The Joy of Retirement is Friends

 

 

I have been very blessed to move over 450 miles from where I grew up and at 63 years of age, be able to meet and love the ladies in my new home town.  When we got here I literally knew no one and being that we were so busy settling in to our new home, it didn’t really seem to matter.  I was approached by one of the ladies from the neighborhood who asked if I would be interested in joining a group of ladies who have also moved to Tennessee from other states to go out for lunch and fellowship.  The best thing I ever did was say yes, I would enjoy that very much.  That was eight years ago and these crazy dear ladies have become my best friends.  Besides trying out all the great restaurants in a 60 mile radius and visiting places of interest and history. Shopping and gardening are always included in some of the things we share. We also have volunteered  to make lunches for the Special Olympics in town and work for the Helping Hand Organization to befit the people locally in need.  The laughter and tears we have shared cannot be measured and I keep thinking , if I  was not brave enough to make this move into the unknown, I would have never encountered these marvelous women.  If an opportunity ever comes along that you are hesitant about the what if’s, and  maybe you do take that challenge, I hope it is as happy an experience as the one I have been fortunate to be living.  No regrets!

Southern Living with Chris: Meet our New Pup, Riley

My dog Riley, a miniature schnauzer uses Thundershirt for dog anxiety issues

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Welcome to Southern Living with Chris. I’m a retiree from up north who recently relocated to Henry County, Tennessee in 2010. My Southern Living with Chris website offers a glimpse into my life in retirement. I’m a retired medical records coder and spent many years working in the health care industry. I’m also an avid crafter for many years. Since retirement I’ve become very interested in thrift store shopping and DIY projects that can be made with materials found at the dollar store. You’ll find articles about my favorite craft projects, reviews, thrift store tips and finds, and sometimes just fun little musings along the way. If you are newly retired, a crafter, into thrift store shopping, or a northerner who’s recently moved to the south, consider following Southern Living with Chris. I’d love to hear from you!

I recently adopted a puppy. Meet my 9 month old schnauzer, Riley. She’s an energetic puppy but also makes a wonderful lap dog. She’s also becoming a fairly regular topic on Southern Living with Chris, too.

Somewhere in Riley’s short life she has acquired a tremendous hate of the vacuum cleaner, upright or canister, she takes no prisoners.  I have never had a dog in my life with such a determination to destroy a vacuum.  If you just open the door to the closet where it is kept, causes the alarm to go up and the barking and attacking starts.  We are working on solutions to have a treaty made between the vacuum and the warrior.  So far it is not working well, but we will keep on it and report back later any improvements.

New to Southern Living with Chris? View some of our favorite posts:

Southern Living with Chris on Gardening:

MiracleGro your garden for high yields and best results.
MiracleGro in my garden this season is yielding great results.

Southern Living with Chris on Home Decor:

fall table arrangement, a favorite on Southern Living with Chris
A fall table arrangement inside white pitcher.