Hello YLF family.

I can't believe it's been 6 months since I last posted. Time has gone by so quickly since retiring. Our trip to Portugal in January was amazing (Lisbon and Madeira were fab with moderate temperatures) and we plan to go back some time in the future for a possible move. We shall see.

No other trips were planned since my pension didn't start until end of May. As I may have mentioned, I left my job in January. Apparently the Federal government has long delays on issuing pension payments.

Retiring early has been fabulous and I do not missing working at all. I've been keeping busy with my hobbies of sketching and photography. Life is good and am enjoying the slow time.

Although retirement has its plusses, there are also negatives. My ever-growing waistline, and physical body changes due to menopausal symptoms, has put fashion on the back end. I miss fashion but I can't seem to see beyond the weight gain. My mother is slowing down physically, but mentally she's sharp as a tack and can still put me in my place. I've restarted my exercise routines, increasing protein intake, and strength training have began so am hoping to see some kind of loss sooner than later. Doctor's visits are at the end of July. I don't like this stage of my life. Am I alone in this?

Back to positives: many trips are planned and we are planning to get away from the East coast heat and humidity. In August, we are heading back to Iceland see north and northeastern Iceland and to catch a glimpse of the northern lights (crossing fingers). First week of September, we are headed to Banff NP in Alberta,CN in search of those beautiful crystal blue lakes and great outdoors. We can't wait.