joyful2beeblogs

I grew up in a loving family and traveled with them to Mexico, Canada, and various other places of interest. I traveled to Germany twice with my family to visit my sister-in-law’s family. Since my husband’s death I traveled with my friend D to Busch Gardens twice: Boulder, CO; Twin Falls, Idaho and O’Fallon to visit my sisters and their families.

I had to leave nursing about 2011 due to sciatica and bulging discs in my back. The doctor said not to lift over 20 pounds. They precluded my working in a hospital. I was on Disability insurance for two years with no hope of being a nurse again. But I found other things to do.

I volunteered at the local chamber of commerce and started a photography business. I bought a new camera with a good lens, took two or three classes on photography and Word Press. I was hired soon after as a photojournalist for the small town newspaper, The Independent; and became friends with the editor.

I loved the rustic and quaintness of the town so I took lots of photos around it. A large advertising company rented for two years twenty-one of my photos of this town to use as advertisement for a new development up the road. I earned $2000 over two years!

The disability insurance ran out and I was not placed on disability because the judge said, if I could do all of the above, I should be able to work. Well, I could but I couldn’t sit for long periods of time, I couldn’t lift over 20 pounds, and I couldn’t spend a lot of time on my feet. So I retired early and with my retirement and other funds, I retired to a good life. I have what I need and just enough more to take care of whatever pops up.

I have two sons, two daughters (in-law), three adorable grandchildren and one golden retreiver grand dog. Life is good. My neighbors are the best. My health is good and my back problems have subsided enough to where I rarely have any issues. I am thankful for my life, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and all the blessings of my life.