Living The Dream in October

After a long, brutal Arizona summer, I welcomed autumn with open arms. I have always loved the season and even more so now that it follows the incredibly hot summers here. However, now we have to drive a little further to see the beautiful changing leaves. Places like Flagstaff, Sedona, and the White Mountains boast the most scenic drives for fall foliage in Arizona. We haven’t made it up yet this year but there is still time as the colors last through the first few weeks of November. Either way, I look forward to spending more time outdoors and reconnecting with nature as we head into the lovely fall and winter seasons.

Fall also brings another beloved event with it. The World Series! There is nothing like post-season baseball to validate the arrival of the season. There is just something extra special about watching baseball this time of year. To add to the excitement, our very own Arizona Diamondbacks competed (to no avail) for the championship this year. Incidentally, our state has had the honor of hosting both a Super Bowl and World Series in 2023.

Here are some of the highlights that contributed to an outstanding October.

Family Time & Travel

October got off to a great start with a trip back home to Kansas to visit my mother, who is residing in a nursing facility in Wichita. My son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter joined us from LA and we were all pleased with how well she seemed to be doing. It was her first time meeting her 2-year-old great-granddaughter and I was grateful to all be together. The weather was beautiful so we sat outside in the courtyard catching up and reminiscing as the little one explored the grounds. While in town, we went to see my sister and brother-in-law at their new home which sits on 20 acres just east of Wichita. It brought back fond memories of my boys’ childhood when we lived on a large piece of land out in the country. It’s hard to believe that it has been over 20 years since I left Wichita.

With Southwest Airlines running a 50% off sale in the month, the time was right to schedule some future travel. I booked several trips to visit family early next year including Colorado, LA, and another Wichita trip. And just for kicks, I threw in a jaunt to Lake Tahoe for the hubs and me.

Exercise & Fitness

In an effort to change up my exercise routine, I have been spending more time with the rowing machine at the gym. Although I have been working out in gyms for years, up until recently I have overlooked the rowing machine, opting for the elliptical or treadmill. But I am finding the full-body workout that it provides much more beneficial. I like that it uses legs, arms, and core for total body conditioning while also serving as an aerobic exercise. And who knows, it may even help the golf swing. I have been doing 15-minute sessions which seems to get my heart rate up pretty good but my goal is 30 minutes. Now that the weather is cooler, I am also resuming my morning walks which I find much more enjoyable than using the treadmill. With all of these things, I have to keep reminding myself that consistency is the key.

Blogging

I spent more time on the blog this month than I have in the previous few. I have been discovering some changes in my mindset as I settle into retirement and I have been excited to share some of these thoughts. My Tuesday’s Ten is always fun to put together and seems to be a hit with the readers.

I am redirecting my thinking around ways to further promote my site. Since launching Me Beyond the Middle a little over a year ago, my primary focus has been on finding my voice and writing good content. Over the next few months, I will look to find ways to connect more with fellow bloggers who are experiencing and writing about this amazing time in life.

Here are my October posts if you missed them ⬇️

▶︎ Retirement and Minimalism: A Perfect Pair

▶︎ Tuesday’s Ten: My 10 Must-See Binge-Worthy Shows

▶︎ Exiting The Comfort Zone in Retirement

▶︎ Living The Dream in September

My October Reads

One fiction and one non-fiction, these books appear very different. Oddly enough, they actually share some common ground. We Are the Mulvaneys is a family saga by Joyce Carol Oates. The story’s primary theme is the destruction and reconstruction of a prominent American family. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears is the pop star’s heartbreaking account of her rise to fame, fall from grace, and the conservatorship that infringed upon her basic human rights. I feel the stories connect in their portrayal of young women in trouble and parents who failed to love and protect them when they needed it the most.

A Frightful End to the Month

The neighborhood is decked in a bone-chillingly fashion. I have noticed that Arizonians seem pretty keen on Halloween. I don’t recall houses decked out to this extent in either Kansas or Colorado but Halloween has always been a favorite of mine and I enjoy seeing the neighbors showcasing their creativity.

I am always anxious to see the imaginative costume ideas the grandkids come up and once again they made some great choice

As for Grandma & Grandpa, we did the unthinkable. Closed up the house, abandoned the local trick-or-treaters, and headed to a closeby hotel and casino for a couple of nights. Our fright came from the idea of watching our money disappear down the slot machines. Thankfully, the hotel has some other great amenities including a pool with a swim-up bar, delicious restaurants, and even a bowling alley and movie theater.

October seemed to speed by and with the holidays quickly approaching I look forward to the upcoming time with family. I love Arizona this time of year!

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