tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post1574635734569893885..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Simple living in retirementUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47148272086455983992010-05-05T11:15:53.645+10:002010-05-05T11:15:53.645+10:00Retirement is one of those mixed bags of worms tha...Retirement is one of those mixed bags of worms that I never know exactly how I feel about it. I have always felt that I would rather continue to work throughout my life (albeit maybe 3-4 days a week rather than 5) and I have never truly understood the concept of retirement as our society deems it. Shouldn't we work at jobs that we love and/or are well skilled at but with enough hours that we fill satisfied but still have time to enjoy our other passions too and continue to do this throughout our entire lifetime? I find this a great option in comparison to working too hard for 35-45 years and then stopping work and entering retirement. I have also always toyed with the idea of working full time for two to three consecutive years, then taking a year off to travel or explore a new passion living off of savings, and then entering back into the workforce after another year or two. Might be different ways of approaching the concept but interesting all the same I think?Simply Authentichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10149087342124493037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80006330642974547892010-04-26T06:58:18.466+10:002010-04-26T06:58:18.466+10:00Rhonda
I have absolutely loved reading your Simple...Rhonda<br />I have absolutely loved reading your Simple living through the different decades series. They have been insightful and so creative. I am a stay-at-home mom in my thirties and I gain so much from your articles. You remind me of my Grandmother, who passed on several years ago. Everytime I read your articles, its like getting a little taste of the life she loved and how I wished I had been able to sit and have her teach me to knit, and garden, and bake bread. Thank you for putting this site on the internet, it really blesses me and encourages me in the life I want to lead.Christanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21605802044807696462010-04-24T08:13:38.447+10:002010-04-24T08:13:38.447+10:00Whilst we are a good 15 years off retirement yet, ...Whilst we are a good 15 years off retirement yet, I am a full-time Mum and I love being at home and am grateful to have been able to do so whilst our 2 children are growing up. But I have noticed that I have been lazy over most of this time,(though believe me this is now changing slowly but surely!) lazy in as much as relying on ready-made meals, and getting people in to do certain jobs. After reading both your blog & Sonya's too, I thought back to when I was living alone on very little income and actually taught myself to knit & sew (tho' my eldest sister had taught me the basics of sewing, bless her) and made many things to wear. But I haven't carried this through to my time as a Mother, perhaps I should think about re-kindling the interest?<br />What suprised me recently was how much I had learned from my own Mother from her fantastic baking days because although I hadn't baked in many, many years, we as a family baked a sponge cake and choc/fudge cake together recently and they were superb! But as we were doing this, I kept remembering little bit n' bobs that came to mind that my Mum did and had obviously taught me and had remained with me. In this world that we live in, full of convenience and no "spare-time" in our treadmill lives, these sort of skills are being lost, I think its sad but I am determined now that both my daughter AND son are going to learn them.<br />Thank you to both Rhonda & Sonya for their posts today! :-)Sheila, North Wales. UKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31168594782399495752010-04-24T02:15:57.384+10:002010-04-24T02:15:57.384+10:00What a genuine blessing this whole series has been...What a genuine blessing this whole series has been. At 51, I only wish I would have had access to the whole series at 21! :-) We have been living pro-actively in our health & life-style choices for at least the past 4 yrs, & ESPECIALLY NOW w/it looking like the gov't will SADLY take over our health care. So, so very sad. We, & most ppl we know, are trying to do all we can to live as long as we can w/o it, since we won't be able to depend upon it anymore.<br /><br />Blessings from Ohio/USA, Kim<><Marmee's Pantryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01612989781352785304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19944702529016254722010-04-23T02:38:09.295+10:002010-04-23T02:38:09.295+10:00I will be returning to this particular post time a...I will be returning to this particular post time and time again (as well as looking at the related ones suggested at the end of it).<br /><br />Meanwhile, this ONE line will guide me in the immediate future! "Clear out your cupboards so you can let more life in."Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08740950362293427086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48760571807134163602010-04-23T01:12:32.501+10:002010-04-23T01:12:32.501+10:00Thank you for the encouragement Rhonda! I am teac...Thank you for the encouragement Rhonda! I am teaching knitting to my 3 kids and have been trying to teach my neice, too. Some things you just can't learn from a book. I love that you do not pass on a spirit of fear of aging but a wonderful anticipation of life to come. We need that in our culture.