The long weekend was a get-away for our anniversary; one of those "big ones", with a zero at the end. It had been 7 1/2 months since we had the HitchHiker out, and we were both anxious to check it out and spend some time in it. Back when we were still working, the RV or the boat were our weekend escapes, and we really looked forward to it. We dreamed and schemed about, "When we retire and don't have a schedule..."
Retirement has been my favorite job so far, and the "schedule" of it all is just what we had hoped for. Our friends Pat & Patty think we are a half bubble off level, because we occasionally choose to work "fun" jobs. Pat has said to me, "The reason you retire is so you DON'T have to work."
For us, it has been more about being able to do what we want, when we want. This weekend away gave me cause to think (not always a good thing)... we live in a resort area. Swaying palm trees, a beautiful beach, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, golf course, tennis courts, and the real reason we picked this place: access to the water. Having a dock on a canal right out the back door means we never have to drive to the boat... unless we choose to. As in: hauling the boat to the Pacific Northwest... or the Erie Canal... or leaving it behind and taking the RV someplace interesting.
Our daughter and son-in-law were telling us about upcoming plans to to go Kauai. We used to go to Hawaii a lot (19 out of 20 years at one point). It was a great escape from the frozen northland. We would go to... a resort. Swaying palm trees, beautiful beaches, swimming poo... um, yeah, I covered that in the previous paragraph. These days, we don't long for travel to a resort like we used to. We had a wonderful time in San Antonio. We enjoyed "the big city," without having to be concerned about being someplace at a designated time. I got to poke around in an Apple Store. Joan got to dress like a grown up. It was a refreshing break from what we do day-to-day when we're in the Tropical Tip.
I just enjoyed the drive today... even though we've made that drive many times before. No schedule... no rush to "get to the good places and start enjoying ourselves, before we have to head back to work"... little Izzy sat in the seat by me most of the drive...
Yeah, I think I woke her when I took that photo. She had a good day, too.
Coming home was good, too. Oh, we had to unload the 5th wheel, but not on a schedule. Joan had everything nicely arranged, so that wasn't much of a chore. And when we settled in, I went to pick up mail... some nice anniversary cards. Like getting another day of celebrating. A tasty gift from Steph and Dan was waiting for us. Also, some things Joan had ordered for Christmas. A check of e-mail, and a nice note from a couple who read the blog and are now enjoying retirement. And being where they want, when they want. Fun!
So, the rule really is: there is no rule. We drove 300 miles today. Didn't get in until shortly after 3:00. Doesn't matter. Oh, we have some "projects" to work on - boat and RV maintenance don't stop because you're retired. ;-) But, we don't have to "punch in" at any particular time.
2 comments:
Congratulations you two, and here is to many more in many different places.
Thanks, Tim and Mary. Where did the time go? I ask Joan if she was up for another 40 years? She said, "I'll let you know in 20 years."
Humor is important in a relationship... I think she was joking. ;-)
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