"Back In The Saddle Again...Darn!"

Judi and I experienced this past weekend what it may be like to finally retire from the rat race. We spent five nights and four days in the lap of luxury, where our slightest whim was catered to. At a price, admittedly. The upside was that we had a great time celebrating at the most leisurely pace our 25th wedding anniversary. The downside? What we paid for the privilege may delay our ability to actually retire for another 10 years. Oh well, how many times does one have the opportunity to experience a Silver Anniversary? (It's a math question...)

We were ensconced in a two bedroom, two-bath villa on the fourth floor overlooking a most peaceful lake, replete with the obligatory covey of ducks. There's nothing more invigorating than to turn to one's beloved after a hearty breakfast served at 10 a.m. and ask, "Now what do you want to do?" Reply, "Why don't we go sit by the pool until lunch?" Thus went the weekend. I could learn to adopt that lifestyle without too much persuasion. My waistline might show some eventual wear and tear, but my psychic would be very much at ease.

But, alas, all good things must eventually come to and end...and far too soon we were back at our home base greeted by our newly college graduated daughter who had moved in with us. Hopefully this arrangement shall be temporary until Megan secures permanent employment, which we hope shall be the successful result from her interview with the college last Tuesday. We have come to be very contented with the benefits of being empty nesters. Having a twenty-three year old rambunctious young lady come in after a five years absent tends to put an immediate strain on family harmony. We'll survice. Meg wants to be on her own just as much as we wish her to be. Bottom line..."Family is the place where they have to take you in when nobody else will." As I told her that I followed up with, "But don't push your luck."

So, I now have a lifestyle which intrigues and hopefully awaits me in a few more years. In the mean time I'll keep pursuing corporate enterprise until that day's dawn when my retirement ship docks...or the boat sinks.