Journeys

My Feet Hurt… and other retirement travel thoughts

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

After the past couple weeks, I have one recommendation for retirees. If travel is part of your retirement plan… do it now. This is not something we should wait on because there is a small window of time after we retire when we have the energy and health to explore the world. We were talking with some friends this week and they have a five-week trip planned to visit several countries. They are supposed to leave next week, but she had some cardiac issues recently and they may have to cancel it.

We just returned from a long-awaited trip to London and Paris, and it was more difficult to navigate than the last time we did an independent trip overseas. My feet hurt a lot more this time. Not a complaint, but a colossal awareness that travel will not get easier as we age.

When we first retired over seven years ago, travel was a major part of our plan. We were thrilled to have unlimited time to travel without having to arrange time off from work or use precious PTO. But after a couple big trips, life started to get in the way. Even after we retire, we tend to postpone travel for a multitude of reasons. For us, it boiled down to these three:

  • It is expensive. This is the obvious one. We planned and budgeted for travel in retirement, so it still surprises me how hard it is to spend money on it. We worked for years with our nose to the grindstone to save for “someday.” It becomes our normal… saving. I think that, for most baby boomers, saving is easier than spending. Even when we’ve earned the right to enjoy our savings, there’s a lingering guilt that tugs at us every time we book a trip or splurge on a hotel. Part of us wants to savor the freedom we’ve worked so hard for, but another part hesitates, questioning whether it’s responsible or fair. Travel for pleasure feels frivolous when there are people that struggle to put food on the table. It’s a push and pull between indulgence and duty. And between saving more for someday and enjoying pleasures now.
  • It is a lot of work to plan a big trip. Mr. U spent days planning our trip. The decision making can be overwhelming. I was talking with my adult son a few days before we left and he asked if I was excited. I told him, absolutely, but also a little stressed. He was curious why. It was a stark reminder that travel is more stressful as we age. It is stressful trying to figure out where to stay, transportation and all of the logistics. While the internet has made it much easier, we did not want to make a mistake and end up in a dangerous area without adequate transportation. This is especially concerning if it is a country that you do not speak the language. We could hire a travel agent, but… see first bullet.
  • We have obligations at home. This was a big one for me. Just when the kids were through college and living independent lives of their own, my parents started needing more assistance. Besides, I wanted to spend time with them while we still could. Then when my mom passed away four years ago, it became harder to leave my dad for long stretches. I did not want to be halfway across the world if there was an emergency. We decided to stick to smaller trips within the U.S. At that point in life, it became less about seeing the world and more about making memories that honored both my love of travel and my commitment to family.

Trip Highlights

I am so glad we pushed past the challenges and did not put this trip off any longer. We had never been to Paris or London before, so we wanted to see all of the iconic (aka: touristy) sites. Warning! Slight photobomb ahead. You may want to skip to the next heading.

And just for the record, I am not wearing the same clothes in every picture. I only took a couple pairs of jeans and everything else was either black or white (capsule wardrobe on steroids). I wanted to be able to fit all of my clothes into my two pieces of carryon luggage. It was much easier to pull around and haul up and down steps. Bonus that we did not have to wait for bags at the airport or worry about luggage getting lost.

No, this photo is not in black & white. It is really what my suitcase looked like. I would definitely go with just carryon baggage again, but not sure I would go with just black and white. It made for pretty boring clothes during the trip.

First stop was London. We loved how nice and polite the Brits were. The announcement on the subway (aka: the Tube) would consistently remind us to “mind the gap” when getting on and off, so we did not trip on the small gap between the train and the platform. The rest of the trip, Mr. U and I used the phrase, “mind the gap” whenever we wanted to remind each other to be careful.

Had to take the obligatory picture with the old telephone booths. Does anyone else remember using these in the states when it cost a dime to make a call? (Even the guards at Buckingham Palace had on more color than me.)
Borough Market was a gastronomical feast for the senses. We would definitely go back there again.
Of course you have to see Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey.
One of our favorite things about England were all of the cozy pubs. This one in Picadilly Circus even brought us each a Guiness “on the house.” Probably because they saw us drinking these pale beers.

After London, we took the train to Oxford and rented a car. Yep, Mr. U drove on the wrong side of the road with the steering wheel on the opposite side of the car. We thought that driving through the Cotswolds would be the best way to see the area. While that is probably true, driving a car in England was a harrowing experience that neither of us care to repeat. (Could this be an age thing or just common sense?)

