Expand your horizons!

Have you noticed that in retirement you are sometimes just as stressed as when you worked every day? The cause of my stress: I over-scheduled myself for the last two months and I am exhausted. I didn’t allow for that precious time to just sit quietly on the back porch and watch the goldfinches at the bird feeder. What about that spontaneity when I look at my husband and say, “Let’s go get chocolate banana walnut ice cream?”

In my first column, September, 2012, I wrote about feeling lost and being frightened about how I would fill my days, and I received this email from a reader: “Most people that relocate go through a transition period and aren’t really comfortable until they become familiar with the area…just enjoy the experience and expanding your new horizons!”

Of course this reader was correct -  it took time to really feel at home here. I drove up to the Maryland suburbs last weekend and couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there.  Traffic on Route One isn’t that bad. I love living here! Now I just need to learn not to overcommit so I can stick my toes in the sand.

Speaking of freedom, I want to thank Walt Bryan and folks at the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club for their Flags for Heroes display on the grounds of Cape Henlopen High School. Each flag was raised in memory of a loved one who served our country, my father being one of them. My dad was a paratrooper in World War II, was wounded in France and earned the Purple Heart for his war efforts - a time he never wanted to talk about with his six daughters. Now that I am older I appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and all of my elders more.

One reader asked me to share some news about Gracie the puppy. She is seven months old now and full of energy, love and mischief. Her walks are still aggravating as every 10 feet she finds a piece of bark or a sweet gum ball to put in her mouth. She has learned the command Drop It and sets down her stuffed hedgehog and waits for a treat. Ray is trying the command Drop It on me whenever I talk about some past transgression. Gracie and I are equally stubborn about getting what we want in life. When she cocks her head and looks at me with those brown puppy eyes I swoon with adoration. She loves me no matter how awful I behave and I return the favor.

One of the experiences I do enjoy is dining in Rehoboth Beach at Victoria’s Restaurant. I was delighted recently to see Tom Gross in the lobby as he is now the charming concierge manager. Tom was affectionately referred to as the Mayor of Rehoboth when he worked at the Point Coffee Shop and filled coffee and pastry orders. Tom is offering tours of the private suites which lead to the rooftop and hot tub overlooking the ocean. Expand your horizons along with that special someone, host a private party, or dine on shrimp and crabmeat salad while viewing the whitecaps.

Write to me at lgraff@capegazette.com and tell me what’s on your horizon - still not getting much mail!