After I wrote my last post back in December, I decided to take some time away from blogging. I had been thinking about closing my blog for a while and wanted to use the time to make a final determination. Would I miss blogging too much, or would I enjoy exploring other pursuits more. I figured a month or so away would help me make the decision.
Now, after the “month or so” has turned into more than half a year, I’ve decided that it’s time to clear off my mental desk and make room for other priorities. It’s time to move on from blogging.
I started RetirementallyChallenged in 2013 to give myself an outlet for my writing. Little did I know then that my blog would give me so much more. Starting my blog was one of the best post-retirement decisions I made. Many of you have touched my life deeply and have become treasured friends, both virtual and IRL. I’ve had adventures, learned new things, and have expanded my universe because of my connections with you. Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing my journey. The blogging community is a special one and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
I will keep my site open for a while. If you’d like to stay in touch, please send me a note through my Contact Me page and we’ll find a way to connect.
Copyright © 2026 RetirementallyChallenged.com – All rights reserved.
Discover more from Retirementally Challenged
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Retirementally Challenged 
Noooo, say not so! I totally understand, Janis! We’ll always be friends and I’ll visit when I’m in SD, or perhaps if visit north!
Love all the pics of your blog meet-ups. Wonderful memories!
You were the first blogger I met in person and, yes, we will always be friends. I know we will be traveling north at some point and I’d love to visit you in Washington.
Keep me posted for sure. Spokane proper is a good rest stop on the way to Glacier, Yellowstone and WA NPs.
I can’t believe that I’ve never been to Yellowstone. It is definitely on my list!
We only just went last fall. It’s huge and we only saw a small part in 3 days!
I’ll miss you! You were part of the West Coast posse of bloggers who always seemed to have fun. Enjoy your new endeavors and live big!
Thank you, Kate. Living big and having fun are my goals. I will most definitely be checking in on you and the kitties now and then.
❤️
I hated to hit ‘like,’ but I totally understand. I wish you and your husband all the best whether you are at home or on the road to your next adventure. Wishing you good health and happiness.
Thank you, Judy. I wish you health and happiness… and satisfying gardening projects, as well.
Janis, I know you and your husband like to travel. The world awaits you, or you can just enjoy relaxing in your own backyard. Best of luck to you.
Thank you, Linda. I hope to do a bit of both. We have upcoming travel plans and relaxing sounds pretty good too.
I know you enjoyed your long road trip a few years ago. I enjoyed reading your Mexican trip posts especially – so very colorful. Relaxing in retirement is the way to go! Enjoy!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your writing. I was inspired. With sincerest, best wishes for the next great adventure!
Thank you! I am looking forward to new adventures… but I will miss everyone too.
I’m so sorry to see you go, Janis. You have been a special part of my life, and I do still hope to meet you in person one day. It’s fun to see you with other friends I know from blogging. Everything you write has meaning, so I hope you won’t quit writing. 🙂 xxx
I was not a decision I made easily, Marsha. I know I will miss the blogging world and, especially, the bloggers I have interacted with over the years. I also hope we get to meet in real life… we came so close a few years ago in Prescott. I definitely intend to keep writing somehow, somewhere. Be well, my friend.
I would leave your blog open unless that causes you problems. You may change your mind, Others may leave you messages for a time. I thought I was going to give up my blog Always Write, which was a WordPress.org site. In fact, I did close it, but a friend convinced me to bring over all the posts to my old WordPress.com site. I’ve never been sorry I did that. Your blog is like a library for you, even if you make it private so that only you can see it. You loose so much if you just delete it.
I will keep my blog open for a while. Maybe delete some posts along the way, then (maybe) move whatever is left to Substack. I still want to write so that may be the best avenue for me. I just don’t know at this point.
It’s a lot to consider after you’ve invested so much time and energy into it. My posts aren’t all fabulous, but I have a lot of stories, tidbits, book reviews, etc. that I’d hate to wipe off the map and therefore my memory, LOL 🙂
Janis, I’ve always enjoyed your blog–your travels and adventures, your observations, your facility with words, and your outlook on life. Wishing you more joyful adventures as you move on. Glad to have connected with you over the years.
Thank you, Donna. The connections I’ve made through blogging mean a lot to me, and will be what I miss the most. Best wishes – and many joyful adventures – to you also
I’m sure you will enjoy your new/ish creative outlets Janis and thank you for connecting with me over the years. The world really is a small place and who knows we may even meet one day. All the best, Janis.