Charming is the best way to describe the Cotswold area. A place set back in time. I wish we had more than two nights there.

I could have spent a week visiting the charming little towns, exploring the shops and walking the many paths.

After driving the car for two days, we gladly returned it to the rental car agency. Big sigh of relief that we did not cause any scratches or dents while trying to maneuver busy round-a-bouts going the wrong direction. Then it was through the Chunnel train to France. The title from the movie, “planes, trains and automobiles” kept running through my mind.

Last stop was Paris. Again, we went to all of the typical tourist attractions such as Notre Dame, the Louvre and of course the Eiffel Tower. But my favorite experience, aside from the buttery light croissants, was an evening dinner cruise down the Thames River.

There was almost a full moon the evening that we did the dinner cruise which added to the beauty and mystery of Paris.
The Eiffel Tower during the day was nice, but I understood what all of the hype was about once I saw it twinkling at night.

Independent travel or a group tour?

We came home after 6 hours sitting in airports, 2 hours in lines and 13 hours cramped in a plane, with wonderful memories tucked away. Memories that ignite my creative juices and fill me with wonder and awe. But we were totally, physically and mentally, exhausted. Every decision, from catching the right train to get from point A to point B, choosing a place to eat and what sites we wanted to see that day required mental energy and constant attention. And yet, despite the fatigue, there is a profound sense of accomplishment that comes from navigating unfamiliar cities, languages, and customs. Bonus that traveling Supports Brain Health in Later Life. However, there is no doubt about it, world travel takes a lot out of you, particularly as you get older.

This leads me to the conversation that Mr. U and I had at the end of our trip. When we travel outside of the U.S. again, should we go with a tour group? We have done both now. When I first retired, we came across a group tour to Thailand for a really great price, so we jumped on it. Honestly, I never thought we would do a group tour because that is for “old people,” but it was excellent.

We weighed that group travel experience against others where we booked everything ourselves. And while I have only done the one group tour, the pros were clear:

  • Everything was organized for you, and we didn’t have to figure out all of the logistics.
  • We met new people. You have instant comradery. It is comforting to be in another country and bump into people you know as you wander about.
  • We got to see several places we would not have seen otherwise. There were numerous choices for side tours and all of them were great.
  • Travel was comfortable and we did not have to figure out transportation. All we had to do was make sure we were back to the bus at the designated time. I can do that. Bonus that you could see the countryside as you traveled instead of trying to navigate a map.
  • You have a tour guide. We learned so much about Thailand from our tour guide as she provided a narrative on the bus rides. She was always willing to answer questions, explain the customs and translate as needed.
  • Safety. This is particularly important if you are traveling solo, but also as you age. Mr. U and I knew that we screamed “tourist” especially in cities known for pickpocketing. At one point we rested at a busy city square when four young men came up to us and started asking questions. It felt uncomfortable and we quickly checked our pockets and bag and said goodbye.

But, as with anything, there were downsides to the group tour:

  • Less flexibility and independence to explore on your own schedule. You went where the bus went. (However, the tour we went on allowed for quite a bit of free time to eat or explore where we pleased.)
  • And while we met some very nice people, there is always “that one” that talks too loudly, is obnoxious or the straggler that keeps everyone else waiting.
  • Less choice. All of the hotels and some of the restaurants are chosen for you. However, we were happy with the places they booked, and it did help prevent decision fatigue.
If we had not taken a group tour to Thailand, we may never have gone to the elephant sanctuary or the water market.

Conclusion

Travel is still an important part of our retirement plans. However, we decided that, if we travel outside of the U.S. again (other than a cruise) and particularly to a place where we do not speak the language, we will try another group tour. Does that mean that we are getting older? Well, we are. Hence my feet hurting after two weeks of walking over 15,000 steps a day. But we still hope to have a lot of travel in us, and we want to do it with as little stress (and blisters) as possible. How about you? Is travel part of your retirement plan and if so, do you prefer independent or group travel?

Cheers to the retirement years!

