I volunteer. I am retired. I live in the countryside.
I work in a factory. I live in a small town.
I've have had a few days off volunteering so went walking in the countryside. That sounds really relaxing. I would love to have more time to go walking. My town has spots to do that, but I'm always so busy at the factory. How was the walk? I was able to spot a few blue birds and robins so that was a joy. I love bird watching so I take my binoculars when a go on walks.  That sounds really fun. I especially love seeing the birds in the Spring, after a long winter. How often are you able to go on walks? I volunteer a few days a week so I try to walk on the days I am not working. I would love company if you ever get a break from work. I am getting pretty good at spotting owls now too. I really would love that. I could use the stress release for sure. It's hard working in the factory all the time, you know? What did you do before you retired? I agree that work can  be stressful. I was a nurse for many years and worked in a local hospital. I was able to make a lot of friends and had a rewarding career.  Wow, that does sound like quite a career. I think being a nurse would be more rewarding than being a factory worker, but we do what we can with the talents we have, huh? I had a lot of people who dear friends and who passed away under my care so it was an emotional career and could become overwhelming when I was younger. I agree we all have a calling though.  Yes, that would be very difficult. I have to imagine that they appreciated you being there for them, regardless. I know if I was in a difficult situation like that, I would be happy to have a friend care for me. In my town, everybody knows everybody anyway, haha. Yes, it sounds like you can understand how I was feeling. I often find that people don't like talking about end of life but that was what I faced daily for many years.  I think that helps provide some perspective on life itself, though. I know for me, whenever I consider what the end of life will be like, it helps remind me to make the most of the time I have. It's a good thing to confront our mortality, I think. But I also understand it can be overwhelming when it's every day.