Many of our hiking/walking trails in the countryside surrounding our prairie city have these rustic little gateways.

Yesterday,this particular one with the early morning sun shimmering all around it, seemed to say, “Come for a walk, it’s a beautiful morning for it! See what you can see and enjoy!”

Every day that I’m able to get out to the trails at whatever time suits me, I’m thankful that I’m retired.

I know many people who are unhappy in their retirement and I have a very hard time understanding that. To me, retirement is like the gate in the photo – an invitation to enter, explore, and enjoy.

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

~ Abraham Lincoln