After a few months of pondering I finally decided to start documenting this journey into retirement. The blog isn’t just a hobby it’s my anchor. A way to stay on track, avoid drifting into the tempting world of procrastination, and share both the highlights and the hiccups with anyone walking a similar path.
Veggie Beds and the Frosty Finger of May
Our move out of the city officially began back in January (more on that soon), but May has seen a real step forward in the garden. We’ve now cleared and prepped four vegetable beds, and even managed to get tomatoes and beans into the soil… only for them to be wiped out by a late frost. Lesson learned: slow living includes slow planting. Next year, the greenhouse will be working overtime until at least mid-May.
On the bright side, a trip to the local garden centre helped us restock, and we’re now back on track with freshly planted beds and perhaps a little wiser, too.
We’re also doing our best to minimise chemical use in the garden. While I wouldn’t call us fully organic, we’re leaning toward more traditional approaches. This month’s rabbit hole? Companion Planting. Turns out, French marigolds aren’t just pretty they’re aphid-fighting heroes. Who knew?
On Two Wheels Through the Peaks
May also gave me the chance to explore more of the local area by bike and continue to build up my mental map of routes that showcase the beauty and variety of the Peak District. I’m not chasing adrenaline; these are rides and trails for the majority: scenic, soul-filling rides ideal for active retirees.
The goal for June: start sharing those routes on Komoot so others can enjoy them too. Watch this space.
Health, Honesty, and a Few Too Many Treats
Good news on the health front: I’m down 2kg. Not bad, considering my willpower mysteriously disappears near anything labelled “treats.” For June, I’m aiming for 3.5kg and exploring the 5:2 approach to eating more intentionally. Let’s just say the snack cupboard may be on notice.
We Actually Started the Blog
Finally, a big milestone: we launched the blog. Not just to share what we’re doing here in our Derbyshire dale, but to offer the tools, templates, and reflections we’re using to live more intentionally and maybe help others do the same.
Looking Ahead to June…
Here’s what’s on the radar for the month ahead:
- Keep the veggie patch alive (and maybe add a fifth bed)
- Get more disciplined with the 5:2 diet and daily exercise
- Publish four ride routes on Komoot
- Dig deeper into the idea of community in the first-century church (one of the more unexpected BHAGs)
- Publish more V2MOMs and resources on Great2Live.com
So yes, June might be busy — but it’s a good kind of busy. The kind that feels aligned.
Thanks for following along….
Great2Live 
Leave a comment