In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb…and Back to the Lion Again – Retirement Reflections

I may have been boasting a bit too much (and even throwing in the occasional happy dance) about our little corner of Vancouver Island not having any snow this winter. In fact, I was still bragging about it on January 31 when I snapped the first picture above (to the left of your screen).

But then… karma stepped in.

On February 1, the view from my front window changed dramatically. Yes, both sides of the Image Compare show the exact same view (though the second shot is slightly wider). That should teach me not to tempt fate!

Another Snowy February View From My Front Window

At this point, I’d normally launch into a bit of a rant about how icy, snow-covered roads, sidewalks, and freezing cold winds just aren’t my jam. But with Canadian sovereignty currently under threat, I am feeling especially grateful for—and incredibly proud of—all things Canadian. So much so, in fact, that I did something I previously would have found unthinkable.

To escape what little winter we do get, Richard and I usually plan a last-minute getaway around this time of year—typically to Mexico or Hong Kong (where our youngest son lives). After much thought and discussion, we decided to put our vacation dollars where our values are and travel within our own diverse country.

The dilemma? Since we already live in the warmest area of Canada (at least in winter), our only option was to go colder.

So just when the view from our front window finally started looking like this again…

Richard and I fastened our seats on Air Canada and headed out here:

Current webcan view of the first city of our visit.

And then here:

Evening webcan view of the second city we will visit on this trip.

I will share details of this holiday with you in an upcoming post.

Now is the time for each of us to vote with our values, even in small ways. Regardless of your nationality or politics, how have you been aligning your choices with your values lately? I’d love to hear from you. And I’d love for you to share what’s been on your calendar.

Cohosts: Sue, Debbie, Jo and Donna.

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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