I have mentioned several times on this blog that way back when (1970s), my mother would advise me, “diversify investments and do not rely on social security for your only form of income when you retire.”
Back then, it was hard enough to own my first house and not go into deeper debt as I renovated it to make it habitable.
But over time, with persistence, patience, and lots of “sweat equity,” I bought houses that were on the market as financially distressed properties (most of them were in foreclosure or about to be)… renovated them myself, and rented them to police, firefighters, and teachers who need to have affordable housing in the same county where they worked.
Well, today…
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Merry Christmas to my blog visitors! This year, our Christmas is quite different. For the past 15 years, we