.......RETIRE IN STYLE BLOG+......

Travel: The Best Places to Relax in The UK’s Peak District

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:30:00 PDT

A neatly kept mini-patchwork quilt of lush valleys, velvet meadows, characterful Victorian market towns and gloriously open moorland, the UK’s Peak District sits plumb in the middle of the country’s backbone.

Myth has it that the Peak District is the second most visited national park in the world after Mount Fuji. Whether your innate scepticism reflex can put that aside for a moment or not, once there you can certainly see why that might be true (and not just because of its geographical fortuitousness at the mid-point between the capitals of London and Edinburgh).

In many ways, the region (actually not that ‘peaky’ - you may be surprised to know) concisely captures many a picture of the hallowed rural England which film director Danny Boyle tried to represent in a segment of his London Olympics fandango: that rich verdant sheen, the chocolate-box villages, myriad colour-flecked flowerbeds and sheep - lots of sheep. Moreover, if you didn’t quite twig what was meant by the phrase ‘rolling countryside’ - when you have spent a week or two nosing round the different corners of the Peak District, you certainly will.

So, if you’re planning a nice trip to the UK soon, you may want to fold in a little trip to the Peakland, hole up in a cute little two-up two-down and explore the region. Here are some suggestions of the most relaxing spots to visit while you’re there;

Dovedale

Pictorially famous for its linear stepping stones, the views here are pretty definitive of the region as a whole. As the name suggests, as long as you miss the crowds on really sticky days, the peaceful feeling that permeates the valley is one to savour. Just a little further up the burbling stream, the heights on the left are known as Dovedale Castle.

A little further on is a grassy tuft locally nicknamed Lovers’ Leap which takes its moniker from a folk tale recounting a distraught maiden who threw herself off said tuft after a particularly disastrous romantic rejection. Fortunately, you are almost guaranteed to have a much more positive experience!

Chatsworth House

The majesty of Chatsworth House and its grounds has not gone unnoticed by film directors and television producers down the years. Nestled in a prime spot overlooking the Derwent and Wye valleys, Chatsworth and its extensive estate makes for a thoroughly enjoyable day out.

Rent a deck chair and pull up a pew mid-way up the slope of the main lawn and watch the bubbling weir on the River Derwent and the people passing by and take in the tree-covered hillside, the magnificent hunting tower, and the faded golden hue of the bridge down below.

Buxton

Constructed around thermal springs in the Wye valley, the delightful Roman settlement town of Buxton is now something of a cultural hotspot once again with a flourishing arts scene, popular annual festival and a plethora of eye-catching sandstone pavilion-style buildings and gardens, an opera house and classical churches.

That said, the best place to relax here are the natural baths. Sheer bliss.

Bakewell

A fairly typical-looking town for the region, Bakewell is famous for one thing in particular. They are sweet, they are almondy, they are a little jammy. They are the Bakewell Puddings and they are delicious. They are also often confused with their cakey brethren the Bakewell Tarts. Buyer beware - these are not the same sweetstuff at all. (But actually also really rather quite nice).

This in mind, the best thing to do in Bakewell is a find a sweet little traditional tearoom like the Lavender Tea Rooms for example, order yourself a nice fresh pot of English breakfast tea and award yourself a serious treat in the shape of a Bakewell Pudding. Delish.

Guest Author Bio: "Matthew Pink is a writer and editor working in digital publishing covering travel and culture. Originally from the Lake District in northwestern England, he also writes crime fiction which is set there. Scafell is his first novel."

Small Space Living: Remodeling? Angies List

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:30:00 PDT

Okay, I told you yesterday that I was looking at carpet for our master bedroom. Sure enough the Sleep Number bed is in and I will need to have delivery delayed because the carpet will not be here for 2-3 weeks...maybe sooner if I push the process along. This is a learning process it seems. Even though we have gone through similar things many times before, the rules keep changing. And I have a cold so I am working with a big cloud hanging over my head. Thank heavens for my wonderful husband!

The Plan
I had thought I would go with one of those quick install companies you find across the US. It seemed simple and they would come to your house with samples. Easy peasy...right? Then I got a little worried and decided to check reviews on line at places like 3 Cent Worth and Yelp. Wow! It seems from the comments made, having the carpet salesman come into your home was a bit like letting the vacuum cleaner salesman step in the door. The old bait and switch, etc., seemed to be what people were complaining about. I was ready to cancel right then but I wanted to make sure that the bad reviewer were not the only ones commenting.

Click for link: promo code

Angie's List
I had been thinking of signing up for Angie's List for quite a while. My family had been using them so I had a feel for how it worked. The yearly fee was around $35 per year but if I signed up using my Paypal account and the promo code I found online, the amount went down to $16.81. I bought it.

Angie's List users commented on the company I was thinking of using. It was not a good as I had hoped. Angies's gave the carpet dealership a B grade. I don't know about you but B is not good enough for me when I am talking about my home. I cancelled the appointment.

Home Depot
We decided to go with our local Home Depot. We have dealt with them over a long period of time and feel comfortable with our store here in town. It is very good, reliable and honest. The salesman did not bait and switch. If a service costs extra he did not shrink from telling us so.

Why Use the Home Depot Card
The suggestion was made that we take the full 6 month interest free payment period to pay off the Home Depot credit card debt. If we do that we will be notified of any promos that might come up on the carpet we purchased during that period of time. We could then take advantage of more savings.

We get a 5% discount every time we use the card BUT we have to ask for it or they do not do it...let me repeat...it is not automatic!

The Process Starts Thursday
So that is where we are. I will let you know how the rest goes. The installation people will come measure on Thursday and we can have the whole thing in the works by Monday if I push things along.

Wish me luck!

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Keep your fingers crossed for us!

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Small Space Living: Bedroom Carpet Dilemma

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:08:00 PDT

From Apartment Therapy

Okay now we are getting ready to upgrade our carpet in the master of our little retirement community home.

The bed we have been using was returned to Costco because I felt like I was falling out of bed all night. My husband and I were fighting for the middle space. It was the safe part of the bed. Incidentally Costco gave us a full refund even though we purchased the bed in 2010.

The room is empty as we wait for the delivery of our Sleep Number bed in a week or so. Hopefully, we can locate the perfect carpet and have it put down within the next few days. Yikes!

So what is the best carpet for the bedroom? Anybody have any suggestions or ideas? Help!

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Money Cannot Buy the Perfect Graduation Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:43:00 PDT

The perfect graduation gift has no monetary value. It something only an open heart and hand can give. It is the freedom to fly and fall, then fly again.

My husband was a high school principal and we are the parents of 3 children and 12 grandchildren. We know what graduation means and how important it is to families across our nation. It is a right of passage for families and a wonderful privilege.

This time sees parents feeling that twinge of relief and regret all at once. The empty nest looms and they are hoping that they have raised their child to be ready for what is to come next. Their guidance is more important now than it ever was but finding a way to communicate with their child also difficult.

On the other hand the grandparents are less useful than they have been in the past. Where do my husband and I fit into this mix at this point in our life? The truth is we are only onlooking-perfect-gift-givers and smilers this time around.

The dilemma we face now is knowing what that perfect gift is. We have a son graduating with his Master Degree in Business and his daughter is graduating from high school and facing her college years. We also have a grandson getting ready to finish basic training in the Marines. All are big occasions in our family's life... commencements for both the children and their families. We have such high hopes. This gift giving season is more important than any other. We want to present the graduates with something they can hold on to for the rest of their life but the perfect gift is not tangible.

I am aware that my gift may be chosen because it reflects what I hope our young people will do with their life when I should be honoring what the children see as their future. I remind myself that each child must find their own way in their own way. The difficult thing for my husband and I is that we know too much. We are full of information and advice, none of it wanted or, in the view of the youngers, even useful. We are relegated to watching. It is hard.

When my youngest son received his Masters Degree this week, the commencement speaker said something I liked a lot. He said, "Don't be afraid to take risks because the only person that will remember a failure is you. But more importantly, many successes are built on the rubble of failure." I liked that a lot.

In truth, the thought I am having now is that I should not worry so much. If people a lot wiser than myself know that a misstep is not a bad thing, then I should embrace the risks my children and their children take. They are strong and smart. They will be fine.

So I think that the perfect gift is not money or a worldly possession. The most valuable of gifts cannot be held in your hand.

A box containing "hope" and "surprises" would be perfect. It could contain "moving on cards" that allow them to forgive themselves for what they see is as not good enough. It would be filled with "courage" and "laughter" and above all "kindness". "Work ethic" would top the box off to over flowing. Oh, and there would be "ideas" and "creativity" too. That is what I would like to give. After all, life is very short and in the end it is about a huge passion and love for the journey.

While I know money cannot buy those things nor is there a box big enough to hold them, I also know that with our encouragement the child can find these gifts inside their own head and heart. That is where my husband and I fit in this picture. I remain hopeful.

Gifts: Teens and my 15 Minutes of Fame!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:21:00 PDT

In an article written for Inc. Davic Freedman asked the question "What Do Teens Want?". His comment that "...most of us feel we'd have a better chance of achieving a breakthrough in quantum gravity than we would of figuring out how to reliably connect with teenagers" hit very close to home. Those of us that have shopped with a teen know that they will not like what you suggest, are not reliable when it comes to sticking with a style and disdain places we picture as being the places they would like. It is very hard getting the perfect gift. If you get it right once every 7 years, you are a real winner.

I discovered the best gift for young people ever...my old stuff or things that look like my old stuff. Only they cannot know that you ever liked it and it must be up graded to meet all their current needs. This spring we have high school graduates and birthdays by the scores...all teens wanting to be themselves. I am struggling. My 16 year old granddaughter made a recommendation and I thought she knew what she was talking about.

So I bought a portable hi-fi record player (or that is what my generation called them) as a gift for my 14 year old grandson. When I texted him on his birthday (we don't talk anymore...that is not cool) he said he loved it. Phew!

Crosley CR40-RE Mini Turntable (Red)

I think the perfect thing about this is the fact that it looks so retro and it is portable. My grandson can haunt thrift stores to find records for almost nothing. My grandson is very thrifty so that is good. He described how he had it set on his top shelf with all the records he had found stacked near-by. His words were, "I absolutely love it Grandma." Perfect.

I will order him the latest Journey album for his collection just because I think that would be nice. Who knows, that may be a winner too.

My fifteen minutes of fame as a grandmother are over for another 7 years. But I will take it. I don't want to be greedy.

Have a wonderful Day.

Greatest Hits Volume 2

Down Sizing in Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:09:00 PDT

Deciding to downsize to a 55+ community was a wonderful decision for us. But not so many years ago I was put off by the idea of being around "old people" ALL of the time. Now I look around in my 55+ community and everyone looks just like me. Here is a little bit about our journey and how it has worked for us.

Why Did We Downsized When We Did?
My husband and I actually downsized twice. The first time we moved because we were still young (60 and 64) and wanted to try out a new lifestyle. We did not think it was our "last" move and we did not choose a house because it was a place we could grow old in. That made the moves easier. We were downsizing without realizing.

We were empty nesters and our frugal side told us that we did not need nor did we want four bedrooms, a family room or even a basement. We were done cleaning and doing the giant amount of yard work. No amount of sentimentality could over come the practical part. We gave up our yard and moved into a condo. The community was young, hip and new. We liked that a lot.

Then we traveled.

Ten years went by and we were tired of all the travel. We realized that practical needed to guide our lives again. It turned out we missed our yard and the exercise we got when we worked outside. We realized what a barrier steps would be if we were ill or injured and our condo was built on four levels. That fear presented itself when I fell on a golf course and sprained my ankle severely. We decided that the time had come to live on one level again. It was so painfully obvious it was not even a choice anymore. It was what we needed. That was when we moved into a 55+ neighborhood. We have lived here for almost 2 years now. I was 69 and my husband was 73.

Where?
This brings me to Contentment. Contentment is an actual place in my mind. The place is relaxing, happy, comfortable and you fit in with the people around you. The trouble with the place called "Contentment" it is ever changing. You cannot recognize that a new place might have that name until you are ready. It might be an apartment, a small house in the woods, a retirement community or even an assisted living facility. You might think today as you look into the future that you would hate one or the other of these choices. BUT...on the day or week that any one of those is right for you, you will be happy to be living there. It will be where you belong. But not yet if you are not ready. We have found that all of our living situation have been unique to a particular time in our lives. What we loved when we were very young is not what we want now.

That brings me to the people I suppose. The people that you are surrounded by can be a real deal breaker. That is why some are so horrified to think about living in a place where everyone is old or young or loud or even of a different nationality. It is all about the people. When I open my door I am very glad to see the person from across the street. How would you feel about looking out the window and seeing your neighbors walking by? Many of my neighbors are using walkers now but I don't care. I don't think I would have felt that way when I was younger.

When you retire, you give up a world of people that have a lot in common with you. After that you may find a hole in your life. So who would you like to hang out with at this stage of your life. Would it be people that share your life experience, age mates for example? That is what we discovered we liked.

We were like many of you. We did not want to be with old people all of the time. I remember staying in a 55+ town where everyone within the city limits was 55 or older...much older. There were no public parks with play ground equipment or even a school. The grocery was filled with nothing but old people. It was almost spooky. I wanted to drive to the nearest town and stop at a school so I could watch children play. It drove me nuts! It was just too much of a good thing.

Then we took our Motor Home to a RV resort that was 55+. Grandchildren visited, we were near schools and neighborhoods with families. The grocery stores were used by every age. We discovered that we were at home there. The neighbors were age mates. We shared common experiences even though we came from every walk of life. It was such a positive experience that we began to think about finding a similar place back in our home state.

But that was not easy. Even though the boomers are coming into their old age we found there was not much choice in the area where we wanted to live when we decided on downsizing again. But, as with most things, it all worked out. There were two houses for sale in a very small neighborhood two blocks from our daughter. Both were all on one level, had a small yard and the covenants required that you be 55 or older. We chose one and made the move.

Our 55+ neighborhood is near a much larger neighborhood that is home to families, schools, pools and a community center. Our neighborhood shares garage sale days and walking paths with them. It is just close enough to young people to make our area seem alive and vital.

We think our neighbors are older than we are but we seem to fit right in. We both are very active and think young even though we may not be as young as we feel. The truth is we look like everyone else. In the end the important thing is we are happy. We live in our current version of a place called "Contentment".

My private back yard.

How?
Down sizing is not something people do without realizing what they are going to sacrifice. Memories, things and even neighbors all come into play. They also worry about their physical ability to do what is necessary. Even though they want to downsize they are stuck! This is what I have discovered:

Memories go with you no matter where you live. I carry those in my mind and in pictures.
Worldly possession are just that. I know you might think I am nuts, but you will actually be relieved when you have less to dust or store. If you think you can't part with "stuff", put it in storage for a while and if you don't go look at it or even think about it again, give away.
Neighbors are a little harder. But if they are age mates, they will be doing the same thing you a thinking of doing. Remember God gave us cars, taxis and public transportation for a reason. Gather together for special dinners on a schedule. I think you will find that the need to get together lessens with time.

My visiting patio in the front yard!

As for the physical part, I need you to remember that this move is like eating an elephant. Take very small bites. It is doable if you just do it a tiny bit each day. If you and your children have a good relationship, they will help.

This part of our life is ever changing. Each time I talk about down sizing or living in a small space I am reminded that the story is never the same. It is always good to have the conversation. Change is a good thing for many reasons and it reminds us that we do have choices, nothing is forever and we can't predict the future until it is not the future anymore.

Be well.

Backroads in Oregon: Garden Vineyard, Hillsboro

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:43:00 PDT

This place just takes my breath away sometimes. We took a short drive out to one of our favorite wineries on Sunday. The owners work out of two locations. You have seen pictures of their primary place of business but on Sunday they invited members to come to the estate where the wine is actually produced. This place just blew my socks off. The grounds were worth of The Great Gatsby. While it was a bit down at the heels, the bones were absolutely gorgeous. From the lilac lined walkways to the formal gardens and arbors lush wish wisteria you could imagine a kinder gentler time. We picniced near the terrace as a small band played in the background. Life was very good on that day.

Take a look at Garden Vineyard website. If you are in the PDX area it might be worth looking into.

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TED and Mothers: Philosophies Worth Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:57:00 PDT

TED Talk

I subscribe to the TED Talk updates on my email. I don't always watch them but when I do, I am inspired. The brightest and best people are chosen to speak for 15 minutes on a subject about which they are passionate. But it is not only what they say, it is how they say it.

Note: The acronym TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Information on the organization is here.

Today I received an email telling about a talk by Ken Robinson on a topic called "How to escape education's Death Valley" (link). It is worth your time to watch. This man is not only very smart but he is also killer funny.

Robinson was talking about children and their education but it seemed to me that his information applied to all people. This is the thought that caught my interest. It speaks to why I believe that we all make our lives what we will. Here is what Robinson had to say about creativity:

.....that human life is inherently creative. It's why we all have different résumés. We create our lives, and we can recreate them as we go through them. It's the common currency of being a human being. It's why human culture is so interesting and diverse and dynamic.

Funny Mothers Philosophy
But there is more. I belong to a group of writers over at Generation Fabulous. This Mother's Day we shared stories about our mothers as teacher. One of my favorites was Quotations from Chairman Mu. The mother quoted here is hilariously quirky and seriously funny. Here are a few:

Somebodies mother!

Never call anyone “sir.” And “madams” run brothels, so don’t call anyone that, either.

Always tell a person if she has lipstick on her teeth, but never tell her if it’s something she can’t fix—like a run in her stocking. (— NOTE: ACTUAL USEFUL ADVICE HERE.)

“All you need in your handbag is a wallet, keys, tape and a stapler. Wallet for money. Keys to start the car/open the front door. Tape to clean lint off clothes, and stapler to repair torn hems.”

My Philosophy
I know I should be very wise by this time in life but unfortunately some days are better than others. Here it is:

Life it too short to do what is not necessary. Water it if it's dry, throw it out if it's dead and goldfish don't like soap! As for the fish...well I just threw that in because if the goldfish dies, I will be the one that has to throw it out.

Have a wonderful day.

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The New York Times Says I Am Cool!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:01:00 PDT

If it says it in the Times, it must be so. That is why those of us that are getting old know we are very cool indeed. In fact, those of us that are older than the boomers are getting cooler all the time!

The Third Way of Getting Old

The article in the Time's Sunday Magazine Riff section is where I found this piece of insight. Ari Seth Cohen's book and blog called Advanced Style (Amazon link) was the catalyst for the article. MIREILLE SILCOFF wrote Why Your Grandpa Is Cooler Than You telling all those baby boomers that, when push comes to shove, their parents are much cooler than they are.

She pointed out that there are three ways of growing old. You can dance the Zumba and jump out of airplanes.
You can be "nursing-home old. This is prunes-for-breakfast old. This is “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” old.NYT, April 26, 2013".
Or you can take the third route the Cohen's book talks about...the one where you can live to be very old and still be vibrant,beautiful and mentally sharp.

Very old is just around the corner for me. I have been an Advance Style follower for many years. This blog was even mention there one time a long time ago. Seeing the article in the Times only reinforces what I have always believed. Aging is really all in how you see it.

I encourage you to visit Ari Cohen's blog, take a look at his book on Amazon and best of all, read the article in the Times. If you are even close to my age, you will smile a little. I know I did. Life is good indeed.

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Mother's Day Gifts: The most unusual?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:20:00 PDT

We are shopping for a king sized bed today. It seems that there may not be room enough for both of us in a queen. We thought we would try a king before one of us moved to the guest bedroom...and I don't see that happening. My husband and I still like each other a lot!

