Retirement continues to feel mostly like a brilliant idea. Many people remind me to make no commitments or irreversible decisions. So far so good. I have very much enjoyed having the time to interact with new friends and reacquaint with some others. This week I played golf with four retirees, one who hung it up on the same day as my banking career ended. Jon has been retired for over 10 years and he described the passion that keeps he and his wife captivated. They both ride Harley’s with annual trips that stretch over 4 or more weeks. Their first year of retirement they rode 14,000 miles. What a great way to see the country. Jon bought a new bike last fall–leaving his original red Harley roadmaster as surplus. This is a perfect bike for a new rider-one fourth the price of a new model but full leather seats and saddle bags. I thought it would be very funny to send my wife a picture of Rosie and tell her how excited I was to buy her a helmet, doo rag and chaps and to take our first long trip. I did get a laugh after the first reaction which included rapid fire toos – too expensive, dangerous, crazy, and hell no. I was kidding but up it seems like fine way to see the USA. I may have stolen that line from an old Chevrolet commercial.
I finished an early morning work-out this week which I have found is also an excellent way to meet some new folks. I walked outside on that very brisk morning. Two workers were hovering over a beautiful bed of pansies. It appeared they were worried about the condition of the flowers and with time on my hands I interrupted them with a “did they freeze?”. The young woman proceeded to give me her view of pansies. “The pansie is a very hardy flower and not bothered by a few degree below freezing temperatures.” Indeed, she declared-“I do not understand why we call weak or timid people pansies.” Pansies are tough!” I agreed and we parted company with me wiser and more thoughtful for her observation. I had been secure in my knowledge that primroses were the hardiest spring flowering plant–turns out she was apparently right.
Finally, on a sad note my youngest brother Jeffry is hospitalized in Pocatello–a bad fall required cranial surgery and his future is very much in doubt. I am an optimist and I will hold onto hope for his speedy and complete recovery. Only 30 days ago he drove over to join my retirement celebration–my kids and now most of our family call him Uncle Poohie after Christopher Robbin’s loveable bear. Time is our most precious gift and this is a reminder to enjoy each moment and do not put off until tomorrow making those important calls to friends and family. Poohie must get better as he is my constant reminder to never “should” on anyone. Jeff would tell you that it is helpful and appreciated to offer thoughts on what one might or could do if asked but always avoid telling anyone what they “should do”.
“If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf.” Bob Hope.
Enjoy every moment of the weekend. Mike