Day Trippin

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

Sometimes we just don’t have the luxury of taking a long, exotic vacation. It could be due to time, money or other commitments. However, we can still get that same sense of freedom, creative inspiration and stress release by staying closer to home. We can go day trippin. According to our new trusted friend AI, a day-tripper is “a person who takes a pleasure trip, excursion or recreational visit to a place – such as a beach, city or tourist attraction – and returns home on the same day, without staying overnight.” And you thought it was about hallucinogens.

What are the benefits of day trippin you ask. First, it is much cheaper than driving hundreds of miles or flying across several states. You don’t have to spend hours in an airport, feeling like a cow being herded to the next destination, only to find out your flight has been delayed, and you will likely miss your connecting flight. It is less stress than planning and executing a long trip. You get to explore places in your own back yard that you may never have seen before. Bonus if you are retired and can go on a weekday when it is not so busy. And finally, at the end of the day, you get to sleep in your own bed.

The Pulaski Trail

Spring has sprung and so has the beauty of nature. I feel pulled to get out there and experience it. To let the fresh air fill my lungs and the bright colors stir my creative soul. So, Mr. U and I decided that we would try to go on one day trippin adventure per week through the summer. That means we will be lucky to get in one a month, but aim high, right? Last week we decided to explore the Pulaski Trail, which is less than an hour from our house. How have we never seen this beautiful piece of history before?

The beginning of the Pulaski Trail.

We wanted our day trip adventure to include being out in nature and getting some exercise. Just Google hiking trails near me and you may be surprised what shows up. We chose the Pulaski Trail because it was less than an hour away and included a 2-mile hike. Never mind that I should have read the entire description carefully because it was a 4-mile hike round trip… with quite an elevation near the top of it. Oh well, part of the adventure is the element of surprise. It was gorgeous.

The majority of the trail is along the West Fork of Placer Creek.
The Pulaski tool.

The Pulaski Tunnel Trail follows the route that Edward Pulaski traversed to escape the Great Fire of 1910. He and his firefighting crew were caught in unexpected high winds that blazed rapidly through the forest. With his quick action and knowledge of the territory he led them through the thick smoke up a creek to an old mine tunnel where they sought shelter from the billowing smoke and flames. He is credited with saving all but six of his 45 men crew.

The Pulaski tool, invented by Edward Pulaski, was designed to create fire lines, clear brush and dig in hard soil to blaze trails. Several of these tools hung on posts along the trail in tribute to him.

We made it to the overlook of the mine tunnel, now almost overgrown with moss and vegetation.

Beauty from ashes

As with much of life, over time, beauty and good will arise from the ashes. The Pulaski Trail is just one example of how time heals. What was once burnt trees and thick gray ash is now a forest full of green moss, ferns, colorful wildflowers and waterfalls splashing over rocks and logs. Like anyone that has been through trauma or a deep loss, you are not the same afterwards. You never will be. However, time molds our lives and beauty, and joy will rise from the ashes.

The winter run off made for beautiful waterfalls along the trail.

So, as you consider travel this summer, don’t forget to look in your own back yard. We often fail to explore the very places that are close by yet rich in beauty and history. Plan a few day trippin adventures in your own neck of the woods and you might be pleasantly surprised what you find. Just don’t forget to read the description thoroughly first.

Cheers to the retirement years!

The Key to Curing Seasonal Depression

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

The beginning of winter is a great excuse to hunker down, start a fire and cozy up with a good book. The first snowfall or two are magical. But when it drags on and on for weeks on end, it sucks the happiness right out of your soul. Anyone that lives in the north has probably experienced the emotional weight of too many dark, gray days, often referred to as the winter blues. According to a poll taken by the American Psychiatric Association, almost 40% of Americans experience an overall decline in their mood in the winter.

It turns out that the best way to cure the winter blues is to go somewhere sunny and warm. Sure, you can try a lightbox or antidepressants, but they don’t treat the root cause: not enough real sunshine. So, we decided to get to the root cause and cure the problem.

I never thought I would say it but… we have become snowbirds. Well, semi-snowbirds anyway. Mr. U was on board with this idea long before I was. He would talk enthusiastically about spending part of our long winters in sunshine. I drug my feet. I love to travel, but I tend to be a homebody, close to most of my peeps. He was tired of the cold, gray winters being stuck inside (unless you were outside moving snow). So, I kept an open mind as we tested out different potential destinations. Last winter we finally decided on one and took the plunge into being Snowbirds.

Taking the plunge can lead to fun surprises, like the turtle that photobombed my picture.

Choosing a destination to snowbird

We were not totally starting from scratch. We had visited several warm winter destinations over the years and had narrowed our search down to San Diego, Arizona or Florida as potential places. If you are considering the plunge into the snowbird lifestyle, there are some key factors to consider:

  • Climate during the winter months. Do they get a lot of tropical storms or rain? Is it warm enough there in the winter months?
  • Initial cost of investment. How much do you want to spend on a second home? What are the HOA’s? Is it in an area that you could sell later and probably get a good return on your investment?
  • Travel time and expense to get back and forth. We did not want to spend a lot of time and money on travel, especially if we were going to go back and forth several times in the winter months.
  • Rent potential. Can you rent it out in the months you don’t use it to offset expenses? Arizona is not a travel destination in the summer months, but the Phoenix area is big so we knew people would need to be there anyway. I set up an account with Furnished Finder and was able to rent it out for six months over the summer to traveling professionals.
  • Distance from family and friends. This was very important to me. I wanted to be able to go back and forth easily and have it close enough that family could come visit for a get-a-way.
  • Things to do in the area. Our home up north is in a small city surrounded by trees, lakes and mountains, so we did not need a rural get-a-way place. We thought the contrast of living in a big city would be fun. There are numerous festivals, sporting events and activities going on all winter.

Why Arizona? It checked most of the boxes for us, particularly being a quick direct flight from home so we could go back and forth easier.

The ups and downs of snowbirding

We have only done this for a few weeks, so I am speaking as a novice, but I already see some clear advantages and disadvantages of being a semi-snowbird. I say “semi” because we only plan to go for a few weeks at a time and then return home for a few weeks. That way we can stay connected to our life up north. Also, a couple of our grandkids are in winter sports, and we wanted to make sure we could attend some of their events.

We do not want to miss too many opportunities to watch our oldest grandson wrestle. His dad (our son #2) is also one of his coaches.
And we don’t want to miss too many of our oldest granddaughter’s gymnastic events.
And these two are at the ages that I feel like they grow bigger every single day.

Several people asked me if we really wanted to leave our new home up north when we were just beginning to nest there. No, from that perspective I did not. But I was also looking forward to getting away from the cold, gray days. It feels like being torn between two lovers (not that I would know what that feels like from personal experience).😊 When I told Mr. U that analogy, he was not amused.

I love our new home up north and we are just settling in, but the sunshine and freedom from responsibilities calls me. When we are in Arizona, there is no rushing or push/pull on our time. We bask in the sunshine, walk and/or ride bikes every day and get to eat al fresco, but… I do miss my tribe.

January in Arizona.
Warm evenings in February.

If not now, when?

Retirement is full of options and possibilities. It is unlike any other time in your life. You get to curate a lifestyle that fills you without being tethered to a job. What does your dream retirement look like and are you living it? It takes careful consideration and then the willingness to jump in, sometimes half blind.

So, whether you are considering buying an RV and traveling for months at a time, starting an Etsy shop, getting a place to snowbird, or just renting a booth at the Farmer’s market to sell the tomato plants you propagated yourself, do it now, while you can. Be open to the opportunities that life brings your way. You can always change if/when that choice no longer suits you. It is easy to let fear get in the way, but if not now, when?

Exhale.

The Heartbeat of a City

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

When I travel to a big city, my favorite time of day is the early morning. It is when a city is coming to life. Coffee stands are just opening and the aroma of fresh grounds fills the air. The traffic is picking up with commuters on their way to work. The garbage trucks are rumbling down the street. It is the heartbeat of a city. It is a steady thrum that enlivens your nerve endings. And every single city that I have traveled to has a different vibe. A different heartbeat.

One of the best things about retirement is the ability to be spontaneous. When you want to travel, there is no need to plan around school vacations or ask for time off from work weeks ahead. When Mr. U suggested we make a quick trip over to Seattle last month to watch one of our favorite college basketball teams play, my first inclination was to say we did not have time. It was a few weeks before Christmas and I had lots to do. Then I paused and thought, isn’t this one of the great joys of retirement… to be able to take short trips on a whim?

Seattle is just a quick 4 1/2-hour drive for us. The weather was good, and the roads were clear over Snoqualmie pass, so why not take a spontaneous road trip? If you have not been to Seattle, put it on your travel list. It went through some rough times during COVID, as most big cities did. However, it is gaining its unique, artistic, waterfront vibe back again.

