopefully we can get together for a chai or hot chocolate in January.

xxxooo :-)
Carter said…
Time goes by so fast!

I truly hope you learn to schedule those cups of tea under a blanket. I need to work on that myself. :-)
Anonymous said…
So true, Ruthie! Thanks for saying things which need to be said and which we need to hear!

Also - for those still with little ones, Ruthie's understanding that the quiet moments when you're just nearby, there when needed, are so good - for the child and the parent. Cherish them.
Wanda said…
Have wonderful peaceful snow days, Ruth....

Be looking for you in January.

Love and Hugs
Wanda
Unknown said…
Yes, Many many happy (snow or not) days to you.
monideepa sahu said…
Enjoy the unscheduled snow days and the books and chocolate and warm blankets. Wish you and your loved ones all the very best for the festive season and the year ahead. Waiting for your return to the blogosphere.
Barbara said…
I can totally identify with your comments about retirement. I'm so glad to hear you are taking time to read a book with your mug of hot chocolate. Continue to enjoy the snow days and those that aren't in 2009!
Bob Sanchez said…
Always a pleasure to read your blog entries, Ruth. Don't forget to pencil some spontaneity into your busy schedule!

Popular posts from this blog

One Winter Day in February!

It’s just a week that I have here, doing "farm duty" for friends while they are in Maui avoiding the February weather. Yay them! And yay me too! This is a week of respite...less than half an hour from home and hubby—and cats. I can enjoy the best of both worlds. My “chores” for the week: ·       Gather the chicken eggs (my favorite part!!) ·       Feed the chickens and ducks and give them fresh water (It bothers me that they have to stay in their coop while family is away. Makes sense, but I feel bad. Otherwise, this would be a favorite). ·       Feed three feral cats (my other favorite thing!) ·       Feed four alpacas and give them water (this is becoming a favorite...) Once done, that leaves plenty of time to...           To WHAT, exactly? What DO you do with the free time you’ve always dreamed of having...besides wasting it wondering what you’ll do with all that free time? On day 1, I a

For Alice~ She's home!!!!!!!

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Sometimes it's all about knowing that loved ones and friends stand behind you, knowing that support is there on the down days, the worry days, the days when you feel off-center, out of sync, bedraggled emotionally, and in pain, but knowing all the while that you're not alone. You're not alone... Alice is an online friend--she lives in Hawaii-- who belongs to the writer's workshop that I do. We've only "met" online, but those who have online friendships know that they can be just as strong as those in-person relationships. Alice was hit by a car while walking, and is in the rehab phase of things. She's working to regain mobility after a broken pelvis, a broken arm, and a broken nose. It's scary to realize how, in the blink of an eye, life can lurch and our plans for a time are displaced by survival and healing. We&#

San Antonio and Boston~

I'm in Austin. Two days after Christmas we flew to Texas for another of Worcester State's basketball tournaments. Bruce's motto is, "I didn't miss any of David's games in high school-- and he played three sports-- why start now?" My motto is, "I didn't make all of his games in high school-- nor did I try. The least I can do is go to the ones that require traveling to a place I've never been." David spends his days with the team. When they are not playing or practicing, the coaches take the kids out to see the sights. We have plenty of free time to see the sights and to relax, which is what I'm after, basketball aside. Today we headed 80 miles south to San Antonio and sauntered along the River Walk-- the much corralled and exploited, but nicely so, San Antonio River-- in sun and sixty plus temps. We visited the Alamo, and absorbed a bit of Texas's interesting history and culture. Beautiful! Eye candy! Never ashamed to lug a camera