I didn’t realize that Retirement literally meant putting new tires on my car.  As I continue to expound on some of the hassles of retirement, this certainly fits in nicely.  It seems that last week’s hassles, including snow shoveling and putting chains on my tires, lead to this week’s three hour wait at a local tire store.  The chains had chewed away the edges of my front tires that resulted in a noticeable wobble.  I was able to do some shopping and banking at a nearby Fred Meyer, and they provided free wi-fi, so realistically it was really no different than sitting in my home office.  It just was another way that the retirement gods found a way to fill another day.

Retirement is beginning to grow on me.  I’m beginning to grasp the awesome feeling of knowing that my time now is my own.  I am wary that these gods will continue to disrupt this sense of contentment.  I managed to rack up more unexpected expenses this past week, with next week’s dental visit (lost a crown in the first few days of retirement to some holiday caramels) sure to break the bank.  Also, the cat developed a urinary track infection, so that extracted  a quick $700 from my wallet.  Fortunately, my wife is five years younger and still career motivated.  My first social security check will arrive at the end of February when I’m in Florida visiting my son.

More Travel is on the horizon, including Tucson, Hawaii, Paris, and Mexico – so don’t feel sorry for me yet.