The space needle is particularly beautiful at night.

Of course, Seattle is probably best known for the Space Needle, which is worth seeing. It has been several years since I rode the elevator to the top. As expected, the view is amazing, and a little unnerving if you are not crazy about heights, like me. Now I prefer to just look up at it in awe.

Pike’s Market Place

If you don’t see anything else, you need to see Pike Place Market located in downtown Seattle by the waterfront. It is one of the oldest and largest farmer’s markets in the county and is the heartbeat of the city. You will find colorful flower bouquets, fresh seafood, unique art, restaurants and plenty of eclectic shops. It is three levels and spans 9 acres so wear good walking shoes.

Downtown Seattle is also home to the very first Starbucks. If you want coffee there, plan to wait in line awhile. While you are downtown you might want to see the “gum wall” in Post Alley. It is a brick wall with thousands of wads of multi-colored chewed gum stuck to it. Not very sanitary, but definitely unique.

The Farmer’s Market is a feast for the senses.
The Pike Place Fish Market is known for the fish mongers that throw fish to their customers. Have you ever tried catching a slippery fish as it sails through the air?

Other districts and neighborhoods to explore

Seattle has several fun neighborhoods and districts to stay at or explore on foot. This time we stayed in the historic Queen Anne District. It is close to the Seattle Center and Climate Pledge arena where the game was. We parked our car at the hotel and were able to walk everywhere, which helps save the stress of finding a parking place… which is also better for your marriage health.

The morning after the game, we decided to get up early and see the city as it came to life. We walked up the hill to the 5-Spot restaurant for breakfast. The 5-Spot was voted the best breakfast in Seattle multiple times and it did not disappoint. I almost forgot to take a picture it was sooo good.

The hollandaise sauce on the chorizo benny was unlike any I have ever had (left). The cooks wore some great shirts (right).

If you are traveling to Seattle for a sporting event, Pioneer Square is close to the professional baseball and football fields. If you like a bohemian vibe, stop by the Fremont area. It is a quirky, artistic neighborhood and home to the Fremont Troll that lives under the bridge. I wrote about a micro trip we took to Kirkland, which is just to the east of Seattle here. There are many more unique nooks and crannies in the area that I have not seen, which is just a good excuse to go back.

If you prefer to get out of the city and into nature, there are numerous hiking trails for all levels around Seattle and in the nearby Cascade Mountains. Seattle is surrounded by Mount Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Baker. Or, if you love sightseeing from the water, you can take a boat cruise on Lake Washington or Lake Union. You can also drive just north of Seattle and catch the Anacortes ferry to the San Juan Islands.

The view of the Cascade mountains was breath taking.

The game outcome

I know you have been waiting patiently to hear the outcome of the game. 😊 Gonzaga is my alma mater, so I am a devoted fan of the Zags. This was a close game against UCLA, but the Zags pulled off the win, which made the trip a little more fun.

Great game, especially since the Zags pulled out the win.

The heartbeat of a city

Next time you have the chance to take a trip, don’t decline because you don’t have time, or a hundred other excuses. Seize the opportunity and go. And when you travel, slow down and take in the sound of the trolley bell, the street busker music, or the aroma of hotdogs being sold next to a newspaper stand. Let it sweep you up in the moment. Stop, breath it in and listen for the heartbeat of the city.

Cheers to the retirement years!

Planning Your Retirement Wealth Portfolio

Posted on by The Retired Alchemist

What does your retirement wealth portfolio look like? Funding your retirement may include CDs, Roth IRAs, a 401(k), a pension or savings account. Having your finances figured out prior to retirement is a must. It is like having oil in your car. You are not going to get very far without it. Personally, I find financial planning a yawn. It is a necessary evil. Thankfully, my husband loves to do it. Perfect. Then I can focus on the good stuff that makes retirement fun and satisfying. And I bet you thought this was going to be a worthwhile post about retirement finances. Nope. Retirement wealth is about living life fully, closer to the bone. I will leave the financial advice to those much more qualified than me. Yawn.

As we get older, we have less of a need to accumulate stuff. I feel like we spend the first half of our lives stockpiling stuff and the second half trying to get rid of it. We recently downsized and shed ourselves of many items that had accumulated over the years. Some of it was well used and worthwhile, but frankly, most of it was a waste of time and money. Why did we think that we needed a fondu pot? Same for the bread maker that we used twice. And don’t even get me started on the treadmill clothes hangers. (Yes, embarrassingly, we bought more than one over the course of our marriage. We are slow learners.) Now I want to spend my money on more valuable things. Things that give me a greater return for my investment.

Investing in real wealth

Real wealth in retirement is about having the time, relationships, and health, to enjoy and experience life. Investing in these three things is not always easy. And yes, some of it takes money. But like anything worthwhile, the investment is well worth the effort.

Time wealth.

Time wealth. One aspect of wealth is having time enough. The beauty of retirement is that we have more free time. As a nurse I worked many holidays, weekends and nights. Now that I am retired, I have the ability to control my schedule without a boss telling me I cannot take a holiday off or take vacation days when I want. It is a wonderful sense of freedom to be able to drop everything and go when an invitation is extended or Mr. U comes up with a hair brain idea.

How we use our time takes energy. It is easy to sit on the couch and scroll mindlessly or watch another sitcom. Then everyday slogs into the next. It takes time and energy to plan an outing, secure dates, pack up (whether it is a picnic or a big trip), invite others and commit. The investment in using your time well creates a much more fun and exciting life. Don’t waste your time wealth.

Relationship wealth.

Relationship wealth. Having meaningful relationships is one of the highest forms of wealth at any age. What fun is life if you don’t have people to share it with? Sadly, there are many lonely retirees out there. People that have lost spouses, are distanced or estranged from family, or have lost friends due to death, miles or even over petty annoyances. Let’s face it. Investing in relationships takes time, effort and a hefty dose of forgiveness. But what you invest into people will come back to you a hundred-fold.

Health wealth.

Health wealth. It goes without saying that health is one of the most important things we can invest in, for ourselves and our family. Just ask anyone who has a health issue. We often ignore our bodies until they fail us. We have enough health issues that we can’t control, so why increase the chance for problems by not investing in our health.

However, like the previous two investments, health takes discipline and energy. It rarely happens without some effort. It takes effort to trek out in the cold to take a walk or tie on the tennis shoes and head to the gym. It takes self-discipline to choose a side salad when the crispy french fries look so much more enticing. But the little things add up. Moderation and routine are the two key words to maintaining your health over the long haul.

Our recent investment

We recently made a “real wealth” investment. One that filled my soul more than any tangible item I could purchase. Last fall we were able to corral all four of our adult sons and their families to spend a week at the Oregon coast, which I wrote about here. Everyone had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year. Schedules were left behind, and cell phones were rarely looked at, as we enjoyed each other amongst the sand, waves and salt air. This is the real wealth in life. Does it take some financial resources to do? Of course. But I would much rather spend my money on that than another tread mill. Below are a few highlights from our trip. Prepare for a photo bomb.

One of our favorite things to do at the Oregon coast is go crabbing.
We got a huge haul this year.
The worst part of catching that many crabs is that you have to clean them. It is not a task for the faint of heart. Good thing there were lots of hands to help.
The best part of catching all of that crab is a big ole seafood boil for dinner.
In a traditional seafood boil, you drain the pot and throw the food out in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves, finger food style.
I did not want to spend all of my time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up, so I suggested that each family unit be responsible for one meal. Fortunately, we have a lot of really good cooks in our family. Bonus that it gave me more time to relax and walk the beach.
Ever since the boys were little, Mr. U has made french pancakes with them. The family tradition continues with the grandkids.
We did a lot of relaxing at the beach.
And a lot of playing in the sand and waves.
We had a couple rainy days that made it ideal weather for playing games, reading, watching football, (and the Mariner’s make it to the playoffs).
What is a trip to the ocean without getting too much saltwater taffy. Not healthy, but it has to be done.

Conclusion

Most of our adult lives are all about building our careers, raising our children, and creating a nest egg to retire comfortably. Now that I am in retirement, I want to spend my hard-earned money on experiences. I want to take my kayak and thermos of coffee out on a foggy morning, just to inhale the beauty of nature. I want to spend money on a unique, memorable trip. I want to experience life. And I am willing to spend my money on that waaaay before I will buy another fondu pot.

Cheers to the retirement years!
Photo credit to DIL #1 for several of the pictures in this post.