Magic Moments–#1 Unexpected Serenade

Preface.  One of the reasons I write a blog is to document an event and then revisit the post later on to remember and re-live that time and place.  Another is to pass along to you something we have learned along the way or share an experience that made me smile and may make you smile, too.    There are so many memories all through my life that have made me smile.  I do not want to forget them as I get older and sometimes it feels like they are slipping away.  So, every week this year there will be a post with a memory special to me.  I hope you enjoy them.

The most special moments are not always those visiting an exotic locale, but more to do with an appealing smell, a savory taste, a touch, a pleasing sound and sometimes a beautiful view.  This series is not in any kind of order.  Only what happens to jog my thoughts this week. 

#1 Unexpected Serenade. 

In the early 90’s we stayed at a Kihei condo on the Hawaiian island of Maui for our annual vacation.  Our condo complex included two sets of  buildings with 4 floors each—guessing a single building contained 40 condo units. Each building was positioned on a diagonal to give everyone a view of the ocean and beach.  The two buildings formed a V with the top end of the V on the water.   The resulting acoustics were very good, almost too loud if the neighbors decided to get noisy.

Sitting out on the lanai one evening we were enjoying an especially colorful sunset.  The ocean was illuminated with a sky full of pinks and yellows, the air was warm with the perfect amount of moisture and a hint of fragrant smells from tropical flowers.   And then someone begins playing a soulful trumpet.  Slow, clear notes of an old blues ballad.  No one makes a noise except the talented musician.  The music echoes, rolling off the amphitheater shape of our condos.  And just as the last light of the sun is extinguished in the sea, the song was complete and the music stopped.  We realized everyone in each condo was now out on their balcony to listen.  They all burst into applause yelling for more.  But, it was over as suddenly, and unexpectedly, as it began.

Magic.

New Directions in 2014

Since January 1, we have been overwhelmed with the care and training of a new family member.  A tiny Havanese puppy we named Heddie (short for Hedwig).  Her coloring is mainly chocolate with a chest and two front paws in white.  Lots of hair looking like a wavy mess even after brushing.  At just over 2-pounds and 14 weeks, she is full of energy and a handful! 

The Havanese are small with their adult weight around 10 pounds, no shedding, they adore people and are quick learners.  Our little girl fits the description and is proving to be smarter than her owners.  We taught her to ring a bell on the door to go outside for bathroom duties.  She has realized that ringing that bell gets our attention for anything.  Rather than barking , she rings the damn bell!

Besides filling our days with the new addition, we have a lot planned this year.  This blog is all about what we try out in our retirement and documenting what works for us and what does not.  We turn 60 this year and more than ever, realize that our lives have an expiration date.  In retirement we have the freedom to go in new directions and embrace change (you will figure out what I am alluding to in future posts).  And we plan to do just that.

Although a very important factor in retirement is financial planning, I believe a bigger consideration is what you plan to DO in retirement.  Once you retire it is easy to let each day come and go without much thought or purpose; but do not let it slip away.  Take charge and plan to fill your days with activities you always dreamed of doing, but never had the time.  You will be happier and more satisfied with your life.  How exciting!