So This is Retirement

Joe remarked the other day that now he feels "retired" and I think that is true for us both.  After two weeks here, we're settled in and meeting many of the very nice residents of the Crane Lakes community.

Joe is golfing regularly, which he loves.  The course is a challenging one, with  water that comes into play on nearly every hole (read, "lost golf balls").

Joe on the 16th hole
behind our house

I took a painting class, which I really enjoyed. It was a group class here at the community, there were 8 of us in the class and we all had a great time.  I used to love painting and I'm looking forward to re-learning some old skills and learning new techniques.

My first effort after many, many years

This community is like a bird sanctuary and there are tons of birds, ducks and geese that hang around near the lake behind our house, including three bald eagles (which fly away every time I try to get a picture). 

Sandhill Cranes
Really noisy squawking ones

Lots of these little white guys running around

We've had some really roller-coaster weather these last two weeks but looks like we'll have some consistent 70s weather coming up.  Joe is really excited because he's met some other Harley riders here in the community and he'll be joining their Friday rides. 

And I'm looking forward to spending some time on Daytona Beach, which is 5 miles from our house -- too cold to get in the ocean, but not too cold to enjoy the beach.

The sunsets are beautiful over the little lake
behind our house