Greetings!

Hope everyone had an awesome week!

🍂 Happy Fall! Our favorite season is here. Temperatures in FL plummeted to only 87 degrees 🥵 but, one week from today, we will be on our way to the Mountains.

And if you were wondering, does this mean we turn the clocks back 🕛 (ok, I was wondering, so I googled it)… and the answer is “not yet.” Even though they label it “fall back” to help remind you, the correct answer is November 3rd.

But, what day do you turn your microwave and oven clock back? Hmmm… I better google it 😃

Embrace Your Best Life!
~ Curt & Shari Roese

SPOTLIGHT STORY

Discover America’s National Parks

Ready to embark on a new journey and explore the beauty of the great outdoors? America’s national parks offer stunning landscapes, accessible adventures, and unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Whether you prefer a scenic drive, a peaceful hike, or simply soaking in the views, these parks are perfect destinations for a nature-filled getaway. Shari and I have been to Grand Canyon and Acadia, hopefully Yellowstone and many others in future years!

• Yellowstone National Park: Discover geysers, wildlife, and hot springs with easy access via scenic drives and boardwalks.

• Grand Canyon National Park: Experience breathtaking canyon views with shuttle services along the South Rim for convenient exploration.

• Acadia National Park: Enjoy coastal beauty and smooth carriage roads, including the stunning Cadillac Summit Road.

Exploring America’s national parks is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, find peace, and create lasting memories. From majestic mountains to serene coastlines, there’s a park suited to every traveler.

So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let nature inspire your next great escape!

TRAVEL ADVENTURES

Bicycle Tours

Biking tours are becoming a popular way for retirees to stay active, explore beautiful destinations, and foster social connections. There are many exciting routes and accessible options—now is the perfect time to consider a biking adventure.

It’s a little late this year, but we hope to book a tour in Vermont next year. Now, with the availability of eBikes, you no longer have to worry about getting back to the Bed & Breakfast for a cold beer or glass of wine! 🍺🍷

From health perks to unforgettable destinations, here are the top reasons why biking adventures should be on your travel list:

1. Low-impact exercise: Biking is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal activity for those with arthritis or joint issues.

2. Mental and social benefits: Cycling can improve mental well-being by reducing stress and offering opportunities to meet like-minded people.

3. Popular destinations: Riders can explore breathtaking routes like the Columbia River Gorge, Napa Valley vineyards, or historic Charleston, South Carolina.

4. E-bikes: Many tours offer electric bike options, making it easier to handle inclines and longer distances.

5. Essential preparation: Riders should consult their doctor, pack proper safety gear, and consider group sizes and tour lengths that match their fitness level.

Biking tours offer an ideal way to stay active while exploring scenic landscapes and enjoying social connections. With careful preparation and accessible options like e-bikes, you should be able to enjoy the most beautiful rides.

OUR ESCAPADES

Is Babysitting an Adventure?

The answer is yes… and it can be quite exhausting. As I’ve been studying a lot for my journey to get my Master’s Degree, Nana extraordinaire has been on a grandchild sitting tour.

I asked her if she wanted to add anything to the newsletter about her week and she simply said “I’m tired”… so I don’t think I will be seeing her much tomorrow when she gets home 💤🛌

Soon we will be in Blowing Rock and finally enjoy some planned adventures!

Escapades Ahead:

• 🚴 Great Cycle Challenge – Curt started raising money to help fight kids cancer during the month-long cycling challenge this September. Read about this incredibly rewarding journey 👉 ⚕️ Fight Kids Cancer

• 🎣 Fly Fishing – Heading back to Blowing Rock, NC in October and planning a ½ day guided fly fishing adventure. We don’t fish—so something new to try!

RANDOM FUN THINGS TO DO

Is that all you know?

Life is more interesting when you try new things!

Curt and I try to explore new ideas as much as we can. Life gets in the way sometimes but we try our best! Here are a few SIMPLE ideas:

• Calligraphy: Learn the art of beautiful writing with calligraphy. It’s a peaceful and creative hobby.

• Woodworking: Create functional and decorative items with woodworking. It’s a satisfying way to use your hands and creativity.

• Music Lessons: Learn to play a musical instrument or improve your skills. Music is a wonderful way to express yourself.

Curt really wants to become an accomplished guitarist but always seems to let other things get in the way. His studies have proven to be far more exhausting than he thought, so might have to hold off some more. I feel bad when I ask him “is that all you know of the song”... but, as he says, the first couple of chords are the coolest part 😎

Some ideas might seem silly, but imagine the stories you can tell if you just try some new things! Might be a nice change of pace from the dreadful “remember when” stories—especially as we get older and actually, no, we don’t remember 😆

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
~ Oprah Winfrey

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentorship program dedicated to helping children reach their full potential through the power of one-on-one relationships. By becoming a mentor, you can provide a positive influence and create lasting, meaningful connections with a child in need.

• Mentorship Impact: Be a positive role model, offering guidance and support.

• Lifelong Bonds: Build trust and friendship through regular meetings and shared experiences.

• Shaping the Future: Improve a child’s confidence, academics, and life outlook.

This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference while forming a rewarding, lifelong connection.

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Road Scholar is an educational travel organization that provides unique learning adventures for older adults. It offers enriching travel experiences that combine exploration with education in destinations around the world.

• Educational Focus: Expert-led lectures, field trips, and cultural immersion.

• Diverse Destinations: Domestic and international options tailored to varied interests.

• Tailored for Older Adults: Comfortable accommodations and manageable physical activity levels.

Travel. Learn. Connect.

FINANCIAL SAVVY

Financial Tip: How Much Is Enough?

Have you ever found yourself lying awake, wondering, "How much is enough?" Whether it’s $50,000 or $10 million, there’s no universal answer—it all boils down to your personal values, goals, and priorities.

Focus on These Key Areas:

• Push Your Limits, Then Pull Back: Test boundaries but ensure long-term sustainability.

• Run Your Own Race: Ignore comparisons—focus on what matters to you.

• Trust the Happiness Experts: Research shows happiness plateaus after a certain income level.

It's not just about hitting a financial target—it’s about future well-being and peace of mind.

For the ultimate clarity, consult a fee-only CFP or explore a tool like Boldin to model your retirement scenarios.

SIMPLI SHARI 🩷

Retirement is the perfect time to rediscover old passions or explore new hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.

I’m rediscovering my love for reading 📚—which began with the Nancy Drew series—and it’s been a joy to revisit the world of books. My oldest granddaughter is starting to love reading too!

Sometimes I scroll through Facebook and wonder, “Am I missing out by not being out on the town?” But as I relax in my beautiful home reading a book, I think—nope, all good 😃

Embrace your best life,
🩷 Shari

p.s. This is Curt… Just an FYI if I go missing—Shari might be the sweetest person I’ve ever met BUT she reads tons of murder books, watches every Dateline and Snapped, and listens to HLN crime shows 😨 … this might be helpful info to give to the investigators 😆

PARTING WORDS

"Look back on your life with pride and gratitude. Each experience, good or bad, has shaped you into who you are today. Reflect on your journey and celebrate your growth."

Have a great week!