Winery Mother's Day

If we buy a mattress, I am sure my husband will tell me it is my Mother's Day gift. Unusual? Well not really. I have gotten some really unusual gifts....wonderful but unusual. One year I was gifted with a fence for our patio in our little starter house. The wind blew in that community a lot. My husband thought the fence would help. It later held a basketball hoop for my oldest son and scarlet runner beans were climbing up on the other side.

Several years later I wanted a clothesline. My husband was a busy man and I usually caught him between projects. That year my husband installed an umbrella model clothesline behind the fence and went off to work on a baseball field he was helping build. I washed and hung out my clothes on Mother's Day. I don't remember being unhappy with the gift.

I have also gotten earrings, rings, night gowns, blouses, a necklace or two and I might have even gotten a lawn mower. I'm not sure about that one. I don't remember much about those gifts...not like the clothes lines or the fence. We have laughed a lot about it.

Over the years I have gotten a couple of other clothes lines but the king sized bed may be the best gift yet. I just hope we can pull it off.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Retiring From Your Home: 4 Reasons to Downsize as a Senior

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:37:00 PDT

Retirement is your reward for a life of hard work; however, as you sit down to enjoy your new freedom you may want to consider whether you should move to a smaller home. Many people find moving difficult because of the emotional connection they have with their homes. The New York Times attributed seniors’ reluctance to moving to a fear of change and loss of control, but suggested professional moving services can make the transition much easier. Plus, once you decide to move, you can look forward to enjoying the benefits of the decision.

1. Spend Less

Unless you’ve been fortunate enough to pay off your mortgage entirely by retirement — a possibility with so many years of payments behind you, but by no means a guarantee — a considerable amount of your monthly budget goes toward your mortgage payment. A smaller house with smaller property would prove to be less of a strain on your monthly budget. You may be able to pay off the new smaller home entirely with the money you earn on the sale of your current home, but if not, your new mortgage and your monthly payments are likely to be smaller.

Even if you put the issue of mortgage aside, a larger house and larger property cost more to maintain. Property taxes are more expensive each year. The less you spend on your home, the longer your retirement budget will last.

2. Clean Less

Not only will you spend less on a smaller home, but you’ll have less work to do. Downsizing means you’ll have less space to clean and less property to maintain. You won’t have to devote as much of your time to chores like vacuuming, mopping, dusting, weeding and mowing the lawn. What might have taken you several hours at your larger home could be done in one in a smaller home.

Spending less time cleaning and doing yard work frees you up to spend more time doing the activities you enjoy. Plus, since you’re saving money in a smaller home, you may be able to afford a professional housecleaner or landscaper to do the work for you, which means you’ll hardly have to waste your retirement years doing chores. If you enjoyed the physical exertion that chores and yard work provides, channel it into a more pleasant physical activity, such as walking, jogging, biking or playing sports.

3. Declutter

It’s true that if you have less space in your new home, you’ll have less space for your belongings; however, you should look at the smaller space as a chance to get rid of unnecessary clutter in your home. Items that have no special meaning to you or that barely see any use should go. Ask family members and friends if they would like any of the items you no longer need. Then, hold a rummage sale to make some extra cash or simply donate the lot to charity.

Fewer items cluttering your new home means you’ll spend less time dusting and you won’t keep items in boxes out of sight. Every item in your new home will have special meaning or see frequent use, and you may just wind up with a roomier living space without all of the clutter.

4. Begin Anew

Retirement is a new stage of your life. Get a fresh start and embrace the changes that come with your new lifestyle by more clearly separating your pre-retirement life from your post-retirement life. A new home in a new neighborhood — or even a new city, state or country — can help you make that psychological break from your old life. Once you get over the stress of moving, you’ll find the transition to your new life is easier than you imagined.

The more help you have in making the move, the less likely you are to dread the experience. Some movers help you pack, and others even specialize in senior moving. You can have your vehicle moved, so you can take a plane, bus or train and skip the stress of a road trip. Moving after retirement offers a number of benefits; you just have to decide that you want an even happier, more relaxing retirement life.

About the Author: Eddie Maldonado is a contributing writer and senior health care advisor. He frequently recommends www.nationaltransportllc.com to his clients looking for professional movers to help with downsizing during retirement.

Supporting My Local School for Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:51:00 PDT

Fund Raiser
I am a huge fan of children. I suppose that is why I am a sucker for school fund raisers. The cost is out of sight for most of the things they sell but I don't mind. But I am always glad to go to the yearly flower sale at our local high school because they have made it possible for parents and students to buy Mother's Day gifts at a reasonable price. It is the schools way of giving a little back.

The student sales organization call themselves Crimson Florist and students from throughout the school make things to sell. Wood shop, metal shop and the green house all begin production sometime early in the year so they can be ready for the crowd that shows up to buy what they have created during the week before Mother's Day.

Today I scored two Adirondack chairs hand painted by the young men selling them. $50 each and hand painted! Wow.

Where: Glenco High School, Hillsboro Oregon
When: Today until Friday (and maybe longer)

Items for Sale

My Chairs

Out and About
The neighborhood is alive with activity right now. Weather in Oregon has been the best in history for this time of year. Temperatures in the 80's for almost two week. No rain in view until Mother's Day. It is almost scary.

Have a wonderful day.

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Neighborhood daycare workers taking a walk on a warm Spring morning.

10 Best Gifts: Mother's Day Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:09:00 PDT

Luxury Hotel / Spa Collection - Waffle / Terry Combo Bathrobe,
100% Genuine Turkish Cotton, Unisex - size L / XL

Well here it is for the third time (I think). I am going to tell you what to give your MOM on her day. I know, she has everything she wants but give her something anyway. The truth is Mothers like gifts even when we say we don't.

Perfume...I cannot tell you how long it has been since I had a new bottle of perfume. I like it lots.

Obsession by Calvin Klein for Women,
Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce
Flower pot...the emphasis is on the pot but it should be full of flowers. I love succulents because they require less care than most plants but are beautiful.

I loved these succulents from the Marthat Stewart DIY website.
A gorgeous hotel bath robe...who wouldn't want that.
A beautiful table cloth.
Concert tickets for 4...no one wants to go alone.
A cable knit throw for the couch.
Snack basket with good cheese and other yummy stuff. Gather the things up yourself and you are going to be the favorite child!
A Mother's Day card worth saving!
A subscription to a wonderful magazine...girls will be girls!

Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Throw----CAMEL (Light Brown)

A message at a day spa...if she is like me, she will need instructions on how to do that but she will love it.

Have fun.

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Links:

10 Gift Mother/Grandmother's Would Love
Mother's Day is Coming....shouldn't you be shopping?
Links to all my Gift Post

Aging: How is your Wonder Woman stance making you feel?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:51:00 PDT

What if your posture could affect how you feel emotionally? We know that when you put a pencil between your teeth forcing yourself to smile, you will actually feel happier. What if that principle also applied to how strong your stance was or even how erect you stood? Those were the question Amy Cuddy was asking herself. Could she prove that the way you stand or sit changes the way you behave and possibly even effect hormone levels in your body? I thought the premise was very interesting because I could see how it might apply to older people.

