First month Plus of Kevin's retirement from the Air Force

 So it has been a little more than a month since Kevin stopped working for the Air Force.

How has it been going?

Mostly very well. It is great that Kevin has more time to rest and spend time with the family.

It is great that he has more time to work on the book business. He is a very smart person who likes to dive deep into new things so he is learning all kinds of stuff about marketing and book cover design and so on and so forth.

We both are adjusting. I don't like change. I like control. So a huge change in our lifestyle requires good communication. But yes, all in all, it has been great.

We have a new book coming out in about two weeks. Hooray!

Fall Colors

 

We are having the loveliest fall colors!  These pics are just from around our house; there are a bunch of far more beautiful trees but I don't have pictures.

I used to NOT like autumn because it heralded the onslaught of winter. But now I like winter. I like cozy days inside. I like the pool being closed because it is less work. I like no living chiggers.

It is gorgeous outside. It really is. Today was in the 70s and lovely.

Physical Issues

 My paternal grandmother, now gone, used to scold me about walking around campus with my backpack straps only over my right shoulder, with a very heavy load of books in said backpack.

She was, of course, right. I didn't know that at the time.

Then I had 9 children and carried babies and toddlers with my right arm.

Because I am silly.

So yes, now I am reaping what I sowed. I have chronic back and neck issues, though they are not at all debilitating. They are annoying.

I will be 54 this month and Kevin, who has been encouraging me for many years to work on my back and neck, bought me a fancy gaming chair.

It was expensive but it will be worth it if it helps and I think it will.

I spend a lot of time writing obviously. This chair is set up so that I can push my head against a pillow. This in turn keeps me straight.

My neck is currently kind of mad at me because I am forcing muscles to hold me in an unfamiliar position.

Because I have been slumping for decades at least a little.

In the long run, I am certain I will feel better.

I also have issues with ulnar nerves in both arms. This is the "funny bone" nerve and writers often have issues with it. I have been battling weird tingling feelings in my pinky and ring fingers and the part of my hands below those fingers. Classic ulnar nerve issues. 

I have a great chiropractor who told me all that. I am doing various things to help with that and my attempts are succeeding. I am doing better.

It is vaguely disturbing to be having issues in my 50's as I hope to have many years to live, but I can only go forward in life.

Oh, Kevin is also building me a new desk for our room. We are going to have a great setup which will allow me to work with proper posture.

October

 

Sarah is as tall as I am. I think I had Rose take this picture so the perspective is a little odd but yes, she is as tall as I am. Wow. She is 12.

The kids sometimes hang out on the deck. Here Miriam has plenty of cat company.

In other news, I finished my latest book. Whew!  Not just the first draft, but my edits. Now Kevin and our editor will toil away to do the last polish. I am so happy to be done with it!

Of course, I will start a new book in a day or two. I have a pretty solid idea for a Christmas themed book.

We have a cold running through the house. I have a mild case. Both Rose and Daniel got it the worst.

Lydia has been sick too with something. Stomach issues. If you are a praying person, please pray for her. It is lingering.

That's about it for now. I am excited about autumn!