RH Digest — December 10th
"The Front Page for Retirement"
📗 e-Book Deals of the Day
Follow the Crumbs (Cozy Quilts Club Mystery Series Book 1)
By: Marsha DeFilippo
When four friends start The Cozy Quilts Club, the last thing they expect to discuss is their paranormal abilities. Even less likely—using them to find a killer. But when the aunt of one of the members is murdered, they use those skills to discover the killer’s identity. Now, how do they convince the police to believe them and make the arrest?
Get it now for FREE on Kindle!
RetireHub’s Holiday Giveaway — Win A Free Cruise!
Happy Holidays from RetireHub!
To celebrate — we’re giving away a free cruise ($900 value) on December 31st. If you want to pack your bags and ship out on the open sea, all you need to do is signup to be a RetireHub Premium member!
In addition to getting an entry into the Free Cruise Giveaway, you’ll also receive:
Premium only quizzes and games
Free courses for financial planning, health & wellness, and more
The knowledge that you’re supporting the largest online community of 50+ year old Americans
…and exclusive deals and savings
All this for less than $5/mo.
Regardless of if you become an RH Premium member or not, we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
📺 Watch This Tonight: Stumble
High-Flying Drama and Heart
Get ready to tumble, soar, and cheer your heart out with Stumble, a show that dives into the intense, glamorous, and sometimes chaotic world of competitive cheerleading. From jaw-dropping stunts to the behind-the-scenes rivalries, it’s a fast-paced ride full of ambition, teamwork, and the pressures of chasing perfection. With every tumble, lift, and routine, Stumble celebrates the dedication, drama, and sheer athleticism of cheerleaders pushing themselves to the limit.
Now Streaming on Peacock.
🎧 Listen In: Annie DiRusso’s Tiny Desk Concert
Intimate Reflections, Big Emotions
Annie DiRusso brings raw honesty and evocative storytelling to this intimate performance, blending dreamy vocals with lush, introspective melodies. Stripped-down arrangements highlight the subtle power of her songwriting, allowing each lyric to resonate deeply and linger long after the music ends. It’s a quiet, mesmerizing experience — a reminder of the beauty in vulnerability and the magic of hearing an artist fully in their element.
📬 Dear Joanne
Your questions, her wisdom — Joanne’s here with thoughtful advice, warm humor, and a listening ear for whatever’s on your mind.
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebration. Yet for many retirees, it can feel the opposite - quiet, isolating, and even painful. Although this column often is geared toward lightheartedness, its original goal was to help answer questions from our readership. I received the following email this week which helped me remember the reason for the season:
Dear Joanne, I enjoy reading your column every week. It is like I have made a friend in you. Thank you for that. I find that as the holiday season approaches, I am more withdrawn and depressed. I do not have many friends or family. My husband passed away four years ago, and my two sons and daughter all live out of state with their own families. Their lives are busy and we don’t speak often. I sometimes cry. I don’t have many places to go, so I take care of my little dachshund who is a tremendous source of joy. I am quite sure many of your readers are alone during the holidays – or maybe just feel alone. Can you provide some wisdom and inspiration?
Happy Holidays, M
Dear M:
It is normal to feel sadness or emptiness when traditions change or loved ones are far away. First, give yourself permission to grieve what you are missing instead of forcing cheerfulness. It’s OK to miss the “old days”. Once you acknowledge what you are feeling and accept the circumstances, then look at what you can do to slightly change and uplift your spirit, even if it is one hour or one day at a time.
You said your children are busy – we understand the pressures of young adults trying to raise families and make it on their own. But remember to stay connected. Make the first move – reach out to family or old friends with a phone call or vide chat so you can see them. Even very short conversations can lift spirits, both yours and theirs.
There are many senior groups in towns and cities that most likely have people who find themselves exactly where you are! There are people who are wanting to make a friend or two just to have coffee and cookies or maybe spend an afternoon with. You are not alone, even though it may seem like it.
Call a food pantry or animal shelter. These agencies are always looking for volunteers. Shared connections often grow from such a step. And there are senior transportations services that will pick you up and bring you home from wherever it is you need or want to go. And most are free! Take advantage of those services. But don’t forget, when you come home from an animal shelter, you will have to explain to your dachshund where you have been!
Also, remember the things that make you happy, even for a small time. Treat yourself to something special: your favorite takeout meal, a new book or time at a local school ceremony / play / concert.
Don’t forget to maintain your regular healthy habits. Eat well and regularly, get your full sleep in every day and exercise/move however you can. Exercises you can perform right in your favorite chair are extremely helpful even if you can’t get around very well.
If depression seems overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor, therapist or minister/priest. Professional guidance can provide you with tools to help manage your emotions. Most importantly, share your feelings with your children. Sometimes just being heard makes a difference.
There are always people who care. Those who are related, old friends, or even people who are just an email away. Stay connected. You will never be a bother.
Joanne
PS: To my readers – The holidays do not have to be defined by what is missing. Retirement offers the gift of time. Use that time to make yourself smile. The holidays may not look the way they once did, but they can still hold meaning. It may be time to reshape traditions, nurture new connections, and discover joy in unexpected places. Even in quiet moments, there is light to be found.
Feel free to email me at DearJoanne911@gmail.com. Your questions, comments and thoughts are always welcome.
📽 It’s The Classics
Swinging into the Spotlight: Rosemary Clooney’s Mambo Italiano
Rosemary Clooney lights up the stage with her playful, infectious rendition of Mambo Italiano, a 1954 hit that perfectly captures the fun and flair of the era. Written by Bob Merrill in a whirlwind of inspiration on a New York napkin, the song became a transatlantic sensation, reaching the top of the UK charts and cementing Clooney’s place in pop history. With her warm vocals and irresistible charm, Clooney turns this upbeat mambo into a joyous celebration — a reminder of the glitz, glamour, and sheer delight of 1950s music.
Recipe of the Day: Maple-Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans
A gentle nod to classic holiday sides, elevated with a buttery maple finish.
Serves: 2–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or rounds
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
While the carrots roast, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and garnish with parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
❤️ Why You’ll Love It: Sweet, buttery carrots get a crunchy, nutty boost from toasted pecans, making this simple side feel festive and elegant. It’s a quick, flavorful way to elevate any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.
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If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.
- Jay
Got suggestions of what you’d wanna read about? Let us know in the comments!
— The RetireHub Team