We have belonged to a "wine group" of couples who took classes on wines about 20 years ago and have met consistently each month since then. We always talk about and drink wines per a theme, but we spend much more time talking about our lives and the world. We have even traveled to other countries to do wine tasting, but the time NOT wine tasting was far greater and more meaningful than the tasting.
MeToo! We have a "Winers" group that was started over 12 years ago while we were all still working. This included 10 women and the spouses/significant others. We coordinate dates and meet once a year for a Winers' weekend. One of the couples hosted us at their home in the Poconos until they both retired and moved. Now we pick a B&B or a rental accommodation to get together. During COVID-19 we met on Zoom. Most of us have retired (except 3 still working), and we all look forward each year to our Winers' Weekend. This year we are going to meet in October, and we all said the same thing, "can't wait".
Before I retired a couple years ago, my workday began with checking in (via text, chat) with colleagues around the country and around the world. Now I begin my days in the pool, with a bunch of pals in a master’s swim club, and I can assure you that we’re there for the social interaction more than the exercise
My husband and I have developed a daily ritual of a lunchtime walk and pre dinner walk. During both we catch up on each other’s morning and then afternoon. We often make our weekend plans during these walks as well as discuss any upcoming travel we have coming. It’s turned out to be a good time to converse as the only distraction is the beauty in nature and the occasional dog which we both can’t help but greet.
My husband and I do this as well (after work) - and we love it! It's a perfect illustration of the check-in plus the exercise plus the nature ... like a win/win/win!
Residing in an Independent Living community for the elderly makes it easy to socialize and attend activities. It reminds me somewhat of living in a college dorm.
This is especially true since my husband recently passed away.
That's a great example of the benefits of an Independent Living community - so many opportunities for socialization. And I'm sure especially helpful when you are grieving such a loss. I'm thinking about you, and hoping you are getting good support from family and friends.
My siblings and I live in different States in the US and Nigeria (PA, NJ, TX, FL, WA and Nigeria). During COVID-19 when we could not travel to visit each other, we started a family Zoom meeting/chat scheduled on major US holidays. This was chosen to accommodate those that are not retired like me. It has worked great for all of us for catching up and discussing "family stuff" especially as it relates to requests (for money mostly) that each of us get from folks in Nigeria.
That's such a great tradition - which simultaneously builds the sibling bond (no small task, given the distance) and provides practical support in terms of managing family stuff! My brother and I have talked about doing something similar with us and all of our kids ... and you are prompting me we should start!
I meet with friends who live locally regularly for drinks or a meal, but don't have a standing committment. I've always been a bit hesitant to commit to a specific day/time of the week or month because it feels, well, I don't know, restrictive or rigid? But as I'm getting older, I can't help but wonder if I might really enjoy consistently having something to look forward to. I'm going to noodle on this a bit more. :)
I hear you on the regular commitment - especially since schedules change for those of us in academia throughout the year! And I share you intuition that having something to look forward to feels good. I keep finding that if I don't have a regular commitment ... sometimes plans just don't happen (at least with particular friends)!
We have belonged to a "wine group" of couples who took classes on wines about 20 years ago and have met consistently each month since then. We always talk about and drink wines per a theme, but we spend much more time talking about our lives and the world. We have even traveled to other countries to do wine tasting, but the time NOT wine tasting was far greater and more meaningful than the tasting.
MeToo! We have a "Winers" group that was started over 12 years ago while we were all still working. This included 10 women and the spouses/significant others. We coordinate dates and meet once a year for a Winers' weekend. One of the couples hosted us at their home in the Poconos until they both retired and moved. Now we pick a B&B or a rental accommodation to get together. During COVID-19 we met on Zoom. Most of us have retired (except 3 still working), and we all look forward each year to our Winers' Weekend. This year we are going to meet in October, and we all said the same thing, "can't wait".
Love the group name!
Why have I not been in a group like this for the last decade (or more)?!? This sounds amazing!
That is an amazing tradition ... I'm now actively thinking about copying this excellent idea!
Before I retired a couple years ago, my workday began with checking in (via text, chat) with colleagues around the country and around the world. Now I begin my days in the pool, with a bunch of pals in a master’s swim club, and I can assure you that we’re there for the social interaction more than the exercise
That's a great way to start the day - exercise AND social interaction!
My husband and I have developed a daily ritual of a lunchtime walk and pre dinner walk. During both we catch up on each other’s morning and then afternoon. We often make our weekend plans during these walks as well as discuss any upcoming travel we have coming. It’s turned out to be a good time to converse as the only distraction is the beauty in nature and the occasional dog which we both can’t help but greet.
My husband and I do this as well (after work) - and we love it! It's a perfect illustration of the check-in plus the exercise plus the nature ... like a win/win/win!
Residing in an Independent Living community for the elderly makes it easy to socialize and attend activities. It reminds me somewhat of living in a college dorm.
This is especially true since my husband recently passed away.
That's a great example of the benefits of an Independent Living community - so many opportunities for socialization. And I'm sure especially helpful when you are grieving such a loss. I'm thinking about you, and hoping you are getting good support from family and friends.
My siblings and I live in different States in the US and Nigeria (PA, NJ, TX, FL, WA and Nigeria). During COVID-19 when we could not travel to visit each other, we started a family Zoom meeting/chat scheduled on major US holidays. This was chosen to accommodate those that are not retired like me. It has worked great for all of us for catching up and discussing "family stuff" especially as it relates to requests (for money mostly) that each of us get from folks in Nigeria.
That's such a great tradition - which simultaneously builds the sibling bond (no small task, given the distance) and provides practical support in terms of managing family stuff! My brother and I have talked about doing something similar with us and all of our kids ... and you are prompting me we should start!
I meet with friends who live locally regularly for drinks or a meal, but don't have a standing committment. I've always been a bit hesitant to commit to a specific day/time of the week or month because it feels, well, I don't know, restrictive or rigid? But as I'm getting older, I can't help but wonder if I might really enjoy consistently having something to look forward to. I'm going to noodle on this a bit more. :)
I hear you on the regular commitment - especially since schedules change for those of us in academia throughout the year! And I share you intuition that having something to look forward to feels good. I keep finding that if I don't have a regular commitment ... sometimes plans just don't happen (at least with particular friends)!