November kicked off with a bang, as we sat huddled watching X-men Playoff Football 🏈 on a wet, breezy Nov 1st afternoon. Hard game to watch as X almost fumbled an early 23-3 lead to win via a last play of the game field goal. Props to all the kids and coaches there… we are very glad to be able to pick up on a Saturday and catch varsity kids on the gridiron! Feeling that seasons have officially changed as the lakes have finally begun to fill and a new crispness meets us on the doorstep in the mornings.
We were privileged to be able to attend two days of NSTU Pre-retirement Seminar during the first week of November. Information was good, ideas were clear, but most importantly a valuable opportunity to sit with Ms L and think about the future. We celebrated some successes, pondered some next steps, and identified some must do’s for the upcoming months. Even tucked away for a blustery overnight stay in West Bay to reflect, enjoy a hot tub, and steal a night away from home. We prepped a set of goals that would chart the course. They included a budgeting exercise, a focus on investment, estate documents that require updating and necessary “purchases” prior to retirement. Now the work begins!
Lots of rainfall this month. It figured prominently in camp visits, even to the point where potential trips got postponed ⛈ with heavy rain and high winds. Remembrance Day, with its impressive attendance, was bookended with cold, wet fall rains as well. Further, a lot of “inside time” for my critters at school which presents its own set of challenges. Not complaining about rain though… as the rivers and lakes filled and folks still struggling from parched wells found the earth quenched!
We did manage enough of a weather break mid-month to tackle the Stanfest main stage tear down. Curtis and I had Buzz’s help in the AM (Dad had already removed the screws) and we manhandled the plywood off the stage and onto the trailer. The PM saw the stacking of platforms and loading of metal jack posts with Buzz swapped out for Eric & Glenn. Most of the stage had a great chance to dry and MODG partner extraordinaire Mike H was close by for the manoeuvre into the building where all is dry for winter. Start and end… good project!
If one writes, it sometimes comes with commitment. Last January I penned the resolution that “music” would be an area for improvement. This was not so much in a search for newfound ability, but to reignite that special social piece of convening, sharing of song and story, and reconnecting. Thus a November Music Night at Troy’s with the usual cast of characters. Uber fun… stories, grub, tunes and refreshments. First rate night for all involved 🎶!
As per each fall, in our effort to live in the moment, we’ve finally got some fairly in-depth travel research on for a couple of potential trips. I’m guessing we’ll pull the chute before school end in an effort to secure best prices. A US visit (which we would’ve once jumped at) is no longer on the menu! Therefore, Europe is in our sights and we intend a particular focus on the Balkan Region. History (especially the War in Bosnia), culture and landscape are front and centre. It’s a lengthy push to the east, but we’re still feeling as though we can keep up the pace in the condensed March Break travel time frame. Always nice to be working toward a goal through the winter months (our favorite “Snow Day’ activity).