I am determined to make my way to your part of the world one of these days so a meet-up is entirely possible. Thank you for your good wishes, Suzanne.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, even for a short time Janis. All the best to you and I hope you find some interesting adventures and new pursuits to enjoy 🙂
Thank you, Deb. I’ve also enjoyed reading about your adventures and life changes. I’m so happy that you’ve found such a perfect place to live. Isn’t life amazing?
Hi, Janis – RetirementallyChallenged was the first blog that I ever followed and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for being an awesome teacher and an incredible friend. Your room is ready for the next time you and Paul visit! ❤
I never would have met you and Richard if I hadn’t started my little blog, and for that I am truly grateful. Thank you for being such a great friend (and holding my hand as I made this tough decision). A trip up north is definitely being talked about 💕.
Although only ever on the fringe of the blog world you built I always enjoyed our interactions. Best of luck as you carve a new path.
Thank you, Bernie. I enjoyed reading about your family, travels, and observations about the current craziness. Elbows up!
Are you going to write over on Substack? It’s been a common move for many bloggers.
I may, Bernie. Not right now but I intend to keep writing and that may be a less time-intensive way to go. I enjoy reading Donna’s stories about her trip to Paris on Substack.
I have a Substack but like FB go on there very infrequently.
I understand completely. I will miss you. I wish you only the very best my friend.
Thank you for the good wishes, Cindy. Keep on taking your gorgeous photographs!
I often wonder what would fill the gap in my life if I step away, but it sounds like you’ve found the answer, and I wish you many years of enjoyment, Janis. Thank you for your presence at my place, and for always making me think xx
So far, filling in the gap hasn’t been a problem but who knows what’s in my future? The time just seemed right to step away. I’m sure I’ll check in now and then to see where your walks take you.
I am sorry to read this, Janis, though I had noticed your prolonged absence so am not entirely surprised. I’m glad you came back to say goodbye and did not just disappear into the ether as some do. I think that of the group of North American bloggers I met around the same time as you only Liesbet remains active, and of course she’s back in Europe now. What you are doing is not uncommon it seems – my blog feed has shrunk a lot in the last couple of years and I haven’t unfollowed anyone. I’m considering the same myself, although not until next year, because it is becoming a chore. Life has ebbs and flows and a lot more writing for walks and talks seems to be flowing my way so something has to ebb! It remains to wish you all the best for the future. I’ve enjoyed your virtual company over the years. I think I was first directed to your blog because someone, maybe Jo, said you had written a post about libraries. I thought you must be a good ‘un then and so it turned out!
As more and more of my favorite bloggers either stopped completely or slowed down considerably, my decision to step away became clearer. Doing “it all” was something to strive for when I was younger but now, in my retirement, I want to pick and choose what is most important and makes me happy. Writing for walks and talks sounds like a lot of fun, Anabel. I hope to find other avenues for my writing… just not a blog (for now, anyway). If I ever get to your beautiful country, I’d love to meet up.
Janis, that would be lovely! I have sent you an email (to the address I found in WordPress admin which is hopefully correct) so that we can contact each other if that ever happens. We might even make it back to the US if things change.
I saw your email and will reply, and keep in handy just in case. I understand the reluctance to travel to the US now. I wouldn’t either, if I didn’t live here already.
I want to possibly meet in reallife – and saw that Betsy was able to meet up – oh baby!
But I guess we will have to wait and see.
Also, to everything there is a time and season – and so I understand your choice to close things down. Even though I think blogging a couple times a year is still a good choice – but if you need to “clear off my mental desk and make room for other priorities” then you need to follow that.
–
I am glad you were part of my interview series last year – so thanks for that – and a top memory I have from your blog is (are you curious) – well it is the post and photo with the Ford on the corner in Winslow, Arizona – hahah – and of course the orange cake.
Even though I’m stepping away from my blog, I will always consider myself a blogger, and will always cherish my blogging friends. I would love to meet up at some point if we are ever able to make it happen. I love that you remember the picture of the famous corner in Winslow – have you ever been there? And my husband’s famous caramelized orange cheesecake? Yes, please! I’m sure that I will check in now and then to see what interesting projects you are up to. Take care, my friend.
I have been to Arizona many times but not the famous corner, in a For d- hahah
xxx
Here’s to a life crafted to suit YOUR needs and requirements! Thank you for all the caring and sharing. Enjoy!!!
Thank you! As hard as it is to stop blogging, I am looking forward to having more room in my life to other things.
Thank you for letting us all know, Janis. I’m in a similar situation, actually, and pondering my future on the blogosphere. My apologies that, when I went to send this I found an unsent reply and have just sent it. I wish you all the excitement of new adventures in retirement. It’s like finishing school all over again – the world before you.
I think many of us are feeling similarly, Karen. There’s just only so much time and we need to figure out what takes priority. I know that it will be a long time, if ever, before I stopped observing something and thinking, “that would make a great blog post!” (No worries about the errant reply above. I tried to delete it but wasn’t able to… I’ll try again.)
I’ll try, too. I like your point about seeing something and thinking about posting. But it will pass.
Janis, I have been processing the same dilemma as life and needs took me away from my creative habits. I enjoyed your writing but I mostly enjoyed meeting you and Terry thru our blogs. Thanks for sharing the meet up photos. If traveling is part of the future plan you’re always welcome to Southern Idaho … the new guest apartment is waiting. Let me know how I can send you our info.
I hadn’t seen you around the blogosphere for a while and figured you were off to some great adventure. Southern Idaho is gorgeous and I will let you know if our travels take us there. You can either send your contact info via my Contact Me page, of ask Terri to pass it along. All me best to you, Cheryl!
Janis, I’ve always appreciated your visits to my blog and I’ve enjoyed your posts. You will be missed. But cheers to you and any new adventures you have planned.
I’ve been blogging (more or less) steadily since 2013 and sometimes wonder how much longer I’ll do it. Since I retired in 2021, life has been fuller … more traumatic too with deaths in my immediate and extended family which definitely derailed my writing. But I’ve also taken on many creative non-writing projects and so I have to make choices: do I write for my blog today or do I knit/weave/spin today?
Anyway, just enjoy yourself. That’s what Life is for.
Having a variety of creative pursuits is wonderful! I’ve been playing around with watercolor, and I can’t imagine giving up writing and photography. I’ve never been what anyone would describe as a consistent blogger, but I know I’ll miss it.
Yeah, my blogging has been so spotty the last couple of years, but I know I’d miss it too much if I just closed the blog.
All the best in the future.
Thank you!
I will miss you here, but I completely understand. You were one of the very first bloggers (that wasn’t already friend/family) to comment on one of my posts. I’m so glad we got a chance to meet in real life too. I’ve got you in my contacts already. Tracey
PS I have an orange glazed cheese cake in my near future per hubby’s request. Always makes me think of you.
I think we got our meet-up in just under the wire before Covid hit big. I’m happy that we were able to make it happen. Please let me know if you visit my area again.
I love that your husband has requested the cheesecake again. I have to wait a whole half a year until my birthday to indulge again.
I’m so very sad. (Left note in contacts as well). I understand, but am sad. Best wishes to you in your new adventures.
Thank you. I’m sad too, Pat, but it was time. I’m sure I’ll check in now and again to see how your house is coming along… I bet it will be beautiful!
Hey, I made the cut!
It feels weird to “like” this post. I’m saddened by your departure, but grateful you’d given me a warning through email. I totally understand, though. I’m glad you have other activities to occupy your time, and I’m so grateful you’re giving us a farewell message. These are always sad to read, but when people disappear without a word, that’s worse.
Thankfully, we already have each other’s contact info and live too near each other to not stay in touch. If you’re up this way, please let me know, and vice versa. From you I learned of The Last Bookstore and am so grateful for that. Thanks for keeping your blog up for a while. I know you had other adventures I may want to peruse once more and take notes on. 😛
I truly hope your next adventures are wonderful ones. Thank you for spending 13 years in the blogosphere with us. ❤
Haha! Yes, you made the cut (and I’m sorry that I missed hooking up with you and TTA + hubsters the other night).
I imagine that stopping blogging will be much the same as retirement. Working took a lot of time, but that time was quickly filled with other (much more fun) activities. I’ve got a lot of things on my to-do, to-explore, and to-experience lists.
We will definitely stay in touch. Maybe I’ll see you at the Book Fair?
I’m so glad you have lots to do. I’m hoping I’ll be the same, but currently I’m mostly a homebody. You and TTA inspire me. (Yes, missed you, but that would’ve been a super long haul for you!)
The Book Fair is on my daughter’s birthday. I told her about it. She said, “Hmm.” It wasn’t very definitive! Whether or not we make it will depend on how she’d like to spend the day. Maybe next year I can have a booth if I get in on that early enough!
