Squares and the frugal life, which goes on

 

The squares are still happening, and the yarn is fast being used up. We'll see what I can get out of it before then. Not planning on yarn shopping.

Which brings me to an interesting feature I read today about retirement ages in different states, the amount needed to live comfortably, and how much savings you'd need to retire.

My income is less than half the per capita required in my state, and I thought I lived comfortably.  I guess it all depends on what you call comfortable. I'm staggered at the size of savings required, though.  

I also note that it tends to be financial advisers who do all this arm waving.  Just a wry thought. I guess they would like their clients to continue to be able to pay them. Frugal folks like me whose default is not shopping probably don't feature in their business plan.

I also wonder at the young ages at which people retire. It's not all voluntary, we know. Some people find themselves pushed out in their early sixties. Others find health becomes a pressing issue.

But I've known people joyfully retire the minute they can, maybe from jobs they needed to get out of. And I notice how healthy people can deteriorate once they lose their daily structure, if they're not careful. How gloomy I sound. 

I just left exhibiting and teaching art in the last year, about twenty years beyond the typical age, partly because I want to use my energy for my own artwork without deadlines, partly because opportunity has not been there in the tactile arts in shutdown. Let's hope I don't go weak and feeble! At least not for a while.

Just musing here. 

And here's life going on in the Yorkshire dales, the daffodils of Farndale planted before the Reformation by the monks. Familiar to me from childhood.

Acres of them, by the river, over the fields, as far as you can see. This picture taken yesterday by a farmer and Twitter friend. Credit to Peter Mawson, whose farm abuts this sight. And site.