Retirement update?

[Bikerdoc]

So Scratch; are you enjoying your retirement still? Every winter I'm reminded of what it was like driving on the interstate the 70 miles to work. And I'll tell ya, if there's nothing else (which there is of course), that drive certainly makes me thankful I'm retired.

It's been fun. We've travelled a good deal. I've worked on the house, the garage, a new back deck, a pole barn for a friend of mine, doing basically what I want, practicing my guitar; still a struggle for me. I've struggled so hard to be able to remember songs. I practice them for hours, but without the music and lyrics in front of me I just can't remember. And finger-pickin' is still a challenge. Even having learned a pattern here and there I just can't put 'em together in a song. And even as retirement has allowed me to slow down, I still get impatient with practice.

Oh well, I'm just so relieved that I don't have to go back to that tedious job.

Peace

 

[Default]

Doc, that's why I have "I-IV-V" tattooed on my left wrist.

 

[griehund]

Since I retired I've had time to memorise I VI II V.

 

[taabru45]

Now I can take all day to do what used to take me all day to do :lol: Steffan

 

[Scratch]

Hey doc; thanks for thinking of me.

Retirement has been an adjustment, as I've been a Type 'A' guy all my life and the transition, in my case, to the Type 'B' retirement lifestyle has been boring on occasion, but enjoyable none-the-less. The decision to retire came suddenly in my case as I had planned to work another three years, but it was the right thing to do and I'd do it again in the same conditions. Once Pam climbed out of the deep water, I found liesure time that I did not previously know. I was always one to schedule my days, hours and minutes; especially on weekends, but now, that's not necessary.

I like the outdoors, but this year's heat and drought left little to do in the yard, so when the honeydo list was complete, I reverted to playing the guitar; songwriting, shooting at the range; spending time with the grandkids, walking KC, and doing some volunteer work. We want to do some traveling as well, but just haven't gotten to it yet.

It has been 16 months now and I don't think I've completely adjusted, but I know I don't miss the stress of my last job and the 100 mile round trip to the office and back. That sixty hours-per-week road was leading to serious health problems. Since retirement, my blood pressure is back to normal without meds and I feel better all around.

We're more frugal than before, shop with coupons, and eat out less often. A large herd of guitars is cut to four that get played often; I'm much less impulsive and that is a good thing. My favorite treat these days is sitting on the front porch on the full moon with the stars, my dog, guitar, glass of red, and a good stogie. I'm thankful to live in the country; it's where I belong.

I'm reminded every day how good life is and what a fortunate guy I am. Still in transition, but enjoying the ride...

Really enjoy your travel stories and the pictures you add. There are songwriting materials all around you during those trips. Is Hawaii your next stop?

Scratch sends...

 

[taabru45]

My favorite treat these days is sitting on the front porch on the full moon with the stars, my dog, guitar, glass of red, and a good stogie. I'm thankful to live in the country; it's where I belong.

That sounds about perfect Ken...but I don't do the stogie part....however I wonder if I might be able to send you an actual Cuban....they do sell them up here you know... :wink: Steffan

 

[Scratch]

I would consider that more than an honor, Steffan.

Of course, I would never think of actually enjoying the aroma of an outlawed Cuban seegar. :lol: :lol:

PM sent...

 

[adorshki]

I would consider that more than an honor, Steffan.
Of course, I would never think of actually enjoying the aroma of an outlawed Cuban seegar. :lol: :lol:
PM sent...

And I think they're just above or below rosewood on the customs watch list anyway, right? :lol:

 

[taabru45]

I would consider that more than an honor, Steffan.
Of course, I would never think of actually enjoying the aroma of an outlawed Cuban seegar. :lol: :lol:
PM sent...

And I think they're just above or below rosewood on the customs watch list anyway, right? :lol:

Lets hope their mind is on other stuff, Ken....

 

[Scratch]

I would consider that more than an honor, Steffan.
Of course, I would never think of actually enjoying the aroma of an outlawed Cuban seegar. :lol: :lol:
PM sent...

And I think they're just above or below rosewood on the customs watch list anyway, right? :lol:

Lets hope their mind is on other stuff, Ken....

You could send it by way of Mexico. No problem getting it across that border! :lol:

 

[adorshki]

You could send it by way of Mexico. No problem getting it across that border! :lol:

There's a border?
With MEXICO ?!? :shock:
I thought it got repealed by NAFTA?
:?