The Gateway

On a daily basis the gate, for me literally, opens to a chance to unwind. Howling wind or ferocious mosquitoes matters not. The time spent on the trail behind the gate allows me to put my life in perspective and connect with nature. The seasons or indeed the daily changing of the flora engages my senses.

A year ago I wrote about Changes that were occurring for us at that time. In review, as suspected, they have turned out to be easily adjusted to. A matter of perception as I alluded to at the time. The fence and the gate have perhaps even provided that line to cross and the cattle behind have definitely gone in the plus column.

There have been more significant changes since that time for sure. In review of those 6 months later there is a more easily gained perspective than obtained at the time. I am, of course, referring to Ron’s layoff from the University which I blogged about Tumultuous Tuesday The gate above was built-in the time that not being constrained by a job frees up. He’s always been handy but having time to do various items besides the big projects has always been a challenge. He’s established a  routine; professional development in the am with projects and basics in the afternoon. He finds that my days off during the week interrupt his routine. I find him being home on my days off interrupt my routine. The plus there is that we just turn those two days into our weekend.

On a serious note it has taken some adjustment. I’m still mentally taking stock of our long-term plan (aka retirement) and counting the pennies. This is the first time I’ve been the primary income earner since we first moved to Saskatoon in 1983. This change is making me very  conscious of financial decisions and how they will impact the long term picture.

He’s working towards consulting but on his own time line so don’t ask me when that is. I’m glad he has soccer as that had become his outside interactions spot with occasional golf thrown in. He misses some of the people but not the rat race. I miss carpooling with him as it was our connection time plus I REALLY miss his parking pass. I think he misses the challenge as well but seems content at this point in time.

Gateways are like doors; when they open and close they change how things look and what we walk into. How we handle it is our choice.

Bernie 

I am puzzled as I just found this in the draft file when I was sure I had hit publish. It is now 9 days after I wrote it. Strange.