joyful2beeblogs

After my husband passed away in 2009, I stayed at our home and continued working at the hospital. Thankfully, he had suggested that I buy disability insurance through the hospital to cover my needs in the event of any future back problems.

After H died, I received a check from the life insurance policy, which he had bought soon after we were married to help me, in the event of his death. He was extremely thoughtful to do this for me.

With this check, over time, I bought a headboard with shelves for my new comfort number bed, two side tables,  a recliner, couch, and love seat.

I wanted to decorate my bed and room with colorful, drapes, warm blankets, comforters, and quilts. I figured that I may never work again with my back issues, but I was not frivolous.

I worked two more years on the cardiac floor until I started having sciatica again and had to retire using the disability insurance my husband had strongly encouraged me to get. Thanks to the disability checks and his life insurance policy, I retired until I was above the age required for receiving my own social security checks, which gave me more security for my future. I had the money that I needed to pay my bills and more, with that check.

But I wanted to do something productive, once the sciatica improved. I volunteered at the local chamber of commerce as an assistant to the secretary. I wanted to learn more about my hobby of photography, so I bought a Canon Rebel T3I, along with the flash, the long lens, the short lens, and whatever else I thought might be needed. Then I took classes on business and photography.

After writing a blog, as well as sharing stories from my life with a group of friends, I thought I would enjoy using my photography and writing skills.

So I interviewed with the local newspaper and was hired as a photojournalist for two years. I enjoyed meeting people and interviewing them and photographing them. The newspaper closed down after my first two years.

After my back started bothering me again, I decided it was time to downsize and lose having to care for the grass and the deluge of falling leaves from the trees.

A great, real estate agent who was helping me find a new smaller home. Later, he asked me if I would photograph houses that he had for sale. I agreed and was making some extra money and not irritating my sciatica. Life was good.

I also was paid $1000 for each of two years when a large advertising group needed pictures of the small town I had lived in. They were shown these photos, I think, by the Chamber of Commerce. I was so thrilled!

My real estate agent found just the right place for me about 20 minutes north of the town and closer to my best friend and closer to both of my sons. I walked into the condo and knew this was where I wanted to live. But the price was $150,000. I waited two or three months and the price dropped to the $130,000 that I wanted!

I moved in a month later and loved my new home. It was just what I wanted! My two cats (one had to be euthanized later) loved the screened in porch and sunshine. I was full of plans and ideas about how to fix up my home. Below are a few photos of the decor.

I am so happy here. I have wonderful, kind neighbors, and my friends are nearby. My life is good and I am very happy and thankful.

Eleven years later, I moved to a senior living place. It is wonderful. The food is good, the decor is nice, three meals are served every day, a bus takes people to several different places depending on what is needed. We have activities, a large TV on my floor, staff members who help clean our apartments, there are games some play, plenty of parking around the building. There are washers and dryers on each hall. So many activities to engage us and help us socialize with each other.

I am happy with my Studio apartment. I have arranged the big pieces of furniture with help from my son and two movers. I have two windows with a huge magnolia tree outside my windows. I have taken many beautiful sunset photos with my phone and they were really beautiful.