Hot today! Happy 4th!

Here it is, our last 4th of July in Minnesota, except for perhaps a time in the future, when we'll return to visit family and friends.  It's a mixed bag of emotions.  

Tom set out the 200 plus flags along both sides of the peninsula on Sunday as we've done for over the last two decades, boaters driving by waving at us for our festive display.  Fortunately, there were no storms these past three days that may have blown them away.


Overlooking our yard on the smaller side of Lake Minnewashta.

Yes, it hurts to leave all of this behind.  Its sad to leave our three adult children, their significant others and six grandchildren who live nearby.  We'll miss them and we'll miss all of our relatives, neighbors, friends and co-workers we've come to love after all these years.  We'll no longer be Minnesotans.




My favorite spot where we lounge in "comfy" outdoor chairs

With our new upcoming residency in Nevada, where eldest son/stepson Richard lives in Henderson with our funny granddog, Monty; my eldest sister living in Boulder City (25 minute drive); and dear old friends also in Henderson, we won't be lost making Nevada our new address. 

Nevada offers many retiree benefits of which we'll partake. Change is not easy, especially as one ages. We worry about finances, health, available services and basic creature comforts. We long for a certain sense of familiarity to bring us comfort and peace.



Overlooking our peninsula yard and dock on the bigger side of the lake.

In a short time, we'll take a risk with our health, exposed to disease in strange lands. Although we've carefully planned, some of our funds may be at risk at times, less services (dentist, doctor, vision care) will be available to us and we will forfeit the familiarity that brings us comfort and peace.

According to the app on my phone: Retirement Countdown Free, we leave Minnesota in 3 months, 29 days.  

Photo of Retirement Countdown Free app on my smart phone

For today, we're heading outside to enjoy the sunshine, the heat, the flags, the festivities, the great meal we've prepared, and the people we love. Have a happy day!