I did not turn the T.V. on once yesterday, not even for background noise. This is a retirement first, indicative of a busy day running errands. The fuzzy dogs went to the spa for playtime and a haircut, while I went to the chiropractor for an adjustment. We all got back together for a chicken and dumpling dinner that apparently did not enhance my cooking resume.  The dumplings were doughy; it had little flavor; and the recipe needs work, but I liked it. Someone had to enjoy my cooking, but in the process I got “chopped” by my wife.  Don’t worry – she provided the recipe and I closely followed it – I will get another chance next week.

I wrote a humorous poem for a former boss, who is now looking for work. She needed a smile, having enjoyed the 25 or so other poems that I wrote to honor those who left the company. There was a massive amount of turnover in the two years that I worked there, just prior to my retirement. I’m sure she’ll be back in the saddle soon, but she deserved some support. I have some other poems to write in anticipation of the holidays. It does not seem possible that almost a year has passed in this first year of retirement.

I’ve stayed in touch with most of the employees that were the recipients of my departure poems. Each added a bit of levity to the going away party, and allowed me to express my emotions and frustrations about working there. There were some subtle stabs at the establishment, disguised by tongue-in-cheek humor, that got some laughs at a normally somber event. Unfortunately, these poems do not necessarily translate to the general public, so they’re not worth sharing, because you “had to be there” to fully understand. I get the impression that things haven’t changed much at the office in the past year, so there’s little for me to miss, with maybe the exception of writing and delivering the goodbye poems.

I got a kick out of a photo that my son sent that showed my granddaughter sorting the baseball cards that I left with her this summer. My son and I both enjoy collecting sports memorabilia and baseball cards, so it’s a common family bond. In a chauvinistic manner, I bought the cards for my grandson, hoping to extend the interest to another generation. Instead, it’s my granddaughter that is the baseball fan. I guess I should have known since she’s named Maddux, after Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. I’m thrilled to know that my baseball card collection will continue to have value once I’ve gone on to the “Field of Dreams.”

Tonight, Thanksgiving Eve, will be “Date Night” for my wife and I. The designated day keeps shifting due to other commitments, but Wednesday nights were part of our original plan. It was “Hump Day,” celebrating the middle of the work week, and an opportunity to sit face-to-face or side-to-side and share our experiences. I usually don’t have anything eventful to report in retirement, but she is a constant reminder of why I don’t miss the politics of the workplace. I’m glad she’s still enthusiastic about her career, while I feel that I got out of the fire just in time. In five more years, hopefully she’ll join me.

Fellow Senior citizens, David Cassidy, Charles Manson, and AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young passed this week, while Charlie Rose of CBS News awkwardly forced himself into early retirement. Rose is 75, David was 67, and Malcolm 64; Manson died at 83 in prison, and thankfully I’m still going strong at age 66. I just sent birthday greetings to a friend that just joined me on Route 66. The Baby Boomers continue to leave the workforce, whether retired or expired. I’m thankful to be alive and well this Thanksgiving.

Happy Turkey Day,