Mystic Seaport ~ Mystic, Connecticut ~ photo by Tim
It’s been a whirlwind here since December, with lots of traveling to visit loved ones, surgery, radiation treatments, and exhaustion (for me), unemployment, an unrelenting cough and a diabetes diagnosis (for Tim). After a few months of contemplation Tim has finally decided to retire. And so begins a new chapter of our lives.
We won’t be bored, that’s for sure. One thing we did was visit Mystic Seaport on a weekday to renew our membership. It was an unseasonably hot day and we had a good chuckle over the sign inviting us in to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. 🙂
The Draken Harald Hårfagre has spent two winters at the Seaport now and the crew is planning to leave in June for “Expedition America – East Coast Tour 2018.” I hope I will be here when the Viking ship sets sail because I missed her arrival. I’m also looking forward to a special exhibition coming May 19: The Vikings Begin.
One of the world’s finest early Viking-age collections is coming to Mystic Seaport. Priceless treasures, including helmets, shields, weapons, glass, and other artifacts are safeguarded at the Gustavianum Museum of Uppsala University in Sweden, Scandinavia’s oldest university. These collections, dating as early as the seventh century, are now the focus of a major research initiative designed to significantly advance our understanding of how the Norse culture evolved. Thematic sections on Viking warfare, trade, the Baltic Sea, a ship burial, Norse gods, and relations to other cultures will employ rare archaeological finds in the discovery of how this maritime society lived more than a millennium ago. This exhibition represents the first instance most of these artifacts will have ever left Sweden.
~ Mystic Seaport website
Tim has been enjoying more time for his ham radio clubs and activities. We signed up together for a Tai Chi class at the senior center. And I signed up for a Photoshop class. Katherine has been here for short visits several times since we left Ireland. We love our busy and playful little munchkin! Life is good.
Beautiful ship! I’m sure it will be quite majestic to see it under sail. I hope treatment helps Tim feel better and that you continue to enjoy the spring. Lots of love.
I’m trying to imagine crossing the ocean in that beautiful ship. The crew has stories to tell. Tim’s cough is letting up a bit. Maybe. His chest x-ray was inconclusive. Sigh. Lots of love and hugs to you, too, my friend.
Happy retirement! You have been through so much…
Thank you, Kathy! 🙂
Oh, you’ll be in for a treat with the exhibition…and retirement 🙂
Thank you, Tiny! 🙂
May your spring into summer be full of health and family and trips to ships on shore. One of these days I’m going to get to Mystic Seaport! Wonderful photographs.
Wow! How did I miss your comment, Pam? (I’m cleaning out my email box today, so far behind!) Thank you for your good wishes. Retirement – so far, so good. 🙂
🙂 xo
I enjoy your blog very much, Barbara. Hope you and Tim have a respite from health problems, and that retirement will turn out to be both interesting and long-lasting.
I’m happy to know you enjoy my blog, Liz. 🙂 Sorry I let your comment slip through the cracks. What a year it’s been. Keeping up with the grandchildren occupies much of our time and we both get plenty of time to pursue our hobbies. Hope all is well with you!!!