Thoughts on the solstice and retirement

Me having a laugh with students as they lead
one of our final seminars.

It's the winter solstice here at 43 degrees north latitude, the shortest day of the year. It's a time that makes me think a little about how short life is, and how sweet it can be.

At the beginning of December, I retired from teaching (though I will still continue to tutor students). I invited my students to take photos in class that day and send me their favorites. These pics are a wonderful and funny souvenir of 35 years of teaching English to college students.

Over the years, the students stayed pretty much the same age. It's me who got older. There used to be a few years difference between me and my students. Now there are several decades. Some of their grandparents are younger than me.

I wanted to go out on a high note, while I was still feeling well. And in the Lotto of Life (the same Lotto that handed me ET), I got handed a class of 10 funny, engaged, and smart students. I am grateful for the way this chapter of my life closed. It makes me look forward to the next chapter. And I wish all of you a wonderful "next chapter," whatever that turns out to be.

Be well!

Student seminar leaders getting ready to lead the class.

Students eagerly waiting for class to begin.

Students goofing off before getting ready to discuss "Angus,
Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging" in our class.