Ta DA!
Retirement Day!
Yippee!
Today's the big day!
Welcome to
My Virtual Retirement Party
It's not easy finding the right music for a retirement party - but we're giving it our best shot - Thanks to the Meanderings and Muses crowd who sent some great suggestions.
Happy Retirement to me, Happy Retirement to me . . .
Here are a few images reflecting how I'll be spending my days -
A perfect opportunity for me to use one of my very favorite videos of one of my very favorite songs by one of my very favorite singer/songwriters - enjoy
This day will definitely be one of the diamond days . . .
January 28, 2011
Retirement Day - Yay!
and a truffle or two - - -
and a strawberry . . .
or two . . .
62 comments:
Don't hold back, Kaye. How do you really feel about retirement?
What? Oh. Well, really, I knew that!
Seriously, I hope it is every bit as wonderful as you imagine. Knowing you, there will be fun, adventures, books and friends every day! And of course, more time with your boys.
Do you remember when this fireworks event was ONLY 1000 days away>
XOXO
Love it, Kaye! Looks like you, Donald and Harley are all going to be celebreating. What? No picture of you sleeping in a little?
I'm a little teary eyed at your retirement party. Darn. You get to have more time to read, and I don't!
Enjoy every minute of your time. Now, you can stayed snowed in, and don't have to drive in it.
Woo hoo! Happy retirement, Kaye. There are a lot of us wishing you all kinds of great things.
And, here's a virtual congratulatory hug! Love you, my friend!
Lesa
Happy Retirement, Kaye!! I know this is just another chapter in a beautiful book of days, but what a chapter!!! :)
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!! :)
xoxo
MJ Honey!
I DO indeed remember when this day was 1000 days away!
And I'm counting on you, my friend, to continue being part of the adventures.
Oh, Lesa - I love you back, sweetie.
Now if only I can win the lottery so Donald and Harley and I can spend some time visiting special friends like you!
Kelli! Hi! I love seeing you here. One of these days we're going to have that tea you mentioned in San Francisco!
thanks, sweetie.
My friend Bronson L. "Bo" Parker sent this to DorothyL, and has graciously given me permission (at Pat Browning's VERY smart suggestion) to re-post it here.
Thank you, Bo
"I want to take this opportunity to offer a testimonial and a toast.
As one who has spent only a few minutes compared to the many hours
Kaye Barley has spent promoting the mystery genre as the host of
Meanderings and Muses, words within my vocabulary are not adequate to express the appreciation I have for her efforts.
Nor are they adequate to express the pleasure I have received from
the fact she opened her virtual door to others, providing an
opportunity for enjoyment and enlightenment that I know I would not have otherwise experienced.
So I ask all other DLers to join me in a toast to Kaye, Donald, and
Harley (yes, they are part of M&M).
Retirement opens a door to an almost endless list of opportunities.
It is my wish that you experience all of them, and find joy, peace,
and contentment in each and every one."
Bronson L. "Bo" Parker
Karen Schindler sent me your way - and am I ever glad. Such a nice, understated approach to retirement you have.
Enjoy!
And yes, I do believe I'll help myself to a truffle, or two, and maybe some champagne.
Thank you.
Kaye, you really know how to throw a party! As an unabashed fireworks geek I am thrilled that London lent you theirs.
I have a feeling that this is more transition than retirement, at least I hope so. I hope you are ditching the 9-5 in order to share more of your erudition and grace with those of us who love reading your blog.
May peace and contentment be yours,
Blessed be!
Whew! I toted this big pot of Cuban picadillo and this huge flan de leche all the way over here from DorothyL. The pitcher of sangria needs a little ice -- take it easy, it's got gin and some other hard stuff in it along with the red wine and fruit juice.
So, Kaye -- you do realize that you're going to be busier than ever once you're retired? Somehow it works that way...
All best wishes for this new era in your life!
Whew! I toted this big pot of Cuban picadillo and this huge flan de leche all the way over here from DorothyL. The pitcher of sangria needs a little ice -- take it easy, it's got gin and some other hard stuff in it along with the red wine and fruit juice.
So, Kaye -- you do realize that you're going to be busier than ever once you're retired? Somehow it works that way...
All best wishes for this new era in your life!
Congratulations, Kaye. Have a blast!!! :-)
Happy Happy Retirement years ahead! You'll love it all and wonder how you ever had time to work--and I expect you to keep writing. A big wheeeeeeeeee to you, Kaye! Celia
Happy retirement, my dear friend. I know you will absolutely love being home and puttering around.
I'm honored to have been invited to your party and only regret that I can't be there in person to help you celebrate (and to make sure you don't drink too much and start telling off people.)
Enjoy.
Hugs to Harley and Donald
Love you to pieces.
Judy
Kaye, wishing you a great retirement day and a wonderful beginning to endless adventures. You throw a fantastic party. May all your days be filled with love, laughter, happiness, good health, and adventure. Enjoy your day.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Kaye,
Given your many interests and friends, both nearby and virtual, you are going to be so happy retired! The fireworks, music, and artworks will seem pale in comparison. I hope to meet you in person at a mystery conference in the future. In the meantime, I am drinking pinot noir, eating dark chocolate, and reading a mystery in your honor. And I can do this at 11 p.m. at night, because I recently retired as well.
Congratulations Kaye. Vicki's right. You'll find you are busier than every when you retire. Somehow the days just fly by. As they say, time flies when you're having fun.
Nice to see you like the French Impressionist paintings as much as I do. Have you ever read the book about Mary Cassatt and her sister Lydia? It's "Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper" by Harriet Chessman and it's about the special relationship they shared as sisters and how Lydia felt about being the subject in so many of Mary's paintings. It's my favorite gift to female artists.
Sam
Squeeeeeeeeee! Happy Retirement Party Kaye!!!!
I brought the limbo pole, some brownies, a gallon of milk and a couple of bottles of champagne.
The milk's for me, cuz I'm a lightweight. But just so you know, once I get a couple of these brownies in me and down a couple of the truffles you're providing I'm going to be cranking up your stereo and trying on your lampshades.....
HUGE HUGE HUGSZzzzzzzzzzzz!!
k :0)
PS: I saw "knitting" as something you're going to be whiling away the hours doing after tomorrow...
*puts in an order for a sockmonkey*
I am so excited for you. Can't wait to see what direction this blog takes next. More adventures with Mom? Statuses on Don's weaving? Good times with Harley! And of course, your take on books and the world at large.
Now, what about fiction? hmmmmm?
Seriously, I'm delighted for all of you, Hip-pappy Retirement, Lady Kaye!
Miss Kaye, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this.
I mean, I've corresponded with you, laughed with you, cried with you, hugged you, broken bread with you (fortunately, you know how to fix broken bread).
In all that, I have known you to be many things to many people, but I gotta say, "retiring" ain't on the list, honey!
Congratulations on reaching this milestone (and eliminating that millstone). Enjoy the adventures ahead - you've earned that right. My glass is raised with Bo's.
jeq
Wow! An actual toast from Bo? Champagne and fireworks? You know how to party! I hope Harley can stand all the noise. It's the start of a whole new adventure in life, Kaye. Enjoy every minute of it.
Now you'll have more time to PLAY YOUR WORD! Ha! Only I won't. Sigh. It won't be the same without you down the hall, but I'm REALLY excited for you! CONGRATULATIONS!
Amy
Woo hoo! Many congratulations on your retirement (Karen sent me a link to the festivities)! Here's to long days and pleasant nights, and lots of good writing along the way...
I thought I'd be the first one, but it took me forever to get past the crush to the champagne and truffles. It's still early, so I brought breakfast: French toast with maple syrup, bacon, strawberries, and mimosas, to give Kaye and y'all a taste of what I used to have at the New York DorothyL lunches.
MAZEL TOV, Kaye! Your retirement's gonna be a BLAST!!! Love & hugs, Liz
PS Forgot to say: and with all that copious free time, you've gotta start working on your novel. :)
So happy for you, Kaye! Love, love, love the fireworks and the virtual celebration. You have friends toasting and cheering you all over the world! Hope that brings a little joy to you today, as you've always brought joy to all of us!
oh Lordy - Y'all, this is just TOO fun!
(and oh yes, understated, but of course). LOL! that was funny KjM
Cea - London was happy to oblige, don't you know.
Oh, Vicki - I'm so sorry you've had to tote all this yumminess all over the universe!!! But thank you for doing it. Is it too early for a glass of that Sangria? I think not . . .
Bobbi - Thank You!!!
Celia, Hey There!!!! I'll be able to make some trip to Asheville now! Wheeeeeee!!!!!!
