Going stir crazy

Birds don't mind gray

Is anyone else going stir crazy this winter?  It's only the first of February, and it seems winter has lasted for years.  Cold, snow, gray skies, warmer weather.  Cold, snow, gray skies, warmer weather.  I mean really, who needs this?

So how do you pass the time when you are retired, and the winter is very long?  Good question, and one I've been asking myself a lot lately.

Normally I would be working on the house, but I'm at a bit of a standstill right now.  I have ideas for the family and dining rooms, but both require Mike's time, and he has been occupied with other stuff.  This week he's attending a machine automation conference where he is enjoying the automation classes and re-connecting with colleagues.

I think this will lead to consulting work for Mike, and I know it's on his mind as he is regularly coming up with company names for "our" consulting business.  Of course this implies that I will be consulting as well.  Program Management is the logical choice but I keep thinking about other possibilities.  I mean if you can't select a new path in retirement when can you? More to come on this subject, I'm sure...

Who is watching this game anyway?

The annual Super Bowl party at our friend Brian's was great.  It was fun to catch up with everyone though I may have been one of the people talking so much that others missed the commercials!  Oops!

Words escape me

And then the roller derby...
We ventured to the State Fairgrounds on a very cold and snowy Saturday night, and the place was packed! The Naptown Roller Girls were hosting the Bleeding Heartland team, and it was Star Wars night to boot.  Or as described in the program "Looking for Love in Alderaan Places".  Seriously, I couldn't make this up!








 I don't understand the nuances of the derby, but I finally got the fact that there is no ball or puck.  Instead the Lead Jammer (skater with star on their helmet) tries to complete a circle around the rink to score a point.  And then there's lots of confusion as other players try to hit, slam and block each other, trying to help or impede the Lead Jammer.  Ok, sports reporter is not one of my new careers (and I hope I didn't just offend any die hard roller derby fans)...

With Chuck and Melanie at roller derby

And Mike and I spent a couple of days with family in Southern Indiana.  We had a great family meal the first night we were in town.  Mom prepared wild boar (which is an interesting story in its' own right), and much to my surprise it was great!












Mike helped out with a few chores in the bone-chilling cold, and I worked on some painting techniques from my recent class, using fabric paint on glass.  The heart shaped bowl cost only $1 at the local dollar store, and the ink bottle is from an antique store.

And I have been using my new studio to make some stretch bead bracelets.  I love having a space to work!

And I find myself day dreaming about a Caribbean cruise, warm sunny days and umbrella drinks...

Have a great weekend!

Diane