For awhile I thought that I made the wrong decision. You see, I work the next three days and I should have gone to enjoy some outdoor time today. In fact my skis are at the back door. 

The snow stopped falling, the sky cleared and the sun came out but I chose to stay inside and light the wood stove. I made it as far as the couch. After hearing the snap and pop of the sap in the logs and watching the flames dance in the fire box, I decided that my decision was okay. There was no need for me to change out of my comfy pants and there was no driving involved. It was going to be a time to reflect.

2018 was the year for change. I left my full time job on December 31, 2017. January 01, 2018 marked the first day of 'retirement' as it is known today. That means the beginning of a new beginning.

I thought why not. You only live once. Gone were the days of working three, then two and then one job. The decision was based on the fact that I now only have to look after me and my needs are very simple. Give me trails, a pair of hiking boots, my camera and a good cup of coffee and I'm happy.

As the winter snow melted and garden and flower beds emerged, the planning began for what to plant in the spring. My days began on the back deck in my lawn chair, listening to and watching the birds. The garden flourished because I actually had the time to care for it properly. 

Halfway through 2018 I began looking for a part time job that would get me out for some social interaction a couple of times a week. Little did I know that I would be working the week after an interview and that it would be full time for a couple of months.

Once that little stretch was over and my part time hours actually appeared, I began to enjoy the fall and winter which are my favorite times of the year. Now I have a nice balance of work and play.

Sadly there was no camping excursions except for some backyard naps in the tent that I had set up for just that purpose. I was able to go on a couple of road trips. One involved kayaking in a mountain lake with painted turtles and loons. It was wonderful. 

There were many memorable photographic opportunities and first time experiences this year.

1. Kayaking amidst the turtles and loons was a first.
2. Watching two bull moose sparring on a frozen creek was a first.
3. Witnessing live, the life cycle of a ladybug was a first.
4. Growing and harvesting ground cherries in my garden was a first.
5. Harvesting sea buckthorn berries off a tree that once was just a foot tall little stick was a first.
6. Finding a red necked grebe resting in the middle of a hiking trail was a first. I came to within three feet of it.
7. Coming across a skunk as I came around a corner in my yard was a first. Thankfully it didn't turn into a smelly situation.

This is just a sample of some of the many firsts in 2018. I also had the time to finish some stained glass projects that I had started and set aside due to lack of time. I found time to make burlap wreaths and some of the Christmas gifts given this year. Many of my photographs submitted to the local paper got published.
2018 has come full circle and I ask myself again if it was the right decision to quit working full time and the answer is a resounding YES! 

I am hoping that 2019 offers up more opportunities for creative endeavors, more camping and outdoor time and above all the capability to enjoy them all.

Happy New Year! May your year be filled with all the things that you love to do.

I got to watch the life cycle of ladybugs in my yard.

Beavers were busy in the spring.

I found a red necked grebe on a hiking trail.

Butterflies were plentiful on the spring flowers.

My daily dose of wildlife in my yard.