Newly Retired: Talking about the weather!

My secret garden

 I have written more than once about being newly retired. It has been so many years now, but the stories still linger.

Annie, age 3

I am surprised when those familiar stories come up in the conversation. Now, it's my children who are talking. Being newly retired still has its challenges. When I retired, it was mostly the men who came home to stay who were a little lost. They had been bosses/supervisors or upper-level employees one day and jobless the next. Suddenly, they had only one employee, their partner in life. It was hard...believe me, I know.

But in the 2020s, hopefully, the couple's life would be a partnership. Everyone worked. Now the issue was boredom and what do we talk about?

Issues at work had filled the evening hours. Rants and excitement and people! Just the things of work life in general. 

As abruptly as the job ended, the new beginning began. I personally found that the weather came up several times a day. "Really hot/cold/rainy/cloudy/dark today!" As a woman, I found that "what's for dinner" became the main topic. Thank heavens I love to cook. But the weather?

Somewhere on the internet, there is a list of 100 things to do in retirement.  Back in the day, geocaching was popular, but that list also listed dumpster diving and couponing. I have no idea if those are still popular. I found some that are more up to date here.

When the boomers retired, everyone had advice. AARP led the march, giving out pearls of wisdom to those lost souls. It always made me smile. They were suddenly relevant, and boy did they make the best of it. They posted ads on TV and sent out millions of pieces of junk mail. The canvas bags appeared everywhere.   My attitude was one of disdain. The whole idea of joining the oldsters did not appeal. I still have never been inside a "senior center". I suppose when I get old, I will go there!

Honestly, I fill each day with gardening, writing, and wonderful books. I love my neighbors and friends. My dog, Annie, is so important to me, and I love TV.

I am just bringing you up to date. Next, I will be writing about my life as an almost-very-elderly woman. 

Let me know what you know. What's up with you?

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Our first retirement park model  
(visiting granddaughters)