Making Memories

Spending a week cruising the Mediterranean from Nice to Rome was glorious.  Our tall ship held 280, with a Kosta Browne wine subgroup.  Our favorite stops included Portofino, Sardinia, and Elba.  The wine tastings in Bolgheri and onboard ship were memorable thanks to Dan Kosta..

Presently, we are spending a week in a villa bordering Tuscany and Umbria.  With our two couple friends, we are exploring cute towns like Assisi, Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano.  Of course, we are managing to fit in some great wine tastings at producers like Banfi, Barbi, and other Brunello makers. 

Life in Tuscan towns are filled with beautiful scenery, delicious foods, and superb wines.  Life could not be better.  What are you doing to create great memories at this life stage?

Making Plans in France

Normandy was magical. The green fields with those notorious hedge rows were dotted with cows and sheep. The beaches of Normandy looked tame compared to what happened June 6, 1944 on D-Day. Imagine that we are currently celebrating the 64th anniversary of that historic event today. We encountered many families with older Dad's (in the 83-88 year range) that served. The American Cemetery brought tears to our eyes.

We stayed at a delightful Bed & Breakfast by the name of Le Manoir de Herouville (see www.herouville.biz). The proprietors are sisters (Sue and Lizzie), and their husbands (both named David). They have restored much of the beautiful 15th and 16th century manor house including a quaint guest cottage in the old pigeon tower. Lizzie loves to cook which meant the breakfasts were over the top. Interestingly, this was their 'what's next in your life' plan. Years ago, they planned to spend their retirement years in France's countryside. The Bed & Breakfast part emerged when they bought the property, and needed to fulfill reservations already made. They discovered that they enjoyed meeting interesting people from all over the world. Perhaps our lesson is that having a plan is important, but allow enough room for new opportunities to shape the final solution.

France is great!

Joan & Stephen

Adventure in Europe

We leave in 30 minutes for the airport for a month in France and Italy. Why go for only two weeks when we can cover much more territory in a month? We have been anticipating this adventure for some time. In preparation, I have been studying French as well as the wines in France and Italy. The adventure of travel coupled with the stimulation of architecture, archeology, art, history, culture, food and wine adds fuel to our souls.

We prefer independent travel away from the bustle of big cities. This trip will take us to Normandy, Burgundy, Provence, sailing on a tall ship from Monte Carlo to Rome (Portofino, Elba, Sardinia, etc.), and Tuscany. We will keep you posted on this adventure through this blog. Wish you could all be with us.

How about you? Are there places in this world that you need to explore? Write down a list of places you want to see while you are still able to travel. Then, don't procrastinate, plan your trip today. You'll never regret it!

Joan

Our Children

We are blessed to have four children between us. Even with our less than perfect parenting, all four have grown into productive adults that demonstrate great values. Our two eldest, Tish and Ty, are now doing the important work of raising their children (Tish—Sophie, age 8, and Isabel, age 5; Ty—Madison, age 7, and Taylor, age 6).

Our kids were raised to be independent which now means they are spread all over the U.S.--Washington, DC, Peachtree City, GA., Des Moines, IO, and Vancouver, WA. Staying involved in their lives demands frequent communication and travel. We have set a goal to try to visit each child/family 3-4 times per year which is an aggressive schedule. This precious time allows us to see their needs while strengthening our bonds.

Trying to support our children at this life stage takes perspective and balance. We respect their intelligence, resourcefulness and independence. Logically, they will face the ordinary challenges in their careers, families, and communities. Knowing when to help versus when our help isn’t ‘helpful’ is part of the balance. On the other hand, we take joy in celebrating their successes. Our children and grandchildren bring richness to our lives! In what ways do you want to enhance your involvement with your children and/or grandchildren?

Joan

DEFERRED INTERESTS

What do I mean by deferred interests? I don’t know about you, but my life was crazy with raising two children, taking care of the home, and growing my business. I won’t bore you with the horror stories of sleepless nights, multi-tasking to dangerous levels, and always running behind. Suffice it to say that many of my interests could not be pursued during those twenty-five years.

This morning, I relished in working out, then spent an hour studying French. Yesterday, I studied about wines in Burgundy, then started reading My Life in France, by Julia Child, and Alex Prud’homme. Tomorrow, I’m attending my book club. I have also joined a garden club. These are all areas of interest that were deferred, but now are ripe for exploring. Diving into these interests brings joy and satisfaction to my life! What deferred interests are you pursuing?

Joan

Too Many Opportunities

We had a fascinating discussion with a successful executive recently. He is planning on ‘retiring’ from his corporate job this summer. His networking has provided a plethora of opportunities. He could work for a private equity firm, venture capitalist, or serve as a professional board member. All hold some level of interest.

When asked what he really wants to do, he admitted that he hasn’t spent the time soul searching what fits best for him. In other words, he hasn’t answered some basic questions: How many hours do I want to work each week? How much flexibility do I want in my schedule? What work excites me most at this life stage? Where do I want to work from? What work fits with my values?

Opportunities without direction leads to confusion. Spending time understanding what ‘fits best’ for you will be time well spent. The best opportunity is one that meets your changing needs for life after 50!

Taking Time to Enjoy Your Time

As you move into the next chapter of your life, you should have more flexible time . Take advantage of that time and experience new adventures. Take a trip to New York City and see what that great City is like without having to attend a meeting or a trade show. There are many great Broadway plays, museums, and fun things to do in New York and when you are not required to attend some function, this type of visit is even more fun. As I write this blog, we are in New York and experiencing all of these adventures and it is definitely more fun when it’s your own time.

Now, it does not have to be New York, it can be anyplace. The point is, take advantage of your time, be active and experience new adventures. Explore your new life with Gusto!