In between, my husband and I earned our doctorates at the University of Georgia, then worked at FSU for 11 years and LSU for eight, then spent the last 17 years at Baylor University. Primarily, I was an administrator, but I also taught one class -- Sociology of Education -- each semester. Here I am with students from my very last class -- on Portfolio and Pizza Day.
Immediately after my exit interview on my last afternoon at work, my husband whisked me away for a week at the beach with our children and grandchildren. Our daughter found a great house to rent at Surfside (west of Galveston), and we all had a fabulous time together, with lots of beach time, games, cooking, etc. Here's a photo my older granddaughter took from the deck.
Here's my youngest grandchild enjoying the beach.
The house had a very well-equipped kitchen, and we made cookies twice and brownies once.
After the week at the beach, we returned home, where I wrote a to-do list about a mile long, then got busy. I have been going through drawers and cabinets, culling items for a neighborhood garage sale in August, and I was also in a sewing mood. I made a new cover for my sewing machine, a dress for my granddaughter (can you tell I love piping?), and -- by her special request -- a baseball uniform for her doll.
I have also resumed daily morning walks with my husband, and the late afternoons are spent with him, relaxing in our pool. I've also gone to lunch with friends -- a special "perk" of retirement -- and renewed my library card! I have some big projects planned for later this summer -- painting a couple of rooms and possibly even -- gulp -- upholstery. Thanks to all my Blogland friends for continually inspiring me with your ambitious projects! Keep 'em coming!
