I was forced by circumstances to retire early, which I resented at the time, but there are definite perks, if you’re resourceful with the little you’ve got, and determined to keep living and learning.

It doesn’t take much to get me excited and feel accomplished.  You may laugh at my simpleness, but I finally grew cucumbers!!  Look at these fat beauties.  I almost wish Y were here to admire them.  (They can’t have their phones at camp, for good reasons.)

Next case in point: the prickly pears are starting to bloom!  Most of the family wouldn’t miss them if they were gone, but I’ve worked at cleaning their bed up so they could thrive.  I haven’t attempted eating them yet (ouch), just love their flowers and desert appearance.

Look at all the snap peas from just one harvesting!  I have plans for them, too.  With most of the kids away, I don’t have to worry about who will dislike what, and can start preparing foods Avdi likes and doesn’t have time to fix or eat.