It's cold outside

 On Saturday we awoke to bright skies and a hard frost. It was just the opportunity we needed to go out straight after breakfast on a long walk over the frozen footpaths. They have been almost impassable over the last month, with all the rain we have been having.


Is this a good place to hide?

A pond has been created by the lime kiln

Looking back towards the hills

Playing ball on the beach

Strong wind on the waves


It has been a busy week with many things happening (more of that later.) It was also the week when I made the big decision to change my life completely. I have resigned after working nearly 34 years for the same organisation. It have been considering doing this for a while and although money will now be tight, it feels the right thing to do. It has been a difficult decision to make as it has been such a large part of my life. I have enjoyed the work, but I need to do something completely different. I have also seen many others of you take this step over the past few years and I have watched your progress with interest. I am reducing my hours slightly and won't be finishing work until late spring/early summer. I will not be idle as I am involved in a number of  local community projects and hopefully will also have more time to do the things I enjoy. Enjoying this scene more often is no comparison to sitting in an office is it?



I also managed to see the International space station in the sky above us this week. Carolyn from New Zealand mentioned in a recent post here that she had seen it. It looked just like a fast moving star. I was amazed how quickly it moved - by the time I had seen it in the back garden and rushed into the house it had gone over the house and was disappearing into the distance! Have you seen it too ? For more information see ISS Tracker

This week we have also enjoyed a concert combining African rhythms,Celtic bagpipe, fiddle and contemporary sounds. It was a strange mix, but the music was amazing and it shows that bringing the music of many cultures together can work see here.

A completely different kind of music was performed in a damp and cold afternoon in the Bridport Community Orchard this afternoon, as we joined in the ancient event of Wassailing.  This is an ancient tradition in the South West of Britain held in orchards to ensure a good apple harvest in the forthcoming year and ward off evil spirits. 




 

It was an enjoyable event warmed by a log fire, drinking cider or hot apple juice with all ages enjoying great story telling. If I hadn't had the warm apple juice I think I would have been joining in with the Morris Men to keep warm, maybe it's just as well I wasn't drinking the cider!

Wishing you a happy week.
 Sarah

Comments

  1. Giving up work was the best decision I ever made. The only trouble is, apart from the loss of income, I'm far busier now than I ever was before! I do hope you enjoy your new life Sarah. The best bit is being more in control of your time and making the most of the nice days our climate occasionally provides!

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    1. Hopefully the sun will be shining when I eventually finish! My husband never has enough time to do everything he wants to! Sarah x

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  2. Am delighted to hear your life is about to move up a notch or two!! You will constantly wonder how you ever had time for work!!! You will enjoy your new found freedom, that I know. My younger son and I have been avid ISS watchers for many years, it was originally announced on local radio when it was due to fly over, we spent many a chilly night rugged up in the garden peering heavenward, but the excitement of seeing the light appear in the distance never ceases to excite us, even now that we are both a good few years older!!! Sending you many good wishes for your new pathway!! X

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    1. I must have been lucky to just see it immediately! Even over this weekend I have suddenly realised how much more freedom there will be! We can take holidays when we want, rather than fit in with everyone else! Sarah x

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  3. I like a bit of wassailing. I think there was an event not too far from here today (one I've been to before) but Dave was working and I didn't want to go on my own!

    That's exciting news regarding the job!

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    1. Sorry you didn't make the assaulting this year. Sarah x

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    2. I have just noticed my kindle changed the word assaulting above should have read wassailing, sorry! Sarah x

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  4. Within a week of finishing work, I'm sure you'll wonder how you ever had time to do it! I definitely made the right decision 3 years ago and haven't regretted it for one moment. I may start teaching my own small, occasional patchwork workshops later this year but it's taken me a good long time to even consider this. I think you'll be making the most of all the wonders of living by the sea, family, friends ... and Tavi! Good luck Ax

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  5. Brava Sarah! Wishing you a wonderful journey on your new path.

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  6. Congratulations on the big decision! I am sure you will be happy with it. I never regretted no longer having to sit at an office even though I lost my job because of termination of operations at a multinational.

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  7. 34 years is a long time Sarah, they will all miss you, but I am sure that in no time at all you will wonder how you ever found time to go to work. End of spring beginning of summer seems a good time to give it up.
    I must check out the space station I didn't think to look out for it.
    Love that second photo of Tavi.

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  8. Hooray for the resignation! I'm retiring in March this year, so I am also looking forward to a big change in my lifestyle.

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    1. I don't know how you manage to do so much in your garden while still working! I'm sure you will enjoy your change in lifestyle too. Sarah x

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  9. Congratulations on reaching your retirement decision. I took semi-retirement a year ago and it is the best thing I could have done. 2015 was a fantastic year for us as we had more time to spend together and there are lots of activities you can do without it costing a fortune. We walk a lot more than we used to which is great. I am sure you will soon wonder how you had time to go to work. I would like to stop altogether but just worried about the financial implication of doing that at the moment. xx

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  10. Interesting Blog and lovely photos. I too will try to see the space station, in the summer when the sky is clearer

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  11. I hope you enjoy your new lifestyle. I've been pondering more & more lately of the same thing. It will be at least another five years though before I do go! x

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  12. Wow, big news! Here's to new beginnings and spreading your wings. Lovely photos, as ever Sarah. Have a good week. Sam x

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  13. I'm sure you have made a good decision but it is scary when you have been in a job so long, or that's how it felt for me. It's good that you are gradually winding down. The new sense of freedom it gives you is immense and I'm sure you have lots of projects ready! Just think next winter you won't have that dark drive to work in the morning and evening. Love the video...what a beautiful place you live in. Enjoy. Barbara X

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  14. That is a big change, Sarah, and I'm sure they will miss you. It would be nice to have more time for walks and festivals and campfires and cider. Very cold here today as well.
    Amalia
    xo

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  15. Good luck with the changes you have made.
    Liz

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  16. Good morning Tavi and Sarah! Yes Tavi, I think that is a great place to hide and scope out the other dogs on the beach!

    Sarah, BRAVO FOR YOU to have made up your mind that your interests and passions outweigh the demands of a job. It is a very hard decision, and I am in the middle of it, AGAIN. But you have probably thought it out long and hard, and I wish you the best adventure of learning more about yourself, and to contribute your gifts to the community. And yes, what a view you will be able to enjoy in full measure! HAPPY DAY and hugs! Anita

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  17. Congratulations on leaving your job. More than a year and half into retirement, I still get a thrill waking up in the morning (when I want!) and knowing that the day is my own. Time is worth more than money!

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  18. Good for you!!! It takes courage to make such a leap of faith, but do what your heart tells you and you'll be fine.

    Lovely photos - you make me wish I were there...

    xo

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  19. Yes, you will enjoy the freedom...it is good that you have already started activities that will become a greater part of your day.

    I love your by the sea life....and enjoy the pictures of Tavi in particular. Think of all the walks you'll get how Tavi :)

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  20. Yes, have seen the space station - was a while ago, when supposedly looking for meteorites...
    Big step, giving up full-time work. I did it a few years ago and found the oft-used cliche is true - I am indeed busier than ever. I don't know if stuff just expands to fill the space you have, or whether you do slow down a bit when you are not at work full-time. Both, I think. I don't know about you, but when I was at work I had a 'shell' that enabled me to rattle through jobs and repel stress, and now I have lost that. On the whole, I think that has made me a better person, but I do operate at a slower pace.... Good luck!

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    1. I wish I could repel the stress at work like you did! Sarah x

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  21. I congratulate you on your decision to move in the direction your heart is leading you! I'm sure Tavi will be excited to be with you more especially if you take him for walks on the beach. Your mentioning hot apple cider just sent me to the kitchen to heat up the sparkling carmel cider that's been sitting in my refrigerator! So much better heated!

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  22. Giving up work is certainly a big decision to make but I'm totally convinced you will live a purposeful life Sarah!Take this challenge on!
    Take care and good luck!
    Olympia

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  23. As everyone above has said: you will wonder how you found the time to do anything when you were working all day! As we say here, "Ah, the busy life of the retiree!" And it's true! I do still work somewhat (but then, I worked for myself for 30+ years…) but am so busy it's amazing. Life is good when you have choices. So good to hear you are moving your life to the next phase! btw: that video looks almost unreal it's so perfect in scenery. Thank you!

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  24. Good luck re the job change!!! It is good to have a change!!! The beach and skies look gorgeous and I'm always glad to see Tavi!

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  25. Good for you Sarah. Money...well that'll always be something to keep an eye on (or the spending of it, I should say). As you know me and hubby left it all behind and moved to Devon, although we both still work but just less hours, for less money and a lot less stress. Tavi looks lovely in the sunshine.

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  26. You won`t regret your decision Sarah! It takes a while to get used to the idea, but dropping your hours is a good way to gradually detach yourself.

    I retired a few years early but went part time for a while before that. I loved my job, but now I can do so many of the things I had always wanted to do. Time is a precious thing.

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  27. I hope that you enjoy whatever life brings your way when you stop work. I hope it will all be wonderful and that you will be as happy as Tavi looks!! xx

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  28. What an exciting time for you - I'm sure you'll enjoy filling your time....and I'm also sure it won't be a problem! Juliex

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  29. Go for it! It's a long time to work somewhere - I have worked for the same company for 31 years and would leave tomorrow if finances would allow.
    Where were you walking? We have been too nervous to climb up 'over the top' on any of our local coastline after the recent rockfalls.
    M x

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    1. We walked inland via West Bay to Eype and then back along the top of the cliffs. We keep as far away as possible from the edge and do try and monitor the cliff edge looking out for any changes. With some much rain you just don't know what is happening under your feet. Sarah x

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  30. Gosto de passear no seu cantinho blog ! Lugar maravilhoso, lindas fotos, não conheço esse frio...aqui no meu pais Brasil é muito quente!Abraços.

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  31. Dear Sarah,

    I have the privilege, that I, ve got the office at home. Of course, I have to work the hours per day too, but it is totally different than leaving home every morning. The work is in you own hand.

    You´ll feel more free my dear Sarah. Enjoy it. Then you will not only fill the life with hours, you´ll fill the hours with life. You´ve got your wonderful garden, you´ve got more time for blogging, cooking, for yourself and you can present us much more wonderful and amazing photos of my beloved English coast.
    You are really a lucky person, do you know that? You live in one of the most wonderful parts of the world, in my eyes. So you can do so many new things with the time you saved.
    Take care of youerself, hugs Barbara

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    1. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Our garden won't be as wonderful as yours - the salty air is not so good for the roses! Sarah x

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  32. Because my husband was six years older than me, I transitioned from working for pay to a new sort of retirement busyness early. I enjoy what I am doing although I am anxious from time to time that I should be earning some income. I hope you have a positive transition in this season of your life, Sarah :) When the clouds and rain blow away it would be fun to see the ISS whiz over us. Years ago I did see it, and my husband was able to tune into a broadcast they had for ham radio operators...amazing! I really enjoyed the music on the link, but I always am curious about lyrics sung in languages I don't know. It was so interesting to learn more about wassailing! I looked it up in Wikipedia which informed me about the caroling wassailing door to door and the orchard singing to the apple trees. I also enjoyed the little video you posted of your beautiful area, along with your other lovely photos. Wishing you a happy week! xx

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  33. I am so happy for you that you will be retiring.

    We find that we spend much less money in retirement - don't drive as much (lots of walking), less money on clothes and shoes and less money on things we don't need.

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  34. Loved your video Sarah - the sound of the sea, I love it. Retirement is a big step after so long in one place. It will certainly seem strange at first but I am sure you will adapt beautifully and enjoy every minute. I enjoyed reading all about what you have been up too and the walks you have taken, so much better with a bit of sun and frost.

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  35. Big changes going on in your life at the moment. I hope it all works out for the best for you. Stunning photos... as always!

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  36. Such a big step to take Sarah. I admire you for doing so. We both know from experience how hard life can be. Best enjoy it while you can! Thumbs up!!! :-)

    A beautiful image of the countryside! Lovely ones of the beach and the sea too.

    Madelief x

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  37. Hi Sarah, it's so nice to meet you and to see your lovely blog. Oh my to live by the sea; it must be wonderful and congratulations on retiring from your job. You will be amazed how wonderful it is to have a flexible schedule....Your countryside and sea captures are just beautiful....

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    1. Hello Nancy welcome it is good to meet you! Sarah x

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  38. Dear Sarah,

    Such a great decision and it will feel different and strange, but I know you will be happy getting into your new and exciting next chapter of your life. Wishing you all the very best.
    Yes, 34 years is a wonderful long time to be in a job and they are going to miss you.
    Loved seeing your beautiful photos from your place - the sea, your very sweet dog and the lovely countryside and so glad that you were able to see a fleeting glimpse of the space station too. I enjoyed seeing your photos from the Wassailing Concert - looks like fun. Thanks for all you share and hope you are enjoying the week. Also appreciate the kind visit and note you left me.
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  39. I do love a crisp day - and that's such a cute picture of Tavi.
    I was interested to hear you have given up your job. I "retired" a few months ago after 38 years with one company. It wasn't my idea, but I'm glad now that it happened. As you say, there are so many things to enjoy.
    I also saw the ISS! I was listening to the radio at 7.30am and the weatherman said if you look now...
    I did and as you say, it was AMAZING. So bright, so swift, so silent!
    Your wassail looked fun - a little bit "Morris".
    All the best :)

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  40. Decisions are always hard to make. I left a job that I loved but had to follow the husband who is a minister. When he moves I move along and now again I am looking for a new job. We live in a tiny town, rural America. I am happy your life will have a new direction and pray it will bring many exciting things for you. Ohh I do love your photos. Thanks for the video as well. I have this spiritual connection with the ocean but married someone who is an in-lander! If there is such a word :) Thank you and wish you the best with the new life!

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  41. So nice to get out and about on a cold, frosty day ... all of your photo's are just lovely.

    Decisions can be quite hard at times, but I'm sure you have made the right one.

    Enjoy the remainder of this week and have a lovely weekend

    All the best Jan

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  42. Your pictures are so pretty!! Your dog is adorable,we use to have a Westie and they are just so sweet.

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  43. Good on you Sarah! :) Big decisions like these are hard to make and nothing you do on a whim. I know, because I've been there. But I promise you, even though money will be tighter, when you feel inside that you need something else and finally make the decision it's such a relief. Your on your way. On to something new. A new adventure. And I wish you the best of luck sweet Sarah.

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Charlie
    xx

    Ps. Your pictures are absolutely amazing and such a joy to watch. :)

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