“For retirement brings repose, and repose allows a kindly judgment of all things.”
At 8 o’clock Gracie and I were out and about as I had an errand. People were walking dogs, running or walking the bike path, pushing baby carriages, eating breakfast out or going who knows where given the number of cars on the road. I never imagined a world so busy so early on a Saturday. Usually I’m on the deck with my papers and coffee or more likely still in bed at that hour of the morning. I went to the harbor to try and catch up with the cafe owner, but he wasn’t there. I didn’t wait around. Gracie and I went for gas then to Dunkin’ Donuts. The line of cars for the drive-up window was as long as I’ve ever seen it so I decided to go inside where the line was as long as I’ve ever seen it. I finally got my coffee, and Gracie and I drove home to the deck and the newspapers.
The day is sunny and dry. The breeze is leaf stirring. It’s a perfect deck day, but my dance card is full for later. I’m wishing it wasn’t. I yearn to stay home, comfy and lazy. I have come to realize that I am less of a social animal than I once was. I don’t like going out often. I don’t like crowds. I don’t like having to be dressy. I’m not even sure I have any dressy clothes left. I hate small talk. If I haven’t seen the people in years, I see no reason to chit chat. We probably only have the human condition in common, but I don’t want to be impolite so I’ll walk around and give some hugs, smile a lot, wave across the room and answer those who ask what’s been keeping me busy since retirement. I’ll tell them the truth: very little is keeping me busy, but I am living the best of lives.
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August 7, 2010 at 11:46 am
In Europe American coffee has the rumor of tasting like dog pee. No one I know that has been ovet to Your country says anything else. So guess if I was surprised when I got half a pound of Dunkin´ Donuts hazelnut coffe and it was the best I´ve ever tasted 🙂 🙂 🙂 So I´m very confused about that rumor!
I´m staying at home until Tuesday when I drive to the garage so my car gets the breaks fixed. While waiting I think I´ll walk around in Kvänum and take some photogaphs of the little village. I could go to my job and say high to those working now, but there´s a great risk that they want me to start working then 🙂 🙂
It´s a bit strange actually, but when I´m at work I´m one of the most social persons You can meet. But when I get home I really don´t want to talk to anybody. I hate it when neighbors wamts to have a conversation. Then I just wish they could die 🙂 🙂
Have a great day now!
Christer.
August 7, 2010 at 11:47 am
No not a half pound, one pound (half a kilo) 🙂
August 7, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Christer,
I think it’s actually 12 or 13 ounces in what is called a pound of coffee. I am not a lover of flavored coffees, even Dunkin’s. I like mine straight.
I too was social at work. I don’t think we have much choice. I do hate to be disturbed unless it is my friends. The phone drives me crazy sometimes.
All summer I go to plays, and they are winding down quickly. I’m glad as I’m getting tired of going out every week. Yikes, I’m becoming a hermit!
August 7, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Whatever makes you happy. I can feel how content you are in retirement. That’s nice!
August 7, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Z&Me,
Thank you-happy doesn’t take much anymore. I used to need far more.
August 8, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hi Kat,
Being social at work is necessary in order to function there. In my case, I was at work 10 1/2 hours per day, 4 days a week. I was a manager and a trainer so I had to be accessible. I saw those people more than I saw my family. I had to be able to get along with them and yet I really didn’t want to have more than a superficial relationship with most of them. My other job was as a massage therapist which required a different set of social skills. After 42 years at the first job and 10 at the second, I think I’m peopled out. Getting together with friends and family is all the social contact I want. Hermit-ville, here I come. 🙂
August 8, 2010 at 9:26 am
Hi Caryn,
When I worked, I was a most social animal as I had no choice. I called parents, attended dances, proms, evening events and various high school games. I saw kids all day long and worked 9-10 hours a day.
Now, I don’t have to mingle or even leave the house. I find the comforts of home most appealing; hence, I am no longer the social animal I was.