Looking Back - October 24, 2014

Three years ago, I did it, 

I went through all my things,

Downsizing, giving away so much,

With necessity, retirement brings.

I found that I could do it,

By keeping treasures dear,

Telling myself I'd see them,

In some future year.

With super help from Jeremy,

My stalwart athletic son,

At last, it all was over,

My Canterbury life was done!

I finally boarded my flight,

Two months overdue,

A bedraggled weary traveler,

When those 7000 miles were through.

At last, I'd returned to India,

Fourteen years away,

But I felt at home with many friends,

Acquired each cruising day.

Four months I stayed with Santos,

And my lovely "family" there,

It made my life in India,

Begin without a care.

Next time I went to Jaipur,

A most amazing place,

With memories made and friendships,

That time cannot erase.

Back home to spend eight months,

With the sweetest grandchild ever,

Whoever knew a little girl,

Could be so very clever!!!

Who says that growing older,

Still can't be much fun,

I've realized a dream,

And I still am not quite done!!!

It must have been my destiny,

That Virginia Lynch and I were here,

To share ten days together,

In this country we both hold dear!!!

I've even found martinis,

That meet my discerning taste,

And I'm happy to report,

I've lost pounds around my waist.

As long as I can manage,

With my creaky joints and such,

I'll commute between two countries,

That I love so much!

Carmen Henesy

copyright Carmen Henesy October 24, 2014

Saturday Photo Hunting - Books - September 21, 1013

There were many traumas associated with San Franciso's massive cuts to
the Department of Public Health in early 2009.  My 21-year forensic nursing
position came to a crashing halt and, at 64, I retired.  My pension and 
social security weren't nearly adequate enough to stay in my home of 14
years.  I finally thought, "I'll live part of my time in India so I can see old friends
and live less expensively than in the Bay area.  It killed me, though, to part 
with so many belongings ( my boys always called my treasures "junk" but
they were precious to me.  I had hundreds of books - and 500 cookbooks.
I had to go through everything before I sent it off to Goodwill or gave it
away, hence, twice I rebooked my India flight, with a penalty.

Here are just some of the books that are no longer in my possession.
Hardest of all was discarding all my forensic books, conference notes,
and the like.  I just couldn't ( and still don't ) accept that my, profession of
almost fifty years, was over.

These boxes are merely a fraction to which I bade farewell.  The few I kept have

been in a foggy storage unit and are probably not worth keeping now.  

I am participating in Gattina's

Saturday Photo Hunting: Books

Join us!!!

My Three Year Blogaversary - September 23, 2012

Little did I know I would still be blogging three years after my first effort -

now would I ever have imagined I would be writing from India!  My 21 year
nursing position with the city and county of San Francisco had ended in
February of that year because of massive budget cuts to the Department
of Public Health.  I was 64-years-old and not happy to be plunged into
forced retirement.  Having specialized in forensic nursing for so long, 
there really weren't nursing options open to me.  To say I was pretty
depressed is a vast understatement.  I had always enjoyed writing,,
especially poetry, so I concentrated my efforts in that direction.  With
the help of a dear friend, Joanne Olivieri, aka Poetic Shutterbug, "Carmen's
Chronicles" was born.  Subsequently, Joanne helped me launch my 
first book of poetry, "Life's Journey" which is still available on Amazon.

The world of blogging opened up an amazing number of new friends for
me and I was surprised at the people who began following my blog - total
strangers from around the world, in addition, of course, to loyal friends,
colleagues and family.  I found I enjoyed reading other blogs, as well.  My
skills as a photographer improved vastly and I found it was fun shooting
other than genital injury and physical trauma!  When I decided to use my
last frequent flyer miles to visit Royal Caribbean crew friends in India this
past year, I also took the opportunity to meet  blogging friends from this 
incredible country.

So how long will I continue blogging?  Well, who knows?  Probably as long
as people are interested in reading what I have to say.  What was the content
of my first blog?  Well, it was about travel, of course.  See the link below if
you'd like to check it out!


http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2009/09/birthday-scenes-from-last-years-trip-to.html#links

"V" Is For Vacation - Alphabe Thursday, June 17, 2010

"V" Is For Vacation - Alphabe Thursday, June 17, 2010

“V” is for vacation,

And I wish that I could say,

I was printing out a boarding pass,

And heading on my way!

I’ve done a lot of travel,

To places far and near,

But I feel a bit woebegone,

I’m staying home this year!

Last year, I went to Rome,

And cruised to Monaco,

And feasted on great seafood,

Everywhere I'd go!

The Coliseum, Rome, Italy

The harbor of Monte Carlo, Monaco

Grilled squid, Split, Croatia

I’ve been to far Japan,

A land of sights serene,

Such history and culture,

In settings most pristine.

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan

Hawaii, with its islands,

Has often welcomed me,

I’d love to feel its tradewinds,
While I rest beside the sea.

India is always in my heart,

Since my visit long ago,

A country of countless contrasts,

That left me all aglow.

I’m blessed with many memories,

To sustain me when I’m home,

Since retirement and my budget,

No longer let me roam!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) 2010 by Carmen Henesy

All rights reserved.

Join in the fun at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday