As I mentioned in the first post in this series, the main reason for this trip was to visit with an ailing parent, a niece, grand-nephew and son and daughter-in-law. Without going into the details, our short time was fraught with many emotions. The home referred to is not any particular place, but just any place where you may happen to be at the moment.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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Thank you. Yes, sometimes, you just have to go for it and take what comes. I hear you on the TCK part. I am sure there are many people you would like to see. Stay well. Allan
Yes, it’s true. Sometimes it’s not the place I miss, it’s the people. I felt especially guilty leaving my friends and family behind in a toxic country last year because they either don’t get it, or they aren’t ready to emigrate yet. As my Mum said, people need to reach their own conclusions about the US. No one can do it for them. It only helps a little though
It’s always good to celebrate family time. We don’t get enough of it these days during the pandemic, but it makes you appreciate whatever time you can spend together.
Thanks Blanca. Hope you and your family are all well. It is a difficult time for a lot of families, I am sure. If they can see each other, there are hesitancies about getting too close or there are disagreements between those who believe and those who do not. I just hope the world gets back to a calmer place again soon. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Allan
What a special trip Allan. I will be undertaking a similar trip towards the end of the year. Wishing you and your family all the best for the rest of 2021 and beyond.
Thanks Leighton. Hope your trip works out well for you. We will be on another mission of family discovery before year’s end as well. This time a bit longer. Thanks for reading. Stay well. Allan
They’re the ones who have your back when you need support; they’re the ones who cheer you on as you’re celebrating life‘s successes; and they’re the ones who laugh with you (and only occasionally at you) during your silliest slip-ups. 🙂 Family is not an important thing. It’s everything
You have definitely described a good family, Aiva. I think that is what is hitting people the hardest during the pandemic, loss of family time together. Thanks for reading. Allan
As a NOT well-traveled individual, Home is one area in particular. But I can say that after 26 years here, that I have two homes. Home is definitely where the memories and attachments are for sure. I hope your visit was more good than bad.
Picture This 
Glad you made it home. 😉
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Thanks Irene. Hope all is well with you. Allan
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After so long you must have all been so happy to be reunited once again Allan.
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The trip definitely had its ups and downs, but face to face is always best. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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Here’s to health and happiness for all. Cheers Allan!
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Agreed and lets not forget Hope. Thanks for reading John. Allan
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Home is where the heart is! ❣️❣️
Beautiful clicks Allan. Family time is the most needed time right now. Hope everything went well. 🤝
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Thanks. Absolutely. As much as we think we can live in isolation, we need human contact. Thanks for reading. Allan
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I’m so glad you had some quality time together. Your poem certainly resonates with me as a TCK too 🙂
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Thank you. Yes, sometimes, you just have to go for it and take what comes. I hear you on the TCK part. I am sure there are many people you would like to see. Stay well. Allan
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Yes, it’s true. Sometimes it’s not the place I miss, it’s the people. I felt especially guilty leaving my friends and family behind in a toxic country last year because they either don’t get it, or they aren’t ready to emigrate yet. As my Mum said, people need to reach their own conclusions about the US. No one can do it for them. It only helps a little though
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It is kind of like people’s Covid beliefs. You have to respect their right to their beliefs, butyou do not have to agree with them. Cheers.
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Yes, indeed
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It’s always good to celebrate family time. We don’t get enough of it these days during the pandemic, but it makes you appreciate whatever time you can spend together.
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Absolutely. Skype and Zoom are great, but they just are not the same. More family time coming soon. Hope you are well. Thanks for reading. Allan
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That´s so very true! These days spending some family time is like treasure.
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Thanks Blanca. Hope you and your family are all well. It is a difficult time for a lot of families, I am sure. If they can see each other, there are hesitancies about getting too close or there are disagreements between those who believe and those who do not. I just hope the world gets back to a calmer place again soon. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Allan
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I hope so too!
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful and wonderful family and home. And totally agree.
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Thanks for stopping by and the follow. Allan
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Precious time, for sure. I’m sure the ducks in your hood won’t mind you taking a little time off.
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Ha Ha. Good one. I think the ducks have travel plans of their own. Thanks for reading and commenting. Stay well. Allan
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I’m so glad you got to spend some quality family time!!
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Thanks Ann and thank you for the follow. Stay well. Allan
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What a special trip Allan. I will be undertaking a similar trip towards the end of the year. Wishing you and your family all the best for the rest of 2021 and beyond.
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Thanks Leighton. Hope your trip works out well for you. We will be on another mission of family discovery before year’s end as well. This time a bit longer. Thanks for reading. Stay well. Allan
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They’re the ones who have your back when you need support; they’re the ones who cheer you on as you’re celebrating life‘s successes; and they’re the ones who laugh with you (and only occasionally at you) during your silliest slip-ups. 🙂 Family is not an important thing. It’s everything
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have definitely described a good family, Aiva. I think that is what is hitting people the hardest during the pandemic, loss of family time together. Thanks for reading. Allan
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As a NOT well-traveled individual, Home is one area in particular. But I can say that after 26 years here, that I have two homes. Home is definitely where the memories and attachments are for sure. I hope your visit was more good than bad.
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It had its moments Scott. Will try another trip again soon. Thanks for reading. Allan
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