February 10th – I Was Right!

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

I am very happy to be in a marriage with my husband Dan. He is a good man. He is a responsible, hard working, intelligent, hilariously funny, caring man. But he has his less attractive qualities. First and foremost, he is annoyingly right way too often when we disagree. This is particularly true of his gut feelings about people and his opinion of the latest gizmos and gadgets. That obviously means that, in these disagreements, I am typically the one who is WRONG. 🥴

Back in May of 2020, I finally had reason to celebrate an infrequent case of righteousness. Today it is time to update my post on ‘lightweight expanding garden hoses‘ and set the record straight.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/05/31/i-was-right/

For some time, I had seen advertisements and displays calling me to invest in one of those handi-dandy lightweight hoses with the awesome functional nozzle. Finally, I had the chance to grab an economical model off a shelf in a discount store and manage to skid through the checkout with it before Dan could disuade me.

I brought it home and it was amazing! I loved my new hose. No more struggling with heavy, unyielding, rubber hoses. No more trying to operate lousy spray attachments. And my favourite… no more fighting and losing to our miserable automatic hose retractor. (Supposedly automatic 🤦).

For a good two weeks, I loved my new garden hose. I even dedicated a blog post to it – and happened to mention that I had indeed been right for once.

Then it happened. My wonderful hose sprung a little pinhole leak – and another – and another, until it resembled one of those sprinkler hoses.

This was at a time when my health was feeble at best. Dan, being the good man that he is, decided we should increase the odds for success and went out to buy me a much better quality, much pricier lightweight expanding garden hose. It lasted quite some time before Dan decided to use it to top up the pool one day. He was keeping an eye on it, when he noticed it was expanding in one concentrated area – much like a water balloon. He ran to shut off the water, but he did not run fast enough. The balloon burst. 🙄

At this time, I should have taken a cue from Genie…

Dan was able to shorten the hose, re-attach the spray nozzle and things went well for a few more weeks. Then the sprinkles started, became leaks, became larger leaks, until it lost all control of itself and caused a flood situation on the sidewalk and into our basement.

So.. that is that. Update on the lightweight expandable garden hose and my premature celebration… I was WRONG. 😧

Watering our front acre of lawn may not be particularly doable with a watering can, so obviously it is back to heavy, unco-operative rubber hoses. At least my health is considerably better now, so it will be more of an inconvenience than an all out crisis.

And I can almost always open jars with my handi-dandy jar openers – without dumping the contents of the jar down my shirt. So, I was RIGHT about these gadgets. 😊

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞

February 9th – For the Love of Elephants

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

It is beautiful, warm, and sunny in Saskatchewan. 🌞 Despite the sunny skies, it is hard not to be dragged down by all of the disturbing news in our province, country, and around the globe lately – but not today! Today I am going to update a post on one of my favourite subjects and then Kat and I are heading out to clear off more of the patio.

Today I am updating a post on elephants!

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/04/26/for-the-love-of-elephants/

The herd has continued to grow slowly but surely over the past couple of years.

Super elephant isn’t really a ‘new’ addition. He just moved home to his place in the herd, from the spot he had on a shelf over my desk at work. He retired with me. 🤗

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!

February 8th – Spring Update

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

My update today will no doubt be one of favourites to do as it the subject is such a joy to me. On March of 2020, I put together a collection of my favourite spring photos to celebrate the kickoff of my favourite season.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/03/20/spring-2020/

This post was written on the last day that I was gainfully employed. Much has changed in the past two years, much has changed for the better, and one of the best changes has been the amount of time that I now have to enjoy and appreciate SPRING.

For my update to this post, I add photos of some of the special springtime moments that I have had the privilege of enjoying over the past couple of years.

Spring Cleaning
Out in the sunshine with Kat
April showers bring May flowers 🌸
Grandpa’s Bleeding Heart
A new bath for our feathered friends 🐦
Spring seedlings 🌿
Walking the paths in Patricia Park 🚶

All heartwarming memories of warm spring days. I am so fortunate that events conspired to move up my retirement plans. I love all of the opportunities that retirement has brought – but I particularly appreciate these days with yet another spring on the horizon. 🌞

That is it for today. Take care and have a great day!

