There once was a time, I used to hate Monday mornings. I was always cranky till 11A.M. or so. Yeah because the weekend was over and it was back to the grind of the work week. Well there was a time shortly after the stroke. I missed the work grind so bad I could feel it inside.

But here I am three years out and I love being retired! Monday mornings aren't bad at all. I enjoy the slow pace of going on my patio with my coffee and smoking and just listening to the birds start their morning chorus. I feel a quick stab of remorse, that most of my adult life I ignored the morning chorus, ignored the thrill of spending quiet hours in a garden. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to enjoy the sight of my fat cat Stockings lounging at my feet while I enjoy my morning coffee. Retirement is very much like being on vacation from life, I've found. Sure there are things I have to do, but there is much I can just say NO to.

This is one of the positives to come out of stroke. Well I look at it that way. I'm sure there would be those who see it from the other side. A life of nothingness, waste, laziness. But they can have their opinion, I have mine and enjoying every minute too!

Pam