Cuddy works at Harvard Decision Science Lab and the TED presentation you can watch above tells about an experiment she did centered around using a power pose (legs apart, hands on hip, etc) to increase peoples feelings of power with less stress. Half of the participants in the study practiced standing like Wonder Woman making their bodies big and open for two minutes before going into a stressful interview. Those people that were asked to power pose interviewed for jobs better and were evaluated at a high level by a people that were blind to the experiment. The hormones changed in the bodies of the interviewed subjects resulting in a more confident feeling and a reduction in stress.Those people that practiced a submissive pose (head down, arms crossed, slumped, hand on neck) experienced just the opposite in the interview and in the hormone test.

As we grow older we find that we will slump because of pain or even our emotional state. In fact, it is such an insidious behavior that we don't even realize it is happening. Or at least that is what happened to me. I glanced at myself in the window of a department store recently and failed to recognize who I even was. When did that happen? Could that be me hunched over with my head hanging down looking submissive? I was simply appalled. Yuck!

Did I do that because I was feeling a little down in the dumps or was it because gravity was just too much for me? Or could it be that I was feeling down in the dumps because of the way I was standing?

It seemed only logical that I needed to stand up straight. So I worked on finding a new center of gravity and looked at myself more often. I began checking my posture. I am gradually learning the habit of standing up straight. It is hard but that is what I expected. My new posture is having an effect on my thought process and I actually thing sales people treat me differently. Standing up straight could be like putting a pencil in my mouth. Amy Cuddy has me thinking too.

After watching the video, I understood the connection between my posture and an improved outlook. I suggest you watch the TED presentation and pass it on to anyone that might be interested. This is an idea worth sharing!

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David Brooks ran a opinion piece in the New York Time on this subject back in April of 2011. It was called Mind Over Matter.

Retirement: Boredom and the Smoking Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:22:00 PDT

One of my great loves...altering photos!
Nevada Desert Salt Flats
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Quote: Somebody’s boring me; I think it’s me.--Dylan Thomas

The beauty of life is that we get to choose...we can be interesting or boring. I have always thought that, given my wonderful carefree life, I should be at least content if not interesting. Even though there are factors in all our lives that can leave us depressed, it not whether those things happen but how we handle them. I can deal with the bad but it is the good times that had me wondering. I suppose that is why I didn't see the clues pointing to a need for change in my life. Everything is perfect. So what was the big mystery problem that left me wondering what to do with each and everyday?

People would ask my husband what he was going to do when he retired. He would say I am going to do whatever I want! It never occurred to him and certainly not to me that we would ever be depressed or bored if we could just do what we wanted...day after day after day. Then one day the optimist in me woke up to the reality that I needed to have a plan and not a life full of one whim after another. I could not pretend any more that the smoking gun was not lying there on the floor and that gun had a label saying I Am Bored. WOW!

My children were never allowed to use that word ever. They knew it made me angry and I would always tell them that smart people didn't get bored and they should find something to do. But here I was, stuck in the rut of doing just exactly what I wanted and I did not like it at all. If my mother were around, I would whine "I'm bored". That scared me a lot. What was I going to do with the rest of my life?

Then it dawned on me that the thing I was lacking was a meaningful routine. I was needing a set of habits that made me do the necessary things every day. I should exercise, read the newspaper, wash and iron, take my pills, brush my teeth, make the bed, write letters, call on friends, maintain my personal appearance, cook, study, etc. You have to understand that in the list of things to be done there are a lot of things I don't like to do. But I also know that a habitual routine can free up your mind to think about other things. Doing those things I don't like by habit can leave me time to think about what I want to write, read and create. So I came up with a routine.

The change was amazing. Days fly by and each one sees things accomplished. The time I spend doing those favorite things is precious and never wasted. My optimism is back and a cloud has lifted...thank you very much. Dylan Thomas would be pleased to know that I am not boring myself anymore.

Have a wonderful day.

Do you have a meaningful routine and what are the things you include on your list of things you do with out thinking?

Is a Planned Community Right for You?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:00:00 PDT

Home in 55+ Planned Community

When it’s time to start looking for a home, you have a wide array of options. From single-family homes in established neighborhoods to compact apartments in the heart of the city, there’s a home and neighborhood that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle.

One growing trend in housing design is the master-planned community. Unlike planned communities of the past, which featured street after street of cookie cutter homes, today’s master-planned communities offer a wider variety of home styles and amenities, including recreation, shopping and working space. They are communities in the truest sense, allowing residents to live, work and play in one well-maintained area, while getting to know their neighbours and enjoying a high quality of life.

But even with all of those benefits, master-planned communities aren’t for everyone. As you consider your options, ask yourself these three questions to help determine if life in one of these communities is right for you.

Do I Enjoy Socializing With a Community of Neighbours?

One of the major reasons that home buyers choose planned communities is for the sense of, well, community. In most cases, neighbours in planned communities know each other well and spend time together, especially if they have children. While there may not be neighbourhood parties and backyard picnics every weekend, when you live in a planned community you’ll see the same people when take your dog for a walk and at the playground, swimming pool and other recreational areas.

While such an arrangement is appealing to many people, if you prefer to keep to yourself and do not have any interest in participating in group activities or interacting with your neighbours, a planned community may not feel comfortable for you.

Am I Willing to Abide by a Set of Community-Developed Rules About My Home’s Appearance?

While the homes in today’s planned communities aren’t necessarily identical, they do share characteristics that create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. In most communities, buyers choose one of several home styles, which they can customize to their own tastes by choosing from a pre-determined selection of colours and finishes. If you want to make changes in the future, you’re limited to the choices provided by the community planners. While this probably means that you can’t paint your home, say, lime green, it also means that your neighbour cannot do so either, and create a neighbourhood eyesore.

Depending on the community, the rules about your home’s appearance may be strict and detailed, or more lax. In general, rules cover such issues as paint colours, door and window styles, letterbox styles and whether attachments like satellite dishes and basketball hoops can be attached to the home. While many people appreciate the community standards and find the guidelines easy to live with, if such restrictions and rules would be difficult for, a planned community may not be right for you.

Does the Community Cater to My Lifestyle by Offering Amenities and Activities That Appeal to Me?