Aw, that’s so nice, Ilsa. Thank you!
Janis, I’m sorry to see you go. You always showed up with interesting topics, and great stories. Take care and have wonderful adventures going forward!
Thank you! I have several adventures planned and creative pursuits to explore. I know it will be hard not to write a post about them.
If the urge to write about one of adventures I hope you answer the call and write here.
If your adventures bring you up my way give me a shout we can meet up!
I will absolutely let you know if we come your way. Same thing if you get to San Diego!
The blogging world has changed from when I started – also in 2013. I couldn’t really say how, exactly. Perhaps it’s me! Anyway, I certainly understand and wish you all the best!
Blogging, and social media in general, has changed quite a bit but I always felt that my little corner of the blogosphere, made up of interesting, engaged people was special. I’ll miss everyone but am looking forward to creating more space for new things.
I know what you mean —there’s something so special about the folks who’ve stuck with us. But they understand.
I understand the decision, Janis. (It’s something I’m wrestling with at times myself – especially when WordPress acts up and the costs keep increasing.) But that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it! 😉 I’ll miss your voice on ye olde interwebs.
It wasn’t an easy decision, believe me. I am so grateful that our friendship extends beyond our blogs. Give Bowser a little ear scratch for me and keep those elbows up!
Sorry to see you go, Janis! I’ve always enjoyed your posts (though I came along more recently than many). I totally get that blogging gives so much, but also takes a serious time commitment. There’s a time for letting go and moving on to new challenges. Have a wonderful post-blog life!!! (My time may be coming up in a few years—or not—maybe just slowing down.)
I’m sorry to go too, Eilene. If I felt that I could do everything I wanted and maintain my blog I would. You’ll know if and when it’s time for you too. I’m feeling sad, relieved, and excited, all jumbled up.
Oh my gosh, Janis! If only I had known!!!!
I’m sorry that we weren’t able to arrange a meet-up while you were (relatively) close by. Of course, just because I’ve stopped blogging it doesn’t mean that I won’t reach out if I ever travel near my blogging friends. I am looking forward to reading your post about your trip!
I’m right there with ya, Janis. We started blogging around the same time. I have about a year left on my WP hosting, so I’m thinking of winding my site down also. Like all the chapters in one’s life, it has contributed to who I am now. ‘Moving on’ for me is a form of needed decluttering in order to more clearly see the path of my ‘NOW’. ‘Letting go’ is the jump off for flying into newfound freedom of discovery in the ‘now’ of becoming! HA! How’s that for a bit of pontificating?!? I guess with your artistic obsession & wonderful door photography the analogy would be more grounded, eh?! All the best and we have each other’s emails – don’t hesitate to connect from time to time as will I with you.
Many of the bloggers I follow have slowed down on their blogging, several have stopped entirely, and more than a few have expressed similar thoughts about stepping away. It was hard to hit that Publish button on this one, but I knew it was time. You’ll know when it’s time too. I will absolutely keep in touch with you and I hope we can meet face-to-face sometime. Take good care, my friend.
Best wishes on your future adventures!
Thank you!
I met you late in your blogging life and will miss you! Happy Retirement and adventuring!
Thank you, Margaret. I’ll miss my blogging friends too.
I’m sad to see you go, Janis. But I totally understand (there are so many exciting experiences in life besides blogging :)) and I’m happy we had the chance to meet up several times. Those photos are great proof of all your precious get-togethers. I wish you a lot of fun and satisfaction in all your pursuits and I hope we will meet you both again once day.
It wasn’t an easy decision but one that feels right… at least for now 🙃 If I didn’t have a blog, I never would have met you and Mark (and Maya), and wouldn’t have learned of your adventures. I will still follow your journeys as you travel through Europe and beyond. Who knows, we may run into each other this fall… I’ll keep an eye out for your Vario.
Hey Janis! So glad we’ve become good friends outside of blogging…but yeah, it never would have happened otherwise. And while blogging can be very rewarding, meeting in person over dinner and a margarita is WA-A-A-Y better! In fact, I looking forward to seeing you next week and hearing about all the fun and exciting things you’ll be doing with all your free time now!!! And put Tucson on the list again! ~Kathy
I love how virtual blog friends morph into treasured, real-life friends. We are looking forward to seeing you and Thom again next week and, yes, Tucson is definitely on our list!
I want to selfishly scream, “Nooooo!!!” because too many favorite bloggers over the years have hung up their virtual quills. But I have to respect your wishes, and politely say, I understand. I stubbornly intend to do this until I drop dead or am physically incapacitated, but who knows? Maybe I’ll change my mind at some point.
It’s been a pleasure, Janis. I hope you change your mind and come back at some point, though it seems few do. Take care of yourself, keep enjoying your retirement, and feel free to reach out anytime.
Thank you, Mark. One of these days, I may be looking to you to introduce me to fried cheese curds and to mix me a proper Old Fashioned. You’ve written so lovingly about your part of the country that I have to see it for myself (oh, and get an apple pie in a bag from The Elegant Farmer). I do hope you keep blogging… I’ll be checking in now and then.
OMG, your comment is a great reminder that I haven’t been to The Elegant Farmer in months. I must rectify that shortly!
And I’d love to show off my little slice of paradise to you. 🙂
I totally understand your decision, Janis. As the saying goes, ‘All good things must come to an end.’ Thank you for all your support in visiting my blog and joining in the discussions in the comment sections of those posts. It’s people like you that make blogging so special.
I wish you much success with the next adventure. All the very best to you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Hugh. You are such a great supporter of the blogging community and I always appreciated your tips and advice (including how to back up a blog, which I intend to do before my subscription ends). New adventures await but I will miss my friends in the blogosphere.
Aw, Janis . . . I’m late to the party because we were off adventuring and just got back yesterday. (You get a delicious orange cheesecake for your birthday; I often get a quick trip to the coast of Maine for fresh lobster rolls for mine.)
As mentioned by previous commenters, I am selfishly sorry to hear of your departure from blogging. (I understand it, but I’m soooooo sad.) You’re an incredibly creative and talented writer, and I’ve always loved your smooth and engaging style. I can’t think of one single post you published that I didn’t enjoy. All that being said, I’m really, really happy for you! Good for you for setting priorities, diligently making the most of your time, and getting as much pleasure as you possibly can out of life. It won’t be long until I step away, too. I hope that, when the time comes, my exit will be as graceful and dignified as yours was. Please save a little bit of room in your calendar for us somewhere along the line. We still owe the two of you lunch and I’ll be looking forward to that get-together right up until the moment it happens!
What an incredibly kind and generous comment, Mary. It’s blogger friends like you that made my decision difficult. What made it easier was knowing that these friendships will last well beyond the blogosphere. When Paul read your comment, he said, “I guess we need to meet them in Maine for lobster rolls on Mary’s birthday.” And, who knows, we just may make that happen.
I love following your adventures and will absolutely check in now and then to see what you’re up to. Hopefully at some point, your travels or ours will find us in the same general area and we can meet up again.
Take care, my friend. We’ll be in touch.
Tell Paul . . . It’s a date! And I will celebrate my birthday ANY day for the two of you!
💕
Hi Janis, I’m sad to hear of your departure from blogging. I have enjoyed your posts and photos. I understand your decision though and wish you all the best in your new adventures. If you stop over in Toronto, I’d love to meet up. Thanks for letting us know your plan to eventually close your blog.
Thank you, Natalie. We loved Toronto when we visited many years ago and would like to return someday. If we do, we will definitely let you know. It would be fun to meet up.
This is lovely, Janis. I’m sorry that you won’t continue to blog, but I understand. I’ve taken a long hiatus from blogging, too, and I’m still undecided (although I suspect my actions are deciding for me, lol). I still hope we might meet up one of these days! Please let us know if you make another trip to North Carolina. Wishing you all the best in life!
Funny you should mention that… we’ve has been talking about visiting NC and a few nearby states again to see family, etc. I will absolutely let you know if/when our plans gel. I will require that you and your husband enter quarantine a few weeks prior, though, so we can be sure you remain healthy for a meet up. ☺️
I’m so sad that you have given up blogging. I enjoyed checking in with you regularly. Although we have never met in person, I had hoped one of these days to travel with you.
Best wishes for whatever you have decided to do in place of your blog.
Hi, Shelley. Just because I’ve stepped away from my blog doesn’t mean that I’ve stepped away from my blog friends, even those I haven’t met (yet) in person. I will continue to follow your travels and I look forward to the day we can meet in person… and maybe even travel together.
You will really be missed by all your blogging friends as you have shared so many interesting posts over the years. I especially enjoyed your hints on organizing the important items in our life. Enjoy every day, no matter what you are doing…you have certainly given a lot to us. .