February 7th – Freedom

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

Today I chose a lengthy post entitled ‘Freedom’ to update.   The first thing I wanted to address was the reasoning behind the title.  I have no idea! I was going through a difficult time in virtually every area of my life.  I was exhausted.  I honestly can not imagine what I was thinking.  While ‘Freedom’  would make for a worthy subject for a blog, it makes little sense as a title for this blog which was totally about  ‘Peace’.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/02/19/freedom/

Update on my journey to peace – I spent the first five decades of my life struggling with stress and anxiety.  In my fifties, I started make some winning progress in my ongoing  battle, but struggled on.  Finally in 2020, I changed my focus from ‘fighting stress and anxiety’ to ’embracing peace’.   This change has made all of the difference. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

Since my original plan was to focus on the subject of ‘Freedom‘ I thought I should at least touch on this topic in my update. In a few words from the masters that I think are worth consideration….

  • “Responsibility is the price every man must pay for freedom.”. – Edith Hamilton
  • “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If in out heart we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, possessions – we cannot be free. ” – Thich Nhat Hanh
  • “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. ” – Peter Marshall
  • “For to be free is not to merely cast off ones chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandel

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day!

February 6th – Winter Flu

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

The post that I chose to update today was short and to the point. My husband and I were battling a severe flu with the less than enthusiastic support of our little dog, Kat.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2020/01/20/winter-flu/

This innocuous post from early 2020 marked the early days of the Covid pandemic. While it was before the advent of Covid testing and treatment, I have no doubt that it was Covid and not the typical, or even atypical winter flu that we experienced.

  • Update on the winter flu of 2020
  • Personally, the ‘flu’ of 2020 continues to affect my health and physical well-being.
  • Nationally and globally, it has had detrimental effects on the lives of countless.
  • It has highlighted the heroic efforts of countless – from healthcare workers who continue to fight losing battles, to retail workers who have kept basic necessities on shelves and in our home throughout, to truckers and couriers who have operated under difficult, dehumanizing conditions, especially when hotels, motels, and restaurants were shuttered, to teachers who have struggled to educate and protect their students, to politicians who have worked to juggle healthcare, the economy, education, and social well being – with the support of few and the contempt of many. It has brought out all of the heroic among us who worked to serve others, while struggling themselves and caring for their own loved ones.
  • Saddest of all (in my mind), it has brought out the worst among us – those who have used this crisis to take advantage of others – the hoarders who have been the cause of most shortages, the greedy who have capitalized on shortages and the needs of others, the heartless who have written off the suffering and deaths of others as inconsequential, and finally those who continue to fight for their ‘rights’ regardless of the rights and needs of which they are depriving others.
  • There is no way for any of us to know how or when this will all end. Seeing the direction many have taken in Canada during the past few days, I cannot see it ending peacefully and with a genuine attitude of co-operation or consideration, without which I do not see an end. 🤷

Covid began so innocently for all of us. I wonder how this time will be remembered and judged going forward. I wonder how current and future generations will be changed – for better or worse.

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great rest of the day. 💞

February 5th – Ontario

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

While going through my archives looking for today’s post to update, I came across this one highlighting our trip to Ontario some years ago.  Every photo in this post still holds the happiest of memories for me. 😊

Along with the beautiful Ontario scenery and sites, I will always carry the fondest memories of the people that we met during our visit.  From the time we stepped off of the airplane at the Pearson International Airport, to our visit to Construction Specialties Inc., to our time spent at restaurants, hotels, shops, and tourist attractions,  the people of Ontario  were exceptionally friendly, considerate and helpful.  They made our visit truly special.💞

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2019/12/06/ontario/

I have only one update for this post – Dan’s sister has moved back to Ontario and I cannot wait until we can go to visit her and this beautiful province! 😊

That is it for today. Take care and have a great day!💞

February 4th – Summer in Saskatchewan

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

Back in November of 2019, I was looking forward to the return of summer. Moving into February of 2022, I am beyond excited as I anticipate the coming spring and summer. 🌞

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2019/11/16/summer-in-saskatchewan/

The only way to update this 2019 post, is to add a few ‘Summer in Saskatchewan’ photos from 2020 and 2021. For anyone living north of warmer weather, I hope this is a little something to brighten your day and warm your heart. 🌹

The beauty of a Saskatchewan summer! It cannot get here soon enough, even if it is well worth the wait.

That is it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞

February 3rd – Shingles Vaccine

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

Looking back at previous blogs that I have posted, I came across this one regarding my run in with shingles.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2019/10/29/shingles-vaccine/

Since I wrote this we have had global debate and debacle over vaccines. I understand this, but still felt this post was worthy of update.

While you may be reluctant to get the vaccine for shingles (or anything else right now) I would like to share a bit more information on shingles.

1) Anyone who has had chicken pox, regardless of age, can get shingles. When I had shingles, and in the weeks after, I heard horror stories from people of all ages, who had experienced this horrid condition.