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14920527968540955468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91666734745199509822010-04-23T00:37:58.058+10:002010-04-23T00:37:58.058+10:00I love your comment about passing on what you know...I love your comment about passing on what you know. I chose to attend a bible study at church that was primarily women with grandchildren, even though I'm a young married with no kids yet. I want to learn from them, listen to them, and draw from their experience. Its an odd thing, here in the States, but I think its is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. I wish I knew more older-than-me women, so I had more sources of learning!Mama Rachaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03534245701379707268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26427459411376825392010-04-22T22:45:59.732+10:002010-04-22T22:45:59.732+10:00There are days when I am seriously looking forward...There are days when I am seriously looking forward to retirement. I have one week off work at the beginning of May and my list of what I want to do around my home is growing.<br /><br />I love puttering around my home.Sense of Home Kitchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06670637532208860258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53607534977545973272010-04-22T21:25:33.192+10:002010-04-22T21:25:33.192+10:00Dear Rhonda Jean, I hope you don't mind me lea...Dear Rhonda Jean, I hope you don't mind me leaving a comment here for Sonja but for some reason I was unable to on her blog. Many thanks<br />Rachel <br /><br />Sonja you sound like my type of woman.<br /> I was born at eh end of the 60's was a teen in the 80's stumbled through the 90's and in the new millennium it dawned on me that time was racing and my skills bank was lacking. I could do a few basics but nothing like my late aunt who was a married woman during the war years could. I then found myself crying, feeling sorry for myself as she had gone and all that knowledge and passion she had was gone. Betty was the type of woman you could give lard and sand to and she would produce a grand 3 course chicken dinner with extras. I then realised that I was the youngest of a large but now woefully depleted family(my grand father being born in 1895) and I would have to teach myself . When I looked around there wasn't anyone I could ask and those of my generation as you have said were ripped off. Even though the core of me always was and remains so a home maker I had to think hard about what I remembered learning from an aunt and a grandmother and trying to apply it to what I was able to do and slowly things have borne fruit. Sadly there are no female children to pass this one two and the nephews I have are from the tec generation and are not interested.<br /> But still Will do my best to keep my corner of things going.<br /> Great great post you made me think all over again.<br /> Thank you for that<br />Rachel<br />Plymouth <br />Devon<br />EnglandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87804780810008068732010-04-22T21:11:12.482+10:002010-04-22T21:11:12.482+10:00Great to read about what I'm working towards. ...Great to read about what I'm working towards. Post note; I found a copy of Nourishing Traditions in the library quite by accident. It’s different to what I was expecting; rather ‘new agey’ and a bit daunting as I haven’t any previous experience with fermented foods. But I'm going to pick a few recipes to start giving it a go. Did you also have this same reaction to begin with, or did you know some recipes already from your time in Germany? Also, I'm glad you took the carpark, that made me laugh :)Candicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16226232937287822047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20823217241421068762010-04-22T19:58:38.333+10:002010-04-22T19:58:38.333+10:00Dear Rhonda
I read your blog daily, even if I don...Dear Rhonda<br /><br />I read your blog daily, even if I don't often comment because english is a foreign language for me, but I want to thank you for those posts about simple living along the life. They are great and very useful, thank you !<br />Regards from FranceChristianenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91975860478843715402010-04-22T16:09:40.205+10:002010-04-22T16:09:40.205+10:00Just look at those arms on Hanno! They belong on a...Just look at those arms on Hanno! They belong on a 20 something which just goes to show how important it is to stay active in retirement. I think that really is the key to happiness in senior years - you can either stay active and lead a fulfilling life or choose to sit in a chair all day and atrophy.<br /><br />Jennifer<br />HomeMattersMostJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815336062313580688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-53813812867514888132010-04-22T15:39:24.559+10:002010-04-22T15:39:24.559+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I totally agree that it is important t...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I totally agree that it is important to pass on skills to the next generation. I am still in my twenties, but am too aware that older people know a lot of things that books can't teach you. For example, I learn a lot from people at the community gardens, about how to grow and plant certain types of veg, and will take even more time now to learn from them, since one of my neighbours at the gardens has passed away at age 89 and I realise how much knowledge and skills he has taken with him. <br /><br />I also learn a lot from you, it is life changing!<br /><br />AnnaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6261805660325932422010-04-22T14:53:26.491+10:002010-04-22T14:53:26.491+10:00Rhonda, you and Hanno, remind me so much of our ne...Rhonda, you and Hanno, remind me so much of our next door neighbours. They are both well into their seventy's (and don't look a day over fifty) and are still both very active. They do all their own house and yard work and 'Uncle F' even makes his own bio-diesel. They are a big inspiration to me, just as you both are. And I totally agree with the keeping active once you retire, Dad has done this and is busier then when he farmed. My Grandfather retired, after 50 years in the same job, and then just stopped doing anything. His health went down hill very fast, so I'm all in favour of keeping as active as possible. Enjoy the rest of your week. <br /><br />Cheers, DebDebhttp://www.aclotheslineoutheback.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60485391678904439652010-04-22T13:08:45.448+10:002010-04-22T13:08:45.448+10:00Oh yes! Do plan to keep your health as well as pos...Oh yes! Do plan to keep your health as well as possible so when you do get to retirement age you will have the body to enjoy it. If while you are workig you have insurance or the means to get all the physical things taken care of do so! If you need therapy for a bad arm do it and don't let it get worse and need an operation! Keep your self limber and strong and do keep your bones strong with strength exercises and such. You will never regret it. Don't put off what needs doing health wise. Go into retirement as strong as possible. Who wants to use that great time to be at the doctors using up your $ and time when you could be in the garden!! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18376231934935503652010-04-22T10:15:26.933+10:002010-04-22T10:15:26.933+10:00I am not retired, but I have not worked in almost ...I am not retired, but I have not worked in almost 10 years. Not that my hubby makes very much, he doesn't, but we have had several life changes happen. I have taken care of several family members over the years, and I can agree with you. It is a matter of taking care of yourself, and doing what you love. My 92 almost 93 year old grandmother still loves her garden. She really can't do that much anymore, but she is still outside busting up dirt with her cane! To prepare for retirement who knows what will be offered for those my age and a little younger. So much is changing these days. But as you say preparing as best as we are able is a good thing. I always enjoy reading your posts as they truly hit home. Enjoy your retirement days!*Ulrike*https://www.blogger.com/profile/15640965012612927392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7716374310987440772010-04-22T09:46:53.258+10:002010-04-22T09:46:53.258+10:00oh Rhonda how I wish I could bring my knitting to ...oh Rhonda how I wish I could bring my knitting to your house this morning to sit and knit with you girls. I could bring my girls too, the younger one is a great knitter but I'm struggling to teach the older one, maybe if she sat with you and Sonya she would be able to learn how as well.<br />Have a wonderful morning.<br /><br />cheers Katesimplelifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13397507005757292686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25649974735288450162010-04-22T09:23:59.595+10:002010-04-22T09:23:59.595+10:00Rhonda I truly LOL when I read about you in your 8...Rhonda I truly LOL when I read about you in your 80s asking Hanno for the camera. Have a wonderful time with Sonya this morning and thanks for the link to her blog.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-63527860856184289712010-04-22T08:25:43.593+10:002010-04-22T08:25:43.593+10:00Rhonda,
You are amazing!! Thanks so much for shar...Rhonda,<br />You are amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing. It is so wonderful to read about how wonderful the "senior years" can be with careful planning.<br /><br />ElaineAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59537297919085625492010-04-22T06:52:26.817+10:002010-04-22T06:52:26.817+10:00Retirement is the best thing we ever did for ourse...Retirement is the best thing we ever did for ourselves. And I'm busier (in other ways) than when I was working 12 hours days. I do a little consulting work on the side for pocket money, but we both have a pension income that meets our needs and allows us to keep adding to our savings and investments (for when we "really" get old). After retirement we took a huge step and moved to a different country. We both we born and lived in the States but wanted to live a simpler off the grid life in Canada. That was the second best thing we did for ourselves. - MargyPowell River Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com