My Summer of 2015

Through the good and loving grace of God, I had a wonderful summer for 2015. Summer is over.  My pool closes today.  When I return home from work, the pool will be drained and covered.  School starts today, my lessons plans for the full session is complete, have a small cohort of students this session- the smallest number ever since I have been teaching ANYWHERE!  YES!!!!  I deserve a break!

But, let me reflect on this summer.  It was a wonderful summer.  A very wonderful summer of 2015.  In as much as possible, I plan my events very CAREFULLY. I am not spontaneous. I do not like haphazard and poorly planned events on my life.  I am detailed and cautious.   It makes for a good time.

For me, summertime consists of the months of June, July, August and September up to Labor Day.  Here's what I did:

• Birthday celebration at Marcello's.  I decided not to do the big thing.  Too much work for one person at my age,  Alas, those types of birthday celebrations are over.  Events should be fun, not exhausting.

• Las Vegas birthday celebration at Monte Carlo

• Las Vegas- conference at Mirage in July.

• 4th of July cookout

• Spent 2 months researching new cars. Finally research paid off with new car purchase after 12 years.

• Finally time available for home repairs/upgrades- for the year new stove, refrigerator and blinds.

• Enjoyed Sally's party for Don Cephus.  Very nice fish fry and lovely home.

• Damita's place for small gathering... really really nice and fun with former co-workers.

• Gwen's mom 99th birthday.

• Fine dining every single month, with careful planning:

                                   Chicago Hilton
                                   Four Seasons on Wacker Drive
                                  Gatto's Restaurant and Bar
                                  Morton's Steakhouse
                                  Mr. Benny's Steakhouse
                                  Ritz Carlton
                                  Ditka's
                                 The Clubhouse
                                 Shaw's Seafood
                                 Joe's Stone Crab and Steakhouse

• Spent a lot of time fine-tuning lesson plans and teaching.

• Lot of powerwalking on when not teaching. Outdoor and not too many days missed.  Nice weather in Chicago this summer.  Committed to fitness!  Two full days powerwalking in the River North area.

• I purchased a Vivofit band to count my steps.  I am exceeding daily goals!!!!

• A lot of good church work and deacon's retreats.

• The biggest plus of the summer is that I retired from a wonderful but extremely rigorous national volunteer service after over 15 years.

• In April, I started teaching with a new employer. I really enjoy the arrangement and clinical.  After about 5 years, I finally have arrived at a true work-life balance.  WHEW!!

Yes, I am thankful for a wonderful summer of 2015.  I am planning for a nice Fall/ Autumn.
                                                      Thanks be to God!

Here are some photos.  But, all of my photos are in my Facebook.  Enjoy!