Hello fellow adventurers of life’s golden years! Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Raelene Thornton

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Banning, CA
Greetings, dear readers, and prepare yourself for a hearty chuckle as you step into “Life’s Golden Years; My observations of retirement community living.” I’m Raelene Thornton Kretchman, your resident observer as we set sail through the tranquil waters of retirement living, After decades of grooving to the corporate beat in bustling America, retirement has whisked me away on a new adventure-one brining with camaraderie, contemplation, and indomitable spirit of community living. Who would’ve thought this aging hippie would swap tie-dye for tranquility. This blog isn’t just a window; it’s a magnifying glass into the world of retirement straight from the heart of a senior community. Whether you’re on the precipice of retirement, luxuriating in these golden years, or merely curious about the quirks of retirement in a senior community, you’ve stumbled upon your digital sanctuary. Welcome.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Back to Blogging: Dodging Drama in Sun Lakes!

 

Well, it turns out my 'little' blogging sabbatical wasn't so little after all! Why the break? Let's just say I got so wrapped up in Sun Lakes' thrilling dramas that I nearly forgot the joys of witty banter and sassy sign-offs. Returning to blogging feels like dusting off an old digital diary—I just hope I remember the password.

Indeed, my daily activities have evolved into something resembling a full-time job. I'd been actively writing for 'Sun Lakes Life Styles,' covering the Garden Club and the Happy Cookers. I also took on the role of delegate, which surprisingly ate up a good chunk of my time. Additionally, my commitment to various ad hoc and advisory committees had left little space for personal pursuits. I'd become a deeply integrated and active member of the Sun Lakes community, which is rewarding yet incredibly time-consuming.

But wait, there's more! I even delved into the dark underbelly of community politics, supporting a candidate in the race for our Master Board. It was the muddiest campaign in my 11 years here—national politics seem tame in comparison. The preferred weapon? Social media, where lies and vitriol spread like wildfire.

It’s astonishing how even in our peaceful retirement haven, the thirst for power emerges. You’d think after a lifetime of hard work, tranquility would be the goal, yet power remains a seductive mistress. One candidate, a wolf in sheep's clothing, bombarded our board and community with daily emails spreading untruths. Thankfully, our community saw through the facade, though, sadly, another charlatan managed to slip through.

The delegate assembly was equally tumultuous, led by an unethical figure, so  I quickly distanced myself from it. Fortunately, that leader has since been replaced, and the delgate assembly can refocus on Sun Lakes.

The political climate became so toxic that I needed to retreat to my blogging sanctuary. I’m back to the simpler pleasures of life at Sun Lakes, where the toughest campaigns involve choosing quilt colors or cookie shapes.

Welcome back to my cozy corner of the internet—where sarcasm is served with a smile, and everyone's welcome! Unless, of course, you’re here to campaign or complain about Sun Lakes. In that case, brace for a cheeky, swift exit. Here's to reconnecting and sharing many smiles—and perhaps a few eye-rolls!

 …and so, I leave you with my final thought: “I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure." Isn’t that perfect for a blogger who's only certain about one thing: uncertainty loves company?

 


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