New Beginnings and a thank you card

Happy Saturday everyone! It's a new beginning for me - I retired from my career of nearly 38 years with the Social Security Administration yesterday!! I enjoyed the work thoroughly but felt it was time to leave - while I still have the energy to enjoy other things. Here I am with coworker Mai who gave me the sweet mini orchid:

And here's a photo from my work luncheon holding the springtime cake they provided:

After work I enjoyed Happy Hour at Joseph's Grill just across the Mississippi River from downtown St Paul. Coworkers, retired coworkers, family and friends joined me there for some delicious food & drink!

On my first day of retirement I was awake before 5a.m. - so much for sleeping in.... I made my card for next weeks Merry Monday post (I'll be guest designer) then I ran some errands. I came home in time for today's Scramble on the Hero Arts Flickr Group. Charlene's theme - Mix it Up (use stamps from multiple sets). Here's my card:

 Supplies: Stamps - Hero Arts: CL663 Thanks a Bunch, CL943 Color Layering Bouquet, 

plus a few bits from a couple other layering sets; Simon Says Stamp: Falling Hearts background

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks; paper: Hero Arts Cerulean; Neenah Solar White

I have plenty more thank you cards to make for all the retirement gifts I received! I'll be kept busy for the first week anyway!! Thanks for stopping by!