Andrew's birthday and return from the garden state

November 21

Today is Andrew's birthday.  He is 36 and a great father and husband.  I recall the thrill of his birth and his well being.  I ran down the hall at Beaumont jumping up and down.  My mother fainted and my father in law had to hold her up.  I couldn't believe he was so perfect. I still think he is.  If I had any good characteristics as a father, it came out in him.

Just returned from and extended visit to my sister and brother in law's in NJ.  I got to really get acquainted with my great nephew, Kennan.  What a swell kid, with immeasurable energy.  

I am still feeling damaged from my mother's passing on October 4th.  It hasn't shown itself overtly yet, but I know its coming.  She was a huge force in my life and although her age was advancing, cannot get used to her being gone.  

As the cold Michigan weather is upon us, this is the first time I won't have to get up for work and slog through the snow and ice and endure the temperatures.  Finally....a real positive aspect to retirement is showing.  

I am working today and tomorrow.  I saw my boss yesterday and he helped me get at good discount on a laptop for my niece, really a good guy.  

I am writing this blog not so much as a road map to retirement but to discuss daily life in this state.  If it helps someone out, so be it.  Mostly, it is my outlet for writing my thoughts.  

This election and its aftermath has thrown me for a loop.  With my progressive leanings, I feel that my speaking will put me in front of the 2016 version of the McCarthy Hearings.  "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the liberal left?"  I was not that big of a Hillary fan.  The president elect and I would not see policies or American direction in the same way.  More and more, it seems that the electorate was voting against a candidate vehemently rather than for someone that they could absolute support with enthusiasm.

We will be going to the fitness center this morning to beat off 9 days of overeating and a lack of exercise.  It is 27 degrees outside and this will be a tough morning at the gym.  

all for now

week in the garden state

November 14




We are in New Jersey visiting our sister and brother in law for this week.  I am getting to know my great nephew better and he is less shy around me which makes me very happy.


but the truth of the matter is I AM EATING TOO MUCH and all the wrong stuff.  I am eating with abandon, like I am going to the electric chair as my father in law liked to say.


Still thinking about what retirement means to me, trying to understand what I am supposed to be.  Now older and less attractive than ever, with body functions reduced,  I am contemplating a less than rosy future.


I have been discussing financial decisions with my brother in law and we are both trying to tell our kids the merits of saving at least a portion of their incomes.


Not many more insights to share today.  Its lovely outside with sunshine and moderate temperatures.  I will go out and try to enjoy


all for now

the begining.....what am I supposed to do now

November 10, 2016
My name is Jerry.  I terminated my employment of 28 years on April 1st of this year.  It was a good job not making me wealthy but paying the bills and at some times inspiring.  I wanted to start this blog to work through this transition in my life and maybe sharing some useful information with others, mainly men in my position to help with their move into retirement.

First, when you are accustomed to waking up very early, preparing and moving through your day and now that it is stopped, what do you do with yourself?  Still arising at some ungodly hour, little to do and not much to accomplish, time is your challenge.  You have been away from your spouse for most of the waking hours of you life, and frankly she us used to that.  Now you are sitting across from the breakfast table, looking at each other.  Being married over 40 years, aside from occasions, we ate breakfast separately and she likes her quiet time without and questions (of any kind).

I have no answers on this one, which leads me to another issue, relationships.  Your spouse and you will put your relationship to the test as well because you are dealing with each other with more time than ever.  How does everyone stay happy or at least contented?  None of this easy.  It takes work ont the part of both parties.

On another side and a different topic, I am disheartened with the results of the recent election, but I will get thru it, feeling better than I did yesterday.  

all for now