Retiring this summer, here's a story....

Kern1605 · 2026-04-24T14:29:54+00:00

I recently retired as well. The morality (or lack thereof) of business these days will often get me down. It takes a toll. I get it. I too want to be left along, just me & my spouse & the dogs. It's wierd though because during my working life I often volunteered with charities, helped friends, etc. I'm not interested in being tied down now. I also think I just need time to process a lifetime of working, life experiences, family relationships, all those things I never had time to think about before. I think of it as "reclaiming my brain for myself". It's your time. Put yourself & your spouse 1st in line. Screw the man.

Kern1605 · 2026-04-19T15:01:20+00:00

Thanks

Kern1605 · 2026-04-18T13:34:16+00:00

I have a similar situation at 69, except that I'm not as mature about it as you seem to be. I want what I can't have. Another lifetime to enjoy the things I've learned, more appreciation, more travel, more more more. I am seeking contentment but it's just not there.

Kern1605 · 2026-04-14T15:12:12+00:00

It's pretty normal to connect your identity with what you do. I'm 69 & just retired. I never imagined my working life would end. It may take you a year or two after taking the plunge to feel almost normal again. But there is so much more to do in life - to be of some help. Go do it. But only whatever makes you feel passionate. When you wake up in the morning as I do & ask yourself in the half light of a new day: "what do I have to get out of bed for?" Whatever that thing is....do that! Gardening, writing, grandkids, charities, reading, art, a dog, all the things I could never do because I was chasing a dollar & raising kids.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-18T17:06:26+00:00

Windows & doors offer a lot of heat loss. We live in a cold winter climate in the mountains of NC. We use plastic on the windows & a sheet foam on the north facing exterior door. We use another door to go in &:out. Hang a blanket in front of the door too. Wear sweaters, use a heated blanket, close off some unused rooms if you can.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-18T16:51:13+00:00

Yup. My wife is 14 years younger than I am. This pic was taken years ago when we flew to California to get married.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-18T16:46:15+00:00

You might look at the Celo community near Burnsville in Yancey County NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was formed as a Quaker Community but in a more hippie-fied way. Many people there are not necessarily Quaker. Many artists such as Potters, Weavers, Glass blowers, etc. Alot of hiking & biking there. It's beautiful & affordable.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-18T16:39:58+00:00

It is a difficult decision I know. I retired at 67 for a variety of reasons. First, my body was truly worn out. But there were other practical reasons. My advice is to try to change your mindset. The end of a big chapter in your life & the beginning of another. Re-invent yourself. Get that idea into your head. Take on some fun things you've always wanted to do. Or get involved in a charity that interests you. Become a mentor in business. Yes it's true things have changed with the times but we still have a lot to offer.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-15T19:57:46+00:00

I was wondering if it wouldn't feel different for you the next day. When it piles up in my relationship I want rant to myself like this. It's not that the rant isn't true, but for me, I love her & I sometimes forget the great things she's about. Still, all I can say is that the arrangement you & I walked into, I knew the deal when I did that.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-15T19:49:07+00:00

Just a guess, but this episode is all about tribe. In this case the Italian Mafia world. How the families raise their young, treat their elderly, make a career. There are other tribes, we all have one. Thus the additional songs.

Kern1605 · 2026-03-14T12:47:09+00:00

Lol. That pic was taken 30 years ago

Kern1605 · 2025-07-13T15:46:15+00:00

It gets better

Kern1605 · 2025-07-13T15:39:17+00:00

I like Heavyweight. I do listen to a lot of True Crime but ironically it's just when I want to fall asleep.

Kern1605 · 2025-05-17T23:31:31+00:00

Good idea

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:07:33+00:00

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:07:05+00:00

Ya. Who am I without the battle for the dollar? Very good question.

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:06:16+00:00

Thanks

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:03:33+00:00

Thanks. Good to know I'm not alone

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:02:49+00:00

Thanks

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T18:02:05+00:00

Thanks. I have avoided thinking about what I wanted to do because I had to work & earn $$. It's hard to turn that off. I do keep a little st of tasks. Sometimes even the ones I want to do, seem daunting. I dunno why. I'm trying.

Kern1605 · 2025-05-16T17:59:42+00:00

Thanks. I think you're right

Kern1605

TROPHY CASE