Too Many Hobbies?

I remember many of my clients telling me that they were so busy in retirement, that they didn’t know how they ever had time to work. They always said it with a smile, so I knew they were enjoying themselves, but as a stressed out working mom, I frankly didn’t understand this. All I wanted, at that point in my life, was to not have too much to do all the time. I just wanted to go slower, to enjoy some time to myself, and some peace and quiet. Why didn’t they just say “no” and stay home, if they were retired?

I’m exactly where they were now, and I can tell you why. They aren’t saying “no” because there are just so many fun things to do! Since I last posted, I’ve picked up another hobby- Pickleball! Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Its easy to learn, easy to play, and SO much fun! Its less physically challenging than tennis, and I usually play doubles, which you can play for hours. I found a group of ladies who play every Monday and Friday from 10-12. Most ladies show up at 10, but some show up a bit later and some leave early. We try to switch partners so we can play with several different people. I knew lots of women in this group, and it has been fun catching up with them over water breaks. I’m enjoying meeting new friends too!

In addition to the knitting lesson I told you about two posts ago, I have also taken a crocheting class for a specific project. That project is re-creating my son’s favorite baby blanket for a new baby in the family. My nephew and his wife are expecting a GIRL in August. There have only been boys on that side of the family, so everyone is excited to buy girl things.

The baby blanket was a gift from a client, and she had taken a square of soft white flannel and crocheted at beautiful scalloped border on the edge. It was thin and light, exactly the right weight for the warm climate we live it. It was bigger than average too, and got softer with every washing. My youngest child didn’t let go of that blanket until it was time for him to go to kindergarten. It has stains and holes, and even some of the stitching has come off. I called the lady who made it for me and she explained how she’d done it. She was glad to hear from me and pleased that my son had liked the blanket so much.

I took a crocheting class, which (to my surprise) actually went much better than my first knitting class. It turns out that the scalloped border is a pretty easy stitch- one that is normally taught in the first class. I’ll be working on that project later this week. I’d work on it tonight, but I’m knitting a beautiful lacy purple scarf, and I’m not ready to put it down yet. Also after cleaning the house and two hours of pickleball, I’m too tired to tackle a new project tonight.

I’ve also planted a few things in the garden, and have been repotting a few things. We had a late spring freeze last night. I covered my tomato plants, but to be honest, they didn’t look too good this morning. So more gardening this week…

I also FINALLY found a pottery class, which will start in a couple of weeks. It will take place on Thursday nights for about 6 weeks and I’m really excited about it. I want to make a yarn bowl, which is a bowl with a cut in it that you put your string through. It keeps your yarn from rolling on the floor when you’re knitting or crocheting and you pull on the roll to get more yarn off of the ball. (I’ll post a picture if I make one.) Also a special flower pot to accommodate a cool new plant I bought that wicks water from the bottom of the pot with a cotton string. It needs a reservoir of water below it and I don’t have the right shape pot for this, so I’m hoping I can make one. And a coffee mug. Because no one takes a pottery class without making themselves a coffee mug, right?

I am still volunteering at the therapy facility, baking bread, and making soap and posting here. A friend sent me a listing on Facebook marketplace for a lot of beekeeping equipment for sale. It was everything I’d need to get 2 hives going in the backyard. I passed on it though. I just don’t have time right now. The difference between now and when I was working is that I have chosen and love every single thing I’m doing. Retirement is wonderful!

Favorite retirement activity of the week- hanging out at the yarn shop after the lesson. There’s always a table full of people working on various projects, gossiping and asking each other for advice, beautiful yarn to admire, and coffee and pastries. Its nice to be able to linger.