Blogs from Clovis, California, United States, North America

I hope you realize we don't send cards anymore. But we enjoy receiving cards, especially family photo cards. But here are a few thoughts: Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate around the world! Joining in the festivities, Ukraine will mark its first official Christmas holiday on December 25, further distancing itself from the traditions of the Putin-aligned Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates Christmas on January 7. Ukraine’s parliament voted over the summer url=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fe.newsletters.cnn.com%2Fclick%3FEZ29sZmthdEBob3RtYWlsLmNvbQ%2FCeyJtaWQiOiIxNzAzNDI1OTE4MzA3MjM1MWVhMWExOTUwIiwiY3QiOiJjbm4tYzAwMzZjYTRjNGI0ZjA5ZmVlMmZlZTI0OWE1N2I4YWEtMSIsInJkIjoiaG90bWFpbC5jb20ifQ%2FHWkhfQ05OX2lfTmV3c19OREJBTjEyMjQyMDIzYzExMjQwNTBiMSxjbjEsaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY25uLmNvbS8yMDIzLzA3LzI5L2V1cm9wZS91a3JhaW5lLWNocmlzdG1hcy1kYXRlLWNoYW5nZS1pbnR... read more

My flights to and from Europe on Tuesday will be a bit different this time. Why? Let me tell you. Fresno to Paris will cost $5.60 plus a few American Airlines miles, business class. The return is Frankfurt to Fresno, will cost $134.65 plus a few United Airlines miles, business class also. My total cost will be $140.25. Such a deal! I normally use my frequent flyer miles for upgrades. But these days, upgrades are difficult to impossible to find or book. Most airlines will put me on a wait list for upgrades. So, in my old age, I say, why take the chance?? The only downside to this strategy is that I will not earn any frequent flyer miles for this trip. The last time I flew coach class to Europe was on Aer Lingus. ... read more

“Having hobbies in retirement is so important for keeping both your mind and body busy,” says Craig Kirsner, president of retirement planning services at Stuart Estate Planning Wealth Advisors in Coconut Creek, Florida. “You've probably worked for decades and now you have to keep busy in retirement as well.” These hobbies can keep you productive and fulfilled throughout your retirement years: Pickleball.Writing.Stock market trading.Gardening.... read more

I mean 2022, of course. I have big plans for 2022. How about you? I no longer make resolutions. But I do have plans. Keep exercising on the Peloton when I cannot get out on the road with my bicycle.Go wine tasting more often.Clean out the garage and donate more stuff to charity.Get my mountain bike tuned up.Replace the canopy on the gazebo covering our bbq.Spend more time with dear friends. Expect a call for lunch!Follow through on all my travel plans... read more

Just for the record, I never had or wanted a proverbial "bucket list" that has become so popular with travelers. I rarely compiled a list of places I wanted to go. Visiting all fifty of our states was almost by accident, until the total reached the low forties or thereabouts. Trips to places around the world were never planned more than eight to nine months ahead. Much of this I owe to my travel buddy Mike. He rarely wants to commit to a location, too far in advance. When we drove Chile from top to bottom, it all came together just a few months before. Same for our trek to Africa for the safaris and visiting Barry the V. I have seen other people's bucket list, and thought I would give you my "water pail" **list, ... read more