I'm a news junkie. I follow events pretty much all day long as I go from one activity to the next, and I read from sources that are derisively labeled by some as mainstream. The whole term "mainstream media" during the last decade or so is an example of this cultural divide which is separating … Continue reading Thoughts and Prayers: An Unhealthy Normal
Author: snakesinthegrass2014
This is a blog ostensibly about my taking early retirement after a 30+ year career as a law librarian. Since starting the blog in 2014, I have expanded the original scope from financial issues (i.e. pension, retirement savings, social security, divorce, alimony) to discussions of current events, culture, and primarily life's comical ironies.
I always try to return the focus to those serious issues that are germain to seniors, but my strong need for displays of irreverence and imbecility are often more dominant. So do join me as I encounter the highs, lows, pitfalls, and other challenges that will present themselves as we settle early into what I'm still told are the GOLDEN YEARS.
Your comments are not only welcomed but encouraged. Thanks for stopping by!
Keeping The Cookie Jar Full During Early Retirement
Against all her better instincts, not to mention I assume a clause in her blogger's liability insurance coverage, Donna over at Retirement Reflections has once again asked me to write a guest post. Please join the party there as I discuss the all important topic of eating cookies. Or... something remotely related to that anyway. … Continue reading Keeping The Cookie Jar Full During Early Retirement
Marty Made Me Write This.
To my regular followers, Doug might be a bit out of your comfort zone. But that's his point anyway. He's an undeclared poet laureate who endures cold Chicago winters and probably years of Ron Santo, North Side sadness. He might not be your cup of tea, but for those of you who like to take … Continue reading Marty Made Me Write This.
Wabi-Sabi is Killing My Barcalounger
We're about to embark on some intensive furniture acquisitions at our home over the next several months. I'm fastening my seat belt for a steep learning curve on the finer elements of form, concept, and contrast. My own tastes can be fairly pedestrian, going back to my early adult years when everything was only ever … Continue reading Wabi-Sabi is Killing My Barcalounger
Hot Toddy Anyone?
So why'd we move to Florida again? Oh, yeah, no state taxes. I forgot. The storm that's now beginning to hit upper northeast cities got its start yesterday off the Jacksonville coast, which is just up the road from us. We had windy conditions with a driving rain most of the day, and then … Continue reading Hot Toddy Anyone?
Auld Lang Insane
Well. That was certainly an experience. I'm speaking of 2017, of course. Or to use former president George W. Bush's more apt phrasing, "That was some weird shit." But never mind him, how did YOU make out, dear reader? Did you cringe with each news cycle or somehow just gut it out over the last … Continue reading Auld Lang Insane
Holiday Excursions and Diversions: Finding My Inner Grantham
What with two out-patient surgeries, plus the discomfort of having to walk around for eight days with a urologic stent implanted in me, your humble blogger and the missus took in some of the holiday festivities of our newly adopted home city. What's a little pain when you can stimulate the local economy and get into … Continue reading Holiday Excursions and Diversions: Finding My Inner Grantham
Flash Takes a Backseat
So where do your day-dream exploits take you? A celebrated chef? Perhaps a king of Wall Street traders? How about an Oscar win for best actor/actress? Are you famous beyond belief or just privately revered by a few? I've definitely had my share of Walter Mitty moments, almost all inspired by personal heroes of mine. … Continue reading Flash Takes a Backseat
Chump Change
For most of my adult life I've struggled with the fact that I keep very little money in my wallet. It's not that I wastefully piss it away or have no self-control, it's just that I purposely don't want to carry much around with me. I'm not worried about being mugged, nor am I concerned … Continue reading Chump Change
Gratitude 2017 From A-Z
Source: Worcester Polytechnic Institute As I ready myself to tie on the 'ol feedbag for today's Thanksgiving feast, I recognize that this is once again an appropriate time to acknowledge things in my life that offer perspective, hope, and especially gratitude. The past year has been nothing but a roller coaster of bombastic tirades against … Continue reading Gratitude 2017 From A-Z
Snakes in the Grass 
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