Just enjoying pottering

Oh hello!

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Why can't I post my photos?

This is such a lovely thread.
I am also very happy pottering. I do have some interests out of the home but am wary of taking too much on and really don't want any regular commitments. Recently someone asked me if I am enjoying retirement and had I settled into a routine. I thought no routine, routine is the last thing that I want, have had a working life of routine, much prefer not knowing what a day might bring.

I get one day off during the week, for the last fifteen years it’s been for childcare, but when the youngest child started school last year, I decided to keep that day for myself.
I absolutely love it, I do a few odd jobs sometimes, I go for walks on my own, meet up with a friend sometimes, sit and read, and yes I potter, move things around, rearrange things, I love it
It took me a while to stop rushing at everything though, and feeling guilty if the whole day wasn’t productive.

Just lost a long post flappergirl so here are 3 photos to keep us going:

The Badlands of Basilicata, my favourite holiday house and the ruins at Paestum.

Happy days. 🌞

I do wonder what I would be like if MrA wasn't here, whether I would just turn into a hermit. Over the last few years I've become more and more insular and can happily stay at home not seeing anyone but family and very close friends.

MrA gets bored at home after a day or so and needs to be out and about so most of the time I go with him. I think because he hasn't got many interests at home whereas I've always got lots going on. Thankfully he goes out walking with friends every few weeks and occasionally meets up with other friends for a drink, while I do my own thing.

I had four children, umpteen animals and an unhappy marriage so was always busy from morning to night. No days off, no holidays.
Now I can do what I like and when I like and the greatest luxury is to get up very early to a couple of hours of peaceful pottering. Hurrah for old age!

I’m looking forwards to having some pottering time. Tomorrow and until September it’s very busy. One DD is moving on Friday and I’m doing childcare for her Mon-Weds next week. DH had a cataract operation today and will be recovering. Once the youngest break-up it’s more childcare. (The are 9 right now but are very different and do loads of arguing). Then August visit family in Bristol, more childcare and camping holiday. Then A BREAK until school goes back. Then regular childcare and a week of holiday on The Broads. Then maybe I can potter on days I’m not child-caring.

Whew! I feel quite tired atm!

I annoy myself. When I'm busy I wish I could have a day to myself to just potter or not do much at all. However, when I do have such a day I complain about having nothing to do. Can't win and I'm only in competition with myself!

merlotgran

Most of my hobbies are home based - gardening, cooking, music, reading and knitting (in the winter) I’m happy in my own company and never feel the need to be out every day.

I have joined U3a and although I enjoy belonging to a couple of groups I look forward to days when I can stay at home and be on my own.

This is exactly how I feel at the moment, have done for quite some time. I’m happy with my own company and that of my family, the odd concert, a few UK holidays a year. As for tiffling, I’m sure I’d like it if I knew what it was! Maybe like bimbling??

Most of my hobbies are home based - gardening, cooking, music, reading and knitting (in the winter) I’m happy in my own company and never feel the need to be out every day.

I have joined U3a and although I enjoy belonging to a couple of groups I look forward to days when I can stay at home and be on my own.

I'm happy with my own company much as I enjoy chatting and meeting new people .
I love to potter in the garden - once it's straight and in the house .
I love my programmes .
I love my books .
I love my art work and my writing .
But I notice that people will ask me to account for myself .
I seem to cause offence by not always being keen on joining groups .

Taichinan

I love pottering - never heard of tiffling though 😉. I also love sitting in the sun watching the birds at the bird table. You see some lovely little moments - like the woodpecker getting fed up with the young starlings squabbling over the suet balls and sending them packing before returning to drill into his peanuts. I love watching the goldfish in the garden pond too - there are 20 of them. No, may we that's 21? Possibly 22? I do a good line in doing nothing!

Busy doing nothing, working the whole day through, trying to find lots of things not to do, busy going nowhere isn’t it just a crime, dee da dum dum I never do have the time.😁

I would like a holiday but know what you mean OP as sometimes we just need a quiet space.To potter or, err, tiffle.
Or tipple?

NotSpaghetti

I'm not too bothered about going out a lot either - but I would like a holiday

Oh same here NotSpaghetti. Remember our chat about Italy? Well that's where I'd like to be right now.

I love pottering - never heard of tiffling though 😉. I also love sitting in the sun watching the birds at the bird table. You see some lovely little moments - like the woodpecker getting fed up with the young starlings squabbling over the suet balls and sending them packing before returning to drill into his peanuts. I love watching the goldfish in the garden pond too - there are 20 of them. No, may we that's 21? Possibly 22? I do a good line in doing nothing!

I love pottering. I feel very fortunate to have a few days every now and again to just “be”.
.No fretting, or worrying I’ve let anyone down or neglected some important task as well as being comfortable and in good health and reassured that all in my circle are ok.
This is my idea of living my best life🙂

My DH feels that way , I don't !! We try and work round it as best we can .

Yes GrannyIvy many people feel like this from time to time especially if they have been dealing with stressful situations. It is great to have some downtime in our lives but I would not want it all the time. I am happy in my own company but also enjoy the company of others whether it is meeting up for a coffee, a meal our just a chat. For me it is about trying to get the balance right.

I'm not too bothered about going out a lot either - but I would like a holiday