Bare bones of Winter

7 Jun '08 8:24 pm

Last night the mercury dipped below zero for the first time; a slight change of subject matter and it is easy to convince you all that it is winter. Actually nothing much has changed.

Except that last week I handed in my resignation at school, with effect from 31 December. I have long considered it; it is time for me to move on, and as long as I remain in teaching I will not be able to explore new avenues. And as many of you know, I ended up back in teaching very much by accident back in 2000.

10 Jun '08 4:47 pm

Great pictures, Jack.

Deb and I really like the rose.

Keep warm. Wink

Christopher

10 Jun '08 4:56 pm

Those pics make your place look pretty chilly... I think many people don't appreciate how some parts of SA can have a really decent winter.

Congrats on your impending retirement!! Very Happy

What's on the horizon for you now?

11 Jun '08 12:03 am

Lovely photos. The lower slopes of a hill near us used to look lovely on frosty winter mornings but they've built houses all over the area now and blocked our view. I should probably make the effort to get up early and go for a walk but I'm not a morning person.

13 Jun '08 5:41 pm

Hi, Jack!

I'm still busy catching up with everyone. How exciting to hear that you're retiring from teaching! Now you'll have more time for the garden or whatever else you'd like to do! Have you looked any further into your idea of creating an intentional community?

You know that I always love and admire your pictures of autumn scenes with frost, etc., but the latest ones, while lovely, made me feel really cold, since we've had little springlike weather here and now it appears that we may not get much of a summer either. That puts me right back into autumn with you! Today I spent most of the time sleeping; it was so cold outside that I really just couldn't face it! And now it's raining again Sad

!

I think I'm just a bit depressed, but I'm sure it will pass soon.

All the best in retirement!

-gordonf

13 Jun '08 6:20 pm

Thanks for all the good wishes on my retirement! However: retirement it AIN'T Exclamation

It is a change of career, yet another jump into the unknown. I've done a few of those in my day... I've got to make the nursery pay, but there won't be an income for me out of it - profits will either go towards development or to improve Amos' income. He is my new foreman and although he earns over double a normal labourer's wage, he is worth a lot more still, and if I want to keep him and keep him motivated, he and I are going to have to make a business of the nursery. Obviously I expect to spend more time in the garden and on the farm in general. But over and above that I need to develop my interests in tourism and journalism if I am going to make a success of things.

As I say: retirement it ain't.... rather a need to earn more than I do in teaching!

13 Jun '08 7:23 pm

Crikey Jack. Nothing like putting yourself under a bit of pressure! I wish you all the best with your new venture/s. Very Happy

13 Jun '08 9:29 pm

Gordon, I hope you feel cheerier soon.
Jack, your future plans sound great. I look forward to hearing more. Very best wishes.

14 Jun '08 6:19 pm

Hi, Jack!

All the best with the new plans! I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of the new directions at the nursery. I've been thinking that perhaps a very small mail-order nursery is what I might like to start whenever I get moved and have more space. After all, I really enjoy growing unusual plants from seed but I always seem to end up with many more plants than I need; why not sell them?? At least I might generate enough income to pay for my seed addiction!

And I think you're right about Amos - from what you've written about him I think he's worth holding onto!

Cheers!

gordonf

14 Jun '08 7:34 pm

Wow, Jack - this is big news! Well done, and just think how much more time you'll have for things in the garden. Congratulations on going apres-teaching.

I can think of heaps of cheeky things to say, but I'll restrain myself - for now. Well done, my friend.

Bare bones of Winter

Bare bones of Winter

Frosty Mornings

Brrrr!!

Congrats, Jack!!

Thanks (but no thanks)

!

New Beginnings