Today I feel like I should be having a celebratory Leadership lunch with my friends but they are 3000 miles away. I’ve met several potential friends here in the neighborhood since we moved in four months ago, but nothing will replace 50 plus years of comradery. We still get together for Zoom calls but I miss the face-to-face time. I’m just glad it’s Friday, although really no different than any other day of the week in retirement. However, there’s still that “Friday Feeling” that lingers on long past when they were the grateful end of the work week and the gateway to the weekend. 

My wife joined a book club that meets for the first time today. She’s a joiner, while I’m content with alone time. I’m honestly still struggling with an upcoming funeral, as my ex-wife has suggested that I go. I would have to give up my 70th birthday plans and travel thousands of miles to get there. It makes no sense when I haven’t interacted with her side of the family in twenty-three years. My presence would only be a distraction, but I’m glad to know I’m welcome. I don’t really have a good reason to express to my son, who is making the long drive. Everything I come up with sounds very selfish, but so was asking for a divorce. I’m glad I did, but funerals are always an awkward decision. 

We did go to the Ringling Museum and home yesterday afternoon. We also stopped at my wife’s favorite, Freddy’s, for lunch. It’s the third time we’ve eaten out this week, with a fake Styx/Journey concert on the agenda for tomorrow night. Sunday, I drive to Tampa to see the White Sox play the Rays, so I envision another hot dog in my future. It’s been a busy week, highlighted by the unbelievable circus grounds replica that was on display at the museum. It is a miniature marvel and well worth seeing again. We bought an annual membership so we can go back as well as take guests. We’re going again next week on my birthday to see the actual art museum as a stop-over on the drive up to see Santana/Earth, Wind & Fire.