While master-planned communities often share features, no two are exactly alike. When you tour a community or look at the plans, consider whether the community offers activities and amenities that appeal to you. For example, if you enjoy running and outdoor sports, look for a community with jogging trails and plenty of outdoor recreational space. Look at the list of planned activities and the amenities offered in the clubhouse or central gathering area in the community. Some communities offer hobby clubs or other organizations for residents that will give you a chance to get to know your neighbours, or they offer planned parties, lectures or other events for all ages to enjoy. Before choosing a community, determine whether it can help you live the life you want.

By some estimates, master-planned communities are the next big thing in housing, and a viable alternative to suburban sprawl. However, before you pack your bags and lay down your welcome mat, make sure you choose a community that is right for you.

About the Author: Joanie Birch writes about real estate and home trends. After finding Mandalay at Beveridge community information, she is currently planning her own move to the community. Find out more about this exciting new community atwww.mandalaybeveridge.com.au.

Mother's Day: Agnes and the Box of Books

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:33:00 PDT

Saturday Evening Post April 16, 1910 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Going back to those years when I was a child is not easy. For those who are younger, a mother is probably a active important presence in the life of the family. She acts as the friend, mother and grandmother. She is still there.

But my mother has been gone for 10 years and suffered from age related dementia for many years before that. My memories were taken away and replaced by anguish and fear. I suppose that is why I had such a hard time remembering the mother I loved more dearly than life itself. She was a wonderful example and teacher. It is all coming back to me now.

Her name was Agnes. She was beautiful with black wavy hair and an alabaster skin. She laughed often and worked harder than any woman should have. My grandfather said she was a little pony doing a plow horse work. I remember the gift of garden vegetables and a beautifully kept home. She loved her life I think and I know she loved my father and me. For that I am very grateful. But there is so much more.

One of my earliest memories is of a small nook my father created in the corner of our little mining camp house. My mother guided it's design and above the table were shelves filled with books. Somewhere in a scrapbook there is a picture of me sitting with my cousin busily pretending to write. I was three years old.

Every night until I thought I had out grown it, my mother read to me. I loved stories about fairies and hidden rooms. A subscription to Jack and Jill magazine was the best Christmas gift I ever received. Every year until she quit buying gifts I would receive a book of some kind.

The small community we moved to when I was 7 did not have a library. A summer without books was unthinkable for my mother so she wrote a letter to our state library and requested a box of books just for me. The day it arrived was one of the happiest days of my life. I can still smell those books and feel the weight of each one in my hands.

Her story telling skills were phenomenal. I did not know that all mothers could not do this. She was my peep hole into the world and she encouraged my desire to see new places and explore possibilities.
Her love for a good mystery was fed by the issues of Saturday Evening Post. There was always a story that was continued from week to week. She would fill me in on the latest episode and I suppose I read my very first printed words from that that magazine's cartoons.

“She did all right, for a cat that didn’t know a soul
in the neighborhood three months ago.”
Saturday Evening Post, December 7, 1957

As I grew in reading skills, she subscribed to the shortened books put out by Readers Digest so I could enjoy wonderful books in a condensed format. She belonged to the Book of the Month Club and when I was a teen I read most of those best sellers. I still possess many of those books today.

We lived in a very small town filled with an assortment of nationalities and social classes. She watched the world from her front window or the pew she selected at the church. There was no local newspaper so she garnered information from her friends. A sewing club would meet every so often and the local gossip was issued out like it was news from the New York Times. Even after I was a grown woman with children of my own, I looked forward to a visit home so I could hear the latest story about the red head that lived on the edge of town or how the local retired madam was getting along.

I suppose we could all add courage or achievement or wise or generous to our mother's description. My mother possessed all those traits. But the most precious gift she gave me was a love for reading and the telling of a good story. I cannot imagine what my life would have been without her.

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Aging: Is your search engine working against you?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:21:00 PDT

I was reading The Succulent Wife yesterday. It struck me that the advertising industry is so pervasive that there is no way to escape the images of ourself as somehow not good enough. Every page we go to on our computer is loaded with ads for things we women need to make us look more youthful. The search engines know how old we are, where we live and what we like to do. They take that information and place ads on your Facebook page and maybe even on your email account. I even suspect that the ads on my blog are aimed at me specifically. Don't ask me how but it is a fact. Susan Keats contributed the article and this what she had to say:

What a relief it would be if I wasn’t continuously bombarded with reminders of my age, but was encouraged instead to prioritize other things: books, classes, ideas, travel, excitement! Why, with a mind focused on my wonderful life ahead, (which is full of possibilities) I’d actually be a really happy gal!

Feeling like a teen is unbecoming to me as a grown woman. I am fully capable of having a better handle on things than certain advertisers would want me to believe I have. Life can be too short to waste on obsessing over appearance. Read more: http://www.thesucculentwife.com/my-after-life-series-get-a-handle-on-it/#ixzz2RxpgVXRz

The burning question here is How would you feel about your life if you did not possess a mirror and you never saw any of these ads? Think about it. Would you be proud of your education or want to share the books you had read and the creative ideas you have? Could it be that your travels would make you shine from within? Would you feel happier with your lot? Would you make education or books or travel a priority?

I think if we could turn a blind eye to all of these ads and do what Keats is proposing, we would be transformed somehow. Today, do what she said...focus on your wonderful life and the endless possibilities. Use the mirror to apply a little make-up and comb your hair. Then turn away from it and get on with your life. Tick, tock!

Blogging: Have you noticed the changes?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:22:00 PDT

Many times things change so slowly that we barely notice. Weight gain, gray hairs, a small stoop or even lots of weeds in our garden can sneak up on us. Good things are like that too. In my world it is the small things that give me pleasure but sometimes I over look them.

Have you noticed that:

there are more comments on this blog?
that the link with google+ is allowed on my website now?
I am talking less about retirement?
guest posts are just getting better and better?
my writing skills are improving?
I have become a bit of an expert?
it is time for a new blog header picture (fall is over...really)?

Summer Header Picture?

Comments

I was asked to write for a website called GenFab recently. It is aimed at middle aged women and I may be the oldest in the original group but still...there I am. I loved that small change in my life that turned out to be a very big thing. It not only is very interesting but I am also gaining more comments and support from the fabulous women. That give me pleasure.

Google+

The income I make on this blog is not very much but it has grown at a steady pace beginning with the day I understood what I had created here on the web. I didn't even notice until I took a look at the figures. That gives me a lot of pleasure.

Summer Header Picture?

New Subjects

The retirement subject is all worn out...not only by me but by the growth in "retirement" blogs since I began all those years ago. I don't write about the subject, at least not directly, anymore. I have reached a point where I don't see my lifestyle as a "retirement lifestyle". The third stage of my life is about a lot more than "not working". That was not a small change but one I made deliberately and I can't even remember the day I made that decision. It opened up a whole new world for me and that gives me pleasure.

Summer Header Picture?

Guest Post

The contact I receive from professional freelance writers and marketing people is a lot of fun. This part of my blogging life has evolved so slowly I have to make myself notice the change. I have built a tiny store front where people can post their work with a link do their business and pay me a fee. I control who posts and what they post about. Their information is wonderful and is directly related to all those subjects I have posted about. That gives me pleasure.

Summer Header Picture?

Skills

Writing about things I find interesting gives me more pleasure than you can ever know. Learning new skill is a slow process but when I stop and become more aware I can see the metamorphosis. Being creative is a facet of my personality that I treasure.

Expert

I have noticed that friends come to me for help with their computer problems. I don't always have the answers but I love the contact. It is something we have in common and I have watched them grow in their skills. That gives the teacher in me a lot of pleasure.

Not Autumn Yet

Have you wondered why my blog header has remained stuck in the fall season? I have. This day might bring a change to my blogger header. Season's change and, even though the header can be seen as symbolic of my stage in life, I am not ready to be all about autumn. I still have a lot of springs, summers and beautiful winters left in me. I love small changes still. That gives me pleasure.

Note: I have not found the perfect picture for the header yet. After editing, cropping and jazzing up any one of these above would be great. You just have to use your imagination. What do you think?

Teen clothing trends all grown up...for Grandmothers too?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:16:00 PDT

My daughter and I went shopping on her birthday this last week. We were wandering through the teen department of our big department store when I remembered the time when this very daughter was herself a teen. The years have gone by and on that day we were talking about my granddaughter who will be turning 16 within the next week or so. How time does fly.

What hit me was how tempting it was to keep looking at those young looking clothes. Bright colors, trendy styles and youthful design will always appeal to my eye. But who among us wants to look like our teen daughter or granddaughters? Even if we wanted to, the shape of our bodies would not allow it generally.

I have often wondered why we see older woman clothing follow those teen-like trends within a few years but I suppose it is only natural. Teen style all grown up can be very beautiful.

The bright colors that we all love can still work their way into our wardrobes. An older woman may prefer a three quarter sleeve and a longer t-shirt but that doesn't mean they can't have all that luscious color. Even a shear blouse with a tank under is attractive, youthful looking but still conservative to suit even the most modest dresser. I loved the long sleeved linen shirts I saw at j.jill when we were shopping. They were the perfect cross between bright colors and a mature woman's look.

j.jill Linen Shirts
(Other Spring Looks)

Fossil Austin Flap Handbag

I happen to love the Austin Flap Handbag (Google Affiliate Ad). The color is just perfect because it seems to go with almost anything and will carry a person through all the seasons. I am still hoping to find it at just the right price. This google ad is the best I have seen so far.

Still, I really don't want to dress like someone I am not. I love black and white (very trendy this year I hear), crop pants or slacks and sleeves. I put my body parts away one winter several years ago and just never got them out again. I want people to think I look good all over but not really know the truth.

Source: secondlivesclub.blogspot.com via Barbara on Pinterest

My teenaged granddaughter loves very short shorts and crop shirts. Her mother dresses like the professional she is but we did buy her a pair of orange high heeled sandals on her birthday...one always need a little color in their wardrobe. As for me, I am still wearing my orange tennis shoes. They just make me feel good. W
hen I dress up I will put on my gray slacks, black shoes, a white shirt and a very bright yellow sweater or even one with beautiful flowers. I am what I am!

Have a wonderful day.

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Great links or fashion conscious women:
That's Not My Age
Second Lives Club
Live Better America

Illumination Matters: Making Your Home More Pleasant by Upgrading Your Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:01:00 PDT

Whether you're completely remodeling your home or simply want to create a “homier,” more pleasant atmosphere, there is one easy way to make your space more inviting: upgrade your lighting. It might be the last thing you think about, but the way a room is lit has a profound impact on a person's mood. A bedroom that's too brightly lit can make it difficult to fall asleep, even after the lights are turned off. Conversely, reading in a poorly lit den can lead to eye strain and eventually the need for corrective lenses. If you're ready to completely change your mood or improve your sleep patterns, here are a few ways to make your experience at home even more pleasant by upgrading your lighting.

Where Soft Light Is Best
Softer light works best in the rooms where you basically spend the majority of your time, including the living room, den and your bedrooms. The softer lighting allows you to relax and doesn't disrupt any activities that are taking place, including watching television or playing a game of solitaire on your laptop. Softer overhead lighting is the best idea because it allows you to flood the space with gentler illumination. However, there are instances when you will require brighter illumination, such as when reading or doing a crossword puzzle. In these instances, consider placing a desk or floor lamp near your bed or couch. You can enjoy your steamy romance novel or an epic adventure without disrupting anyone else.

Consider Bright Light
There are two rooms, however, where it's generally best to illuminate the space more brightly: the kitchen and bathroom. The reason is quite simple: You'll need adequate light to safely perform any necessary duties. For instance, have you ever tried to peel a carrot or expertly slice bok choy in a poorly lit kitchen? What happened the last time you tried to shave in a bathroom in softer lighting? Chances are the outcome of both these scenarios wasn't good, which is why it's always the best option to choose bright overhead illumination in both the kitchen and bathroom.

Create a Lighting Plan
Now that you've determined the ideal amount of illumination for each room of your home, it' time to construct a lighting plan. Basically, a lighting plan helps you determine where to install fixtures or place lamps based upon the room's layout. For example, let's say your living room is quite large. You've determined one end of the room is strictly for watching television, while the other end is ideal for playing boardgames or curling up with a great novel. In this instance, softer overhead lighting throughout the room allows everyone to comfortably enjoy whatever they're doing. Providing additional illumination through floor or desk lamps, however, allows individuals on one end of the room to enjoy a book or play a game of cards without disrupting others engrossed in their favorite television show.

Nightlights Aren't Just for Kids Anymore
Fear of the dark isn't a new phenomenon, which is why so many parents install trusty nightlights in their children’s bedrooms. You might have conquered that particular fear years ago, but this doesn't mean you still wouldn't benefit from subtle illumination throughout the home. Installing nightlights in the bathroom, hallways and the master bedroom allows you to safely walk through the home without disrupting anyone by flipping on a stark overhead light or lamp.

Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves two basic purposes: increasing your home's aesthetic appeal while warding off potential vandals or burglars. If you're concerned with your home's safety, consider installing motion sensing lights around your yard's perimeter. Uplighting also helps illuminate and draw attention to the striking architectural features of your home's exterior. Whatever you choose, just remember to position the lights thoughtfully to avoid accidentally lighting up your neighbor's bedroom in the middle of the night.

From installing the ideal bathroom lighting to making sure your home is safe and protected, proper illumination can and will make your life much easier. In the end, just remember that the bathroom and kitchen need to remain well-lit, while the lighting in the bedrooms and living room should remain more subtle.

About the Author: Heather Richards is a columnist and interior designer. Heather recently installed antique light fixtures throughout her home and is using them to illuminate every room properly.

Road Trip: Las Vegas to Portland

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:32:00 PDT

Doris Montgomery Pass Nevada Highway 374 (Photo credit: D'oh Boy (Mark Holloway))

It has taken me about 47 years to actually appreciate a trip through Nevada. This is a place unlike any other. In prehistoric times much of the land was cover by a very large lake bed surrounded by mountains. The land is flat and the roads are as straight as an arrow. We traveled down roads that went as far as the eye can see. The land is covered by gray green sage brush and very little else grows in between.

The occasional "Brothel" along the road north of Las Vegas
breaks the monotony! This business also features aliens and gas.

The thing that is so remarkable about the area is that the water does not drain into an ocean. That explains the alkalinity of the lakes and the collection of salt in many bodies of water. Even though agriculture does prosper in many places, the battle against the build up of minerals in the soil is ongoing.

Austin, NV Cemetery

I think it is the endlessness of the vista that is almost frightening. But beautiful it is.

Alkali lake bed.

Great Basin

Leg #1: Las Vegas to Winnemuca (Travel Math)

Leg #2: Winnemuca to Lakeview (Travel Math)

Leg #3: Lakeview to Portland (Travel Math)

Rim bordering flat dry lake bed just north of Lakeview, Oregon.

Miles of nothing gave me a chance to play with my iPhone apps.
(Zoom Photography and Snapseed)

Note: All of the photographs here were taken with my iPhone as we raced down the road at 75 miles per hour...quality it not guaranteed. :)

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Vintage Retro Hotels: Road Trips with a Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:20:00 PDT

Source: jenzahigian.blogspot.com via Celebrity HotSpots on Pinterest

Tablet Hotels

We are packing to go home to Oregon. We have made this same trip for many years so you can understand how we are always looking for something unique to make the journey more interesting. Even though there are a lot of routes we can take we are beginning to find the long drive boring. When I saw Tablet Hotels list of 11 revamped hotel across the United States this morning, I had the aha moment. This might be the way we can keep a very long drive interesting. We could plan our trip around retro motels in the places we pass through. I have a collection of retro motel signs I have photographed during our travels. This would be great opportunity to add to them.

The only thing we would need to keep in mind when we are planning to do this is that most of these motels are not on the freeway. A back road or a slight detour is usually required. I would check ratings on Trip Adviser. I happen to think that the ratings on this website are spot-on. We will look for Retro Motels Trip Adviser or Vintage Motels Trip Adviser in the Google search line when we make our plans and reservations online. It is not enough to find an old motel. We want to be sure it is hip, clean and bedbug free (sorta).

The thing I love about these places most is the cost. Even in San Diego (La Jolla) where everything is California'd to the enth degree the retro hotel listed (The Pearl) has had specials at around $76 lately. In Portland (home town) The Juniper is a favorite of the locals as well as tourist. Tablet says it is

"deeply casual, effortlessly hip and impossibly inexpensive."

Yes, I think this might the perfect way to make the long trip home a little more fun. It could be a real adventure.

Have fun.

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More Links:
Vintage Roadmap
10 Places to Stay at Vintage Motels (USA Today)
Hip and Vintage Motels and Trailers
Roadside Peek
Roadside Motels (NYT Frugal Traveler)

2013 Best of Tucson AZ: Retire In Style Blog Recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:00 PDT

This is the "I did this and I recommend it" list for 2013 snowbird season. My husband and I have visited each one of these locations plus a lot more. I hope that you will give each one a try and let me know what you think.

Best of 2013, Tucson AZ

Restaurants

Best Wine List at a reasonable price: Zona 78 Italian Kitchen
Most authentic Sonoran Food: El Charro (Court Street, original location)
Best Historic Old Pueblo Restaurant: Congress Hotel (breakfast)
Best Outdoor Dining: Old Pueblo Grill (best outdoor patio)
Best Mexican Family Owned: La Sur (Yelp recommended)
Best Southern Arizona Country Restaurant: Wisdom's Cafe (Tumacacori, AZ)

Old Town Artisan Entrance

Best Golf Experience

Best Golf and Fish Fry for Friday nights: Del Lago Golf and Hacienda del Lago
Best Golf Deals: Golf Now Tucson or Easy Links (24 cancelation option)
Best Beautiful Low Key Resort: Tubac Golf Resort Spa and Restaurant (Tubac, Az)
Best Municipal Golf Course: Haven Golf Course (Green Valley)

Best Arizona Folk Art

Old Town Artisans

Best Band for Dancing

Sixties Garage Band (playing at Elks, American Legion, hotels and casinos)

Del Lago at sunset

El Charro Restaurant (Original location)

Haven Golf Course

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa

Travel: Why the Snowbird Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara Torris) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:00:00 PDT

I am a snowbird and spend up to 6 month a year in Tucson every year. My home is in Hillsboro Oregon. It rains there a lot. I suppose that is one of the reasons my husband and I feel the need to travel south for a while. We want to escape the rain and the dark weather. But life is not perfect even when you get to travel south for the winter. Why? Well, the weather has not been good this winter.

Del Lago Golf Course
Vail, Arizona

Arizona Sunset

Tubac Resort Golf Course

Golfing with friends!

Bocce Ball Court

It has frozen, snowed, rained and the wind blew 50+ miles an hour last week. When it has not been cool it has been hot. The elements are not particularly favorable for a snowbird like me. But, would I stay at home in Oregon even if it was never warm here in Arizona? I really don't think so.

The truth of the matter is I do not come here for the weather...not entirely. I come here because I like the people and it is just so much fun. My daughter compared this RV resort to a college campus in the fall and I think she is right. We are friends that have not seen each other for several month and have lots to say and do so we can make up for lost time.

A friend called the other day and told me how sorry she was that we hadn't had a warm winter season. She thought our time here had been ruined. Do we need any sympathy? The answer is no. The weather really doesn't matter. The people do.

Just a thought.

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I loved these succulents from the Marthat Stewart DIY website.

.......RETIRE IN STYLE BLOG+......

Travel: The Best Places to Relax in The UK’s Peak District

Small Space Living: Remodeling? Angies List

Small Space Living: Bedroom Carpet Dilemma

Money Cannot Buy the Perfect Graduation Gift

Gifts: Teens and my 15 Minutes of Fame!

Down Sizing in Real Life

Links: Retire in Style Blog posts labeled Down Sizing

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1. Spend Less

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Supporting My Local School for Mother's Day!

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Retirement: Boredom and the Smoking Gun

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Mother's Day: Agnes and the Box of Books

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