This series of posts can be taken as an unabashed love letter to our City of Edmonton, often under rated, which is fine by us. Psssst, don’t tell anybody how great it is.
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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10 thoughts on “I Find Myself With a Smile on My Face – Part 1”
You are definitely making the best of your e-bikes and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Not as much of a workout as a non powered bike, but we are getting out more often and going for longer. They were the right purchase at the right time. Thanks for reading Marion. Have a great weekend. Allan
Cool that the bikes track your total kilometres since purchase. I love the river views and such a clear sky that day. The wooden railings and stairs seem tastefully done.
When I bought the bike, I got the extra display to show speed, power levels and km travelled. It has come in handy. The river was picture perfect on that day. A real campaign has gone on in the past 10 years to upgrade the river valley staircases for safety and access. One staircase we have been on has 204 steps. Many runners run the steps for cardio. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
Hard to believe I have lived in this area for 48 years, given I moved 28 times in my first 17 years. It is good to have stability. The fall colours made today seem a bit warmer. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
What a wonderful ride, Allan! Edmonton certainly looks like a great location to call home. Not only you are surrounded by nature, but also from here you can be close to many national parks in the province. Do you guys ever go to Elk Island National Park? Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva. It is a wonderful city to hike and bike. We are really only close to 1 national park, as Jasper and Banff are both about 4 hours away. We have been to Elk Island for hikes and cross country skiing, but have not been there lately. Our last visit was in 2020. Maybe next year. Thanks for reading. Happy Tuesday. Allan
Ah — if I’d read them in order!! Now I get the 3 year comment. Also my daughter competed at the Whitemud Equestrian Center for many years so once again familiar territory. Indeed broke her leg there. Bernie
That is why I thought I would number them. Too much in this ride to put in one post. Glad you know the area, but sorry about the broken leg. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
Picture This 
You are definitely making the best of your e-bikes and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.
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Not as much of a workout as a non powered bike, but we are getting out more often and going for longer. They were the right purchase at the right time. Thanks for reading Marion. Have a great weekend. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool that the bikes track your total kilometres since purchase. I love the river views and such a clear sky that day. The wooden railings and stairs seem tastefully done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I bought the bike, I got the extra display to show speed, power levels and km travelled. It has come in handy. The river was picture perfect on that day. A real campaign has gone on in the past 10 years to upgrade the river valley staircases for safety and access. One staircase we have been on has 204 steps. Many runners run the steps for cardio. Thanks for reading Leighton. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks very beautiful, especially the pops of fall colors! It makes all the difference to love where you live.
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Hard to believe I have lived in this area for 48 years, given I moved 28 times in my first 17 years. It is good to have stability. The fall colours made today seem a bit warmer. Thanks for reading Lynette. Allan
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What a wonderful ride, Allan! Edmonton certainly looks like a great location to call home. Not only you are surrounded by nature, but also from here you can be close to many national parks in the province. Do you guys ever go to Elk Island National Park? Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks Aiva. It is a wonderful city to hike and bike. We are really only close to 1 national park, as Jasper and Banff are both about 4 hours away. We have been to Elk Island for hikes and cross country skiing, but have not been there lately. Our last visit was in 2020. Maybe next year. Thanks for reading. Happy Tuesday. Allan
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Ah — if I’d read them in order!! Now I get the 3 year comment. Also my daughter competed at the Whitemud Equestrian Center for many years so once again familiar territory. Indeed broke her leg there. Bernie
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is why I thought I would number them. Too much in this ride to put in one post. Glad you know the area, but sorry about the broken leg. Thanks for reading Bernie. Allan
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