Judy, I need you here to keep me in line,girl! Let's plan your trip to Boone - what say? love you, my friend!!!!!
Mason, thank you - this little "do" has turned out fun, huh?!
Phyllis - Hey!!! I cannot WAIT to be able to read as late into the night as I want. That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to. (I am so easy).
Happy, happy retirement Kaye. Love your choices of songs and video. Oh, and the Snoopy Dance is a must isn't it!
Somehow I think retirement will be as busy for you as working, wait, no it will be *more* busy than working.
Enjoy, so glad you let us celebrate this with your, those of us out here on the Internet.
Sam - I have NOT read this book! Wasn't even aware of it, but I've written down the title and plan of slipping out of this party long enough to see if I can find it - Thank You!!
Karen. I swear, girl - you are as full of life and love and good energy as anyone on God's green earth and I love it. LOVE that limbo pole, honey! Milk, by the way, is also my beverage of choice. And it's great with these brownies! regarding my knitting - pitiful. No one will ever call me a "real" knitter. I do scarves. That's it. scarves. No patterns, no perling, just knitting. scarves. But I can tie a sock monkey the end of one, how's that?!
Robin - Hi there! Fiction? We'll probably just stick with essays and such - at least for the time being. But you know, who knows what might be around the next corner?!
Jonathan - Thank You!!!!! (i love the way you write - have I mentioned that?). You know, this whole retirement thing wasn't in my mind up until fairly recently, so I'd have to say "I agree!"
Lesa, Isn't Bo's toast lovely?! made me cry. Harley, by the way, is barking like a crazy dog - he does love a party!
Amy - you made me spit! oTAT, honey - I promise to play my word (boy, am I gonna bug you about this once I've retired).
Daniel, Thank You! Karen has the nicest friends!
Liz - this is the best breakfast EVER! By the way - have I told you lately what an inspiration you are to me? Well. You are!
oh, Julie. You always say the sweetest things. Thank you, my friend.
Patty - thank YOU for sharing this special day with me. (I did have fun finding the music videos - for sure).
Welcome to the club - you're going to love it. You will wonder how you ever found the time to go to work.
I've got a big pot of pork butt gumbo and all the fixings. Where are those truffles again?
Congratulations and all the best!!!
Ummmm! Love having champagne and truffles for breakfast! Sending some virtual eastern NC barbecue your way for lunch. As I said before, now you'll get to find out what Harley does all day. Hope you'll find it's all "la dolce far niente!"
Wow! Some virtual party! Too bad I didn't log on yesterday evening, but I guess this is your first day of retirement. I hope the real party was wonderful foo. Enjoy it all! And read some good books. Happy retirement!
Gail
A very happy retirement to you, Kaye, with many mysteries (of the literary variety) and much chocolate! I'll contribute a plate of warm Carl-family-recipe chocolate-chip cookies to your party, plus fresh whole milk to dip them in, with a champagne chaser.
Live long and prosper!
WooooHOooooo!!! Today is THE day!!! A fresh coat of snow to help speed you on your way. Congrats! I just want to know if you will be driving Donald to work every day?
Kaye, this is a fabulous retirement party and I'm so honored that you invited me!! Congrats to you and I know you are going to have a wonderful time in upcoming days.
Can't believe you found Dale and Roy to sing for you! Amazing! I enjoyed the chocolate covered strawberries best!
Again, congrats and happy trails to you!
Yippeeeeee! Congratulations!!!! Great collection . . . my favorite part was sharing the images of how you will be spending your days ... delightful!
sorry to be so late to the party but you know we're operating on Mexican time here. I wanted to say that the Spanish word for 'retirement' is jubliado--as in jubilation, and in whatever language you choose, I wish you nothing less than jubilation in this new chapter in your life! xoxo Judy
Not another weekend for you, now you have weeks of weekends! Enjoy and keep your blog and dorothyl posts coming :)
Happy Retirement Day, Kaye!
*munches on some chocolate while avoiding Karen and her limbo pole*
Gracious! Here I've been working all day. Look what I missed!
I am so very excited for you, Kaye, and I look forward to hearing what this new chapter in your life brings.
Aubrey
Kaye,
CONGRATS!
I LOVE your online celebration music and pix, etc.
Have fun!
Brenda
What a super party! Since we're into the deep cold nights of winter, I'll bring chili and hot apple cider. Have fun this weekend and Monday and Tuesday and all the days after. Happy retirement.
Liz
It's after 5 in ohio, so local ordinance says it's ok to switch to Pina Colada's and play naked twister.
[You'll have to check the rulebook in your area of course...]
Okay, I'm finally off work and join the party. I've brought my infamous "Million Dollar Fudge" and a case of Pepsi (sorry alcohol gives me a headache, while I'm drinking it). Pass me a couple of those strawberries and keep the limbo pole away from me! I also brought along Kirby and Spice to keep Harley Barley company. Kirby will try and keep peace and quite, Spice will join Harley in the excitement and try to stir up some trouble.
Janet - Pork Butt Gumbo! Honey! Bring it on - sounds delish!!!!
Margaret, Hey!! okay, so I had to look up your saying and now I want to cross stitch it onto some pretty linen and hang it on the wall! Lovely and Perfect! Thank you (and here's a hug).
Gail - No no - you are not too late at all. Fix yourself a plate, pull up a chair and enjoy yourself. Glad you could stop by!
Lillian - I can smell those cookies from here - YUM! thank you!
Jill. Okay. You did it again. Made me spit and a little bit of coffee found its way right out my nose. (Classy, huh?!). Me drive Donald to work every day? I don't know which of us that would upset more?! LOL!!! See you tomorrow!
Kay - I could NOT pass up having Dale and Roy sing "Happy Trails!" Didn't you love it?! Me too.
Darla - If only I could manage to look at relaxed and as elegant as these ladies!! I'll give it my best shot, but tough to look elegant in flannel jammies which is how I'll be spending most days. LOL!
Judy - Jubliado. Oh! I LOVE that. Much nicer than the word "retirement," isn't it?! Woman, I'm still reading and rereading your note. You are in PARADISE! Wish I was there too (I'll write more about how jealous I am later this evening).
xxoo
Susie - Thanks for stopping by and for the nice words. (LOVE those ruby red slippers you're wearing!).
Laura - Oh now, stick around for awhile, you might just change your mind about that Limbo pole!
Aubrey - I'm so glad you dropped by! thank you and here's a hug!
Congratulations! That is some party you got going on! Woo HOO!
Brenda - I had the most fun choosing pictures and videos for this - aren't they fun?! Thank you.
Liz - YUM! Perfect weather for chili and cider you smart woman - thank you!
Karen - Pina Coladas and Naked Twister. I just KNEW you would know how to get this party rolling, honey! Now get Laura away from that Limbo pole!
Patty - Harley asked if you'd be bringing any of the "gang!" Yay Yay!
Cathy, Welcome!!! Glad you could make it!
Fabulous party, Kaye! Love the music and the truffles are delicious. Another friend retired today so we're party hopping. Fun party here!
Sleep in tomorrow!
Now that the party is winding down and you are officially retired, I offer this wonderful Spanish proverb:
How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest afterwards.
Kaye, Thank you for stopping by! I hope you don't have a headache this morning from party hopping last night!! you little party animal, you.
Phyllis, oh my - this is a lovely little saying! thank you.
Dear Kayester:
A little retirement poem for you:
For years she labored
And slaved at school
Then started a blog
That's oh so cool
She's retired now
And home every week
But all of us know
She's not ready to peak
She'll Meander here
And Muse over there
Keep on trimming
Her cute pixie hair
She'll laugh, and cry
Spit coffee from her nose
While bringing her readers
The best in prose
She's "Kay from Boone"
Remember her name!
Retired, or not
She'll still be the same
oh, Kenneth - now you've gone and made me cry! Sweetie - I LOVE this. Thank you. Lordy, but you are full of surprises. I had forgotten what a poet you can be.
Hey, Kaye Darlin'
I was driving by, saw the lights, heard the excitement, and smelled the food. I would've come in sooner, but I waited to make sure the FBI wasn't here looking for me. You know how they are. You rob a few banks and they never leave you alone.
I'm so happy your day finally came. It'll be exciting to see where this new path takes you. Wherever it is, I hope you don't mind if I tag along.
Muchluv, my dear friend.
Earl Darlin'! I did try to talk you out of robbing that bank! Didn't I?! No? Hmmmm, I was sure . . . Well, hmmmm - it WAS fun . . .
YOU, my friend ALSO made me cry today! Are you and Kenneth ganging up on me?! Your piece at DorothyL was beautiful. I loved it, and love you too. To PIECES!!!!!
Heaps a'hugs right back at you, darlin'
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