There is current discussion on whether our president has a complete grasp and understanding for the necessities required to fulfill the duties of his office. In particular, his awareness of the need for caution, restraint, and discretion. I can sort of relate to his predicament. Many years ago someone rather high in my workplace had a habit of … Continue reading The Art of Being Out of One’s Depth
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!
Paper Chase
Dear Mortgage Broker: please know that you've gotten all from us that you possibly can. I think there's an old statement savings book from 1974 that I still haven't sent you, and there's always our birth and marriage certificates. But the well is dry, Honey. We really haven't got any more information to send you. We … Continue reading Paper Chase
Melancholy Retail: Where America Shopped
"Every cloud must have a silver lining Just wait until the sun shines through Smile, my honey dear, while I kiss away each tear Or else I shall be melancholy too"¹ On a long drive last week, I listened to an NPR story about the uphill battle for survival that the Sears department store is facing. The … Continue reading Melancholy Retail: Where America Shopped
Never Mind Stella, I Want *MY* Groove Back
I recently stepped into the home of a man who owns an incredibly impressive audio system sitting front and center in his living room. He had the largest set of speakers I have ever seen outside of a commercial establishment. Overkill? Perhaps, but they were a thing of beauty, encased in custom-made teak cabinets which in turn matched the modern Scandinavian decor of his … Continue reading Never Mind Stella, I Want *MY* Groove Back
Cacti, Baseball, And One Very Cool Apollonia: A Visit to Arizona
I traveled to Arizona last week to spend a few days with my oldest sister. I haven't seen her since the death of her husband last summer, and so it was time to check in on her in person to see how she's doing. We keep in touch regularly, but it really is important to actually make an effort to be … Continue reading Cacti, Baseball, And One Very Cool Apollonia: A Visit to Arizona
Missing My Calling: The New Honesty
I'm always late to the party. It's not that I'm incapable of lying. It's just that my lies are mostly of the white variety designed not to hurt anyone's feelings. "No, no, you've got it all wrong. Yes, your hairdresser did cut more off than probably necessary, but it actually makes you look younger. Thinner even!" My lies … Continue reading Missing My Calling: The New Honesty
Tax Refunds and Stress Tests: An Early Retirement Milestone
Right in the middle of making popcorn one evening last week the phone rang. A perfect example of snack interruptus. As I continue to mend from a recent surgery, snacks are pretty much the only excitement I have at the moment. The call was from our accountant and her timing couldn't have been worse. The new season of "Humans" was just about to start, and I … Continue reading Tax Refunds and Stress Tests: An Early Retirement Milestone
The Catch 22
I am recovering now from my recent hernia surgery, and I keep thinking how funny it might be to channel my late mother for this blog post. Mom loved to milk every single medical malady from which she ever suffered. Cousins of mine to this day continue to experience PTSD symptoms from having sat next to her at holiday meals. To her, no … Continue reading The Catch 22
Disorder In The House
Disorder in the house There's a flaw in the system And the fly in the ointment's gonna bring the whole thing down The floodgates are open We've let the demons loose The big guns have spoken And we've fallen for the ruse (Warren Zevon) Thinking.... thinking hard. Okay, okay, hear me out with this: I've … Continue reading Disorder In The House
I’d Never Steer You Wrong
The problem with giving advice is that you sort of have to know what you're talking about in order to make a difference in someone else's life. It's not a hard and fast rule, though. Many people fake it. They express a noticeable sense of self-confidence and put up strong airs about their superior knowledge. We call such people blowhards, … Continue reading I’d Never Steer You Wrong
Snakes in the Grass 
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