2) Shingles can erupt anywhere on one’s body. I had it on my face and scalp (particularly nasty as it can cause loss of sight, hearing, and permanent disfigurement). I heard of people experiencing outbreaks on their shoulder, back, waist, and thighs.

3) The first sign of shingles may not be a painful, itchy, crusty rash. Mine started with stabbing pain, seemingly deep in my sinuses. Next, there was redness and swelling and my eye was bloodshot. There was one small obvious blister on my forehead, which did not register with me due to everything else causing me misery and discomfort.

4) There is medical treatment available – but one must start treatment within 72 hours of initial signs of outbreak. I was fortunate that while I had no idea that I had shingles, I did go to my doctor on time and was able to receive effective treatment.

I wouldn’t wish shingles on anyone. I would still advise anyone 50 or over, who has had chicken pox, to get the shingles vaccine. If you choose not to, I hope this information helps you to identify the condition if you ever have a breakout and that you are able to get the treatment before you are faced with months of devastating pain and worse. I heard so many stories of people who went through hell with shingles. You really don’t want to become one of them.

That’s it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞

February 2nd Update – 10 Things Anyone Under 40 Should Never Do

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

For the second day of February, I am looking back at a blog that I posted while I was still gainfully employed and before I allowed my hair to turn a natural shade of grey. Then as now, I was aware of ageism in our society.

I stand behind everything that I noted in my original post but I do have a couple of things to add.

Number 1 – While I still take exception to much of how aging is portrayed via the youthful  ‘internet experts‘,  this agism thing has become personal for me in the past two years.   I  am regularly treated with less  respect and consideration than I had come to expect from family,  strangers, and acquaintances.   My age has become a determining factor in my worthiness. FYI – I refuse to accept that or buy into it at any age.

Number 2 –  I have one more rule to add.   Regardless of your age, do not compare yourself to anyone who is years or decades your senior.  We may not have your youthful beauty, or stamina, quick wit or nimble fingers – but we do have  qualities that you will not recognize or understand until you become one of us. 

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2019/09/26/10-things-anyone-under-40-should-never-do/

Aging gracefully and gratefully for all of my life’s experiences
My father-in-law… living out his final years cherishing the memories of a life well lived, the family and friends he loved, and the community he supported.
My mother living her final years in a nursing home – Mothering, grand-mothering, and great-grandmothering. Regardless of parenting fads and fashions through the generations, it always came down to common sense and caring.
My Dad – 83 years old, living with cancer and dying with dignity. Still kind, still strong, still aware and interested in everything happening in his family and his community.

That’s it for today. For those of all ages – take care and have a great day!

February 1st – Updates

by annemariedemyen, posted in Updates - February 2022

Here we are starting a new month – YAY February!  Soon the days will be noticeably longer, hopefully warmer, and much calmer than the last day of January – which brought us a rather noteworthy blizzard. 

Time to shovel our front steps! 😳

A new month means a new theme for my blog here on WordPress. I generally prefer looking more forward rather than back, but this month I have decided to indeed look back. Recently, I have had a few visitors post likes or comments on some of my earlier posts. I click back to my original post to check it out, only to discover that I have more to add, changes to make, or just something that is worth repeating. So… that is my theme for February 2022. A review of previous blogs.

One might as well start at the beginning, so today a quick look at my very first blog. This blog was written mid 2019 when I was still gainfully employed in the Saskatchewan construction industry.

https://seclusion101withannemarie.com/2019/08/18/my-very-first-blog/

  • Update of “My Very First Blog”
  • Contrary to my earlier thoughts on retirement, I have not consumed any impressive amount of tea, read many books, or done a significant amount of needlework.
  • I have spent a lot of quality time with my husband and I am happily anticipating the day when Dan will join me in retirement. 💞
  • I do not miss working – AT ALL. I loved my job, I did it well and I am proud of all that I accomplished. I cared for most of the people I worked with and for. I do not regret or resent a minute of it… But, I do not miss it!
  • The most significant thing about my life now, compared to then, is that now for the first time in my life as an adult, I put myself first. There were forty some years when, I put myself last (if at all). It was how I lived my life and I would do it again. I do not regret the years that I spent being a wife and home maker, raising a family, catering to grandchildren. I do not regret being there for my aging, ailing parents. I do not regret the dedication I put into my career. But, it left nothing for me. Now I have time to put myself first. I have time to focus on my health and my all around well-being. I would never have guessed that would be the best thing about retirement. (It never occurred to me that it even was a thing 🙄)
Life before retirement. 💻

If you care to comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on retirement. 🤗😧🥳

That is all for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