In preparation for retirement, I made a list of things to do to keep me busy. (See Post #1) At the top of the list was this daily blog, with a pledge to write an article a day. This has been a challenge, especially in these pandemic times when there’s been little to express. Few get togethers with friends, no games to attend, very little travel, and lots of time alone. It’s become a therapeutic diary, and along with running keeps me sane. Today marks the 1500th entry, so you would think I’d have something special planned. Maybe a poem or something important to say? I guess I’m just stunned by how everything has come to a standstill. People are restless, the economy is struggling, and health issues abound. We can’t even finalize an election.

The Presidential race is now in the hands of the Las Vegas showmen, who are obviously stalling for the last say. They want to be the state that decides it all, with only 75% of their votes counted. In Nevada of all places, they should be adept at counting. There’s also been little change in the vote tallies for Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Arizona. Who will make the first move, so we can eventually get into the recount process? No one is showing their cards! Politics is a nasty business. Election Day has become several days and could be weeks. It’s very frustrating!

My excitement for the day is an eye doctor appointment. The rain will deter any lengthy dog outings, so I will soon be once again in front of the television screen. I prepared my weekly meal last evening by roasting a chicken. This kitchen duty commitment was also on my initial retirement list and still remains the most stressful part of my week. Beef is slowly being eliminated from our daily diet in favor of poultry and vegetables. I’m still a little on the heavy side after gorging myself the last few weeks with steak, ribs, and burgers in anticipation of this change. It also could have been the pumpkin bars and cookies. The daily run is not burning enough calories.  Things have to change!

When I’m on the last leg of my morning run, I feel like an exhausted marathoner who somehow makes their way to the finish line with unsteady, wobbly legs. It’s only 3.1 miles but might as well be 26.2. I need to get in the weight room again to improve strength and balance. I will have free access to a gym in our new Florida neighborhood. However, I haven’t made any recent efforts to make my way to nearby fitness clubs. In fact, I haven’t been to a gym in years, relying solely on running to keep in shape. With all the sitting around, I now feel sluggish, while muscle is turning to fat. Other than walking the dog, I rarely venture outside after my morning jog. The initial retirement list also included dog walking and running every day, so I’m at least staying true to my plan but need to make some adjustments.