Not a vacation

sportner · Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject: Not a vacation

Its starting to hit home that I'm not on vacation and I probably will never take another again. Its possible I could stay retired for the rest of my life. But like other challenges in my life I feel I am up to the task.

Last weekend when most people left the Friday Harbor gathering Toni and I were left behind to wander from island to island, fishing, clamming, and shucking oysters. When we ran out of lime for our sundowners a few days ago it was me that made the tough decision to make a lime and ice run even though the seas could only be described as 2"-3" and two seconds apart, no wind, no clouds , and no sun screen. It had to be done.

Right now we are moored in Blind Bay, the sun is setting slowly off our port bow and life is good. Now if only more C-Brats would swear off vacations and join us, and if you do, can we borrow some lime?

marvin4239 · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 9:20 am Post subject:

I know exactly what you mean. I was one of those guys that never thought I would retire but circumstances beyond my control allowed me to retire 7 years ago at 54. For the first few years I wore myself doing all the things that while working I didn't have time to do. Slowly but surely I got into the mode of doing exactly what I wanted to do when I wanted to on my schedule. A while back someone asked if I had been fishing and my reply was "I've gotten so lazy I'm going to have to hire someone to go fishing for me." Some of my friends who have retired tell me they are bored and are going back to work. For me you couldn't melt and pour me back on a job!

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:15 am Post subject:

Ahem...yes, well...uh, just so long as we are clear on the point! I wish you nothing but smooth sailing, following seas, and the utter absence of tasmanias! And you are of course welcome to our limes! Damn, wish I had no more vacations!

Papillon · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 11:04 am Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 11:28 am Post subject: make the lime and ice run

Russ,

Hang in there and I bet you will figure it out. You are smart and tough and this is just another one of lifes challenges Clock

that you will are fully capable of overcoming. Wishing you and Toni all the best on your new venture. Hot

Enjoy and if you get over towards John Wayne, we will be happy to make the lime and ice run for you. Idea

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Grumpy · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 12:29 pm Post subject:

So that's what you were up to fighting your way into Friday Harbor through those huge waves yesterday!! Sorry about the wake, must have felt like a Sunami Laughing

We just came back from a quick trip to Princess Louisa with Patti & Barry and we know just how you feel.

Merv & Kathy (soon to retire properly)

iggy · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject:

My Dad retired from law enforcement at 55 in 1970. After working 50-hr weeks for 30 years, he wasn't sure how it was going to go. A couple of months later a friend asked how long it took him to bet used to being retired -- "I think it was about 9:30 . . . !"

He had a great sense of humor -- Here are a few phone responses:

* Hello! And what's on your alleged mind?

* Q: And how are you today? A: Able to sit up and take nourishment, both liquid and solid."

* Q: Hi, can I speak to Claire? "Wait a minute, I'll hold her up to the phone."

And the classic: "Yak she mush" -- We heard this for years before learning that this was a poor rendition of "Hello" in Czech, or Latvian, or . . . ?"

Enjoy not being on vacation!

iggy

thataway · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 1:46 pm Post subject:

We spent the first 4 years after retirement (at age 56) cruising full time during the summer in the PNW, and in the RV in Florida in Florida. During this process we purchased property there. At first I was involved in may community issues, mostly as a scientific consultant. Finally at age 65 my wife said I had to stop that--and really retire. I would say that within the last couple of years I finally feel "retired". 17 years after last "working" for money.

Enjoy the boating as you "retire"...but keep busy in life!

lloyds · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 12:59 pm Post subject:

With two years to go I live and breath the thought of retirement. I have never been without a job and someone to answer to for the last 52 years. The thought of waking up in the morning and thinking about MY choices for the day sends chills up my spine. My biggest challenge would be to find enough books to read and harbors to explore.

dotnmarty · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 1:46 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject:

at 44 I have at least 20 years to go, so all I have to say is Smile

And all that from my desk.

lloyds · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 3:22 pm Post subject:

So sorry Tom. I feel your pain. Sometimes it is like retirement is the brass ring and I am sitting stopped dead on the carousel and the brass ring is hanging from a Freightliner eastbound on I-90.

iggy · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject:

Dotnmarty -

Thanks for the clarification. I told you our interpretation was rather 'loose'.

Just looking at the spelling is enough to throw a monkey wrench into the pronunciation!

iggy

rogerbum · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 10:41 pm Post subject:

I've been lucky enough that I could take an alternate approach. I really love my job (most days anyway)! I don't really want to do anything else and to me going into work is often better than a good day of boating or fishing. Sometimes I feel like Babe Ruth - e.g. I can't believe that I get paid to do something I enjoy and I'm afraid someone will figure it out and quit paying me (shhhhhhhhhhhhh Wink

). Nonetheless, someday I will retire and it's my understanding that there's always a bigger boat out there waiting for me someplace.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon May 18, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject: