I love convenience stores. Even though they charge $4.00 for a dozen eggs, there's something completely decadent about going into one. They always seem to have magazines that I've never seen before (and no, not the ones behind the counter), really cool counter candy such as Ice Cubes, and also plain regular coffee that you can … Continue reading A Pack of Luckies, a Slim Jim, and a Lotto, Please
When A Former Boss Is No Longer Your Boss
I had many bosses at my former job. My actual boss worked at our organization's headquarters in another city. Other than periodic phone calls and e-mails, I only saw him once a year at our annual conference. Although I worked directly and officially for him, there were several people at my own location who were in positions … Continue reading When A Former Boss Is No Longer Your Boss
Middle Age Peep Show
When our landlord showed us our rental condo for the first time, she was very proud of all the window treatments. She showed how they provided a great amount of privacy while also giving us an opportunity to look outside. "Hey, cool," we thought. One-way viewing at its finest. The living room has sheer … Continue reading Middle Age Peep Show
Tranquility? Or a Killing Field?
The community where we live is surrounded by a golf course. The entire property is beautifully landscaped with lush, tropical plantings and many water ponds. On our morning and evening walks we will often stop to watch wildlife such as egrets, pelicans of all varieties, blue herons, pink flamingos, soft-shell turtles, and alligators. Occasionally a couple … Continue reading Tranquility? Or a Killing Field?
Hepcat Me
Friends and especially former co-workers continue to stay in contact with me on a regular basis. They ask a lot of interesting questions about pensions, 401(k), health insurance, etc.. And, lucky me, they also provide a fair amount of ribbing about Geritol, Polident, Depend and other such products aimed at seniors. It all comes with … Continue reading Hepcat Me
The Perils of Paradise
I have owned homes in Virginia, Washington, DC, Florida, and California. Homeownership has never truly excited me very much. I've always considered real estate to be like any other type of investment -- filled with uncertainty. With ownership comes great responsibility to maintain it, pay local taxes, and protect it against acts of God or other such … Continue reading The Perils of Paradise
All Hands on Deck
I used to fancy myself a talent in the kitchen. It was a delusional thought because while I can certainly fend for myself by making more than adequate meals, talent is not a word that could ever be used to describe my cooking. I make meals that are a reflection of my midwestern upbringing -- hearty. … Continue reading All Hands on Deck
Clothes Horse
One of the stark realities of retirement for me came in the immediacy of our planning to move, and the not-so subtle suggestion of my wife that I might wish to weed through some of my clothes. Since our marriage and moving in with me, Gorgeous had to suffer from being given a very small … Continue reading Clothes Horse
Polar Vortex Retirement Observations
Watching the news coverage of the so-called Polar Vortex weather pattern hitting a good chunk of the country gives me a little perspective. The stopping point of this huge storm hits at the most northern part of Florida panhandle. We saw scenes from the midwest of snow, ice, and cars bumping into one another, and … Continue reading Polar Vortex Retirement Observations
Dollars to Dunkin’ Donuts
Just up the street from the front entrance of our condo development is a Dunkin' Donuts. My dietary weaknesses tend to run more towards the salty rather than the sweet (popcorn, cashews, chips, etc.), but to the extent that I ever salivate over sweets, doughnuts are always at the top of my cravings list. I am embarrassed to … Continue reading Dollars to Dunkin’ Donuts
Snakes in the Grass 
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