I've always nodded in agreement if an old biddy, in the supermarket queue, engages me in chat.

Even if I disagree, where's the harm in agreeing with a frail old soul, who's invariably moaning about modern times & methods & who's obviously finding it hard to find her place in this life?

However, recently I had to vehemently disagree, and add some of my own conversation to the mix.

'Are you retired now?' An interesting opener since I didn't know her at all. Was I not looking my best? Or was she looking at my purchases on the conveyour belt, and surmising? But I nodded, as per usual, and then she followed with, 'It's nice to have time on your hands to relax.'

To which I, uncharacteristically, blurted out, 'I've NO time on my hands. I've never worked so long or so hard in all my life!'

She wobbled a bit on her stick thin legs and raised her eyebrows in defence - my words seemingly hitting her like a sudden gust of wind!

I thought back to all the times when I was earning a wage, and was forcibly woken at 07:15 by a rattling alarm clock, and how I decided then, that when I retired I would never set an alarm clock EVER again! Instead I'd doze on, at least to mid morning, or maybe even later. 

So now I HAVE retired, I've only set my alarm a handful of times. But my internal clock wakes me up at 06:00 every morning. So, with time on my hands, and left to my own devices, I - seemingly - prefer an early start!

It's usually coffee in bed and a quick Wordle and Sudoku - to get both sides of my brain working - then a quick look at the weather with a plan forming for the day ahead.

Since I last mused, I have: been on a family holiday; redecorated the kitchen and front lobby; completed a cat pic and worked on more cat ideas; planted up & tidied the garden; made a path of sea shingle; met up with friends; read a few books; and walked the dogs twice a day.

I have reduced the clothes in my wardrobe to things that fit comfortably - instead of holding on to things that I liked the colour of/pattern of/material of, if they'd shrunk to something unflattering in the wash.

Of course, I still wear things that are probably unfitting for my age. But I don't care if double denim went out with B*Witched, or that pink & orange clash, or that baggy hoodies are not meant for older ladies. Anyway, my grey spangled hair is heading down my back, or bouncing about in a ponytail.

I've noticed friends occasionally look me up & down, and then resort to saying that they like my earrings! I just smile. YOLO andallthat.

My main concerns are: (1) will this jumper withstand dog claws? (2) will this top still look good if it gets covered in dog hairs?

Maybe I'm going through a grunge stage? Perhaps I'm all over facebook? 'Have you seen what that one with the 2 terriers was wearing today? Jings!'

Who cares? I'm not on facebook. I simply don't have time for all that nonsense!

It's September and I'm already out foraging for fruit & berries. 

There are jams & marmalades to be made; liqueurs to be steeped; fruit to be bottled.

Lots to do!

I'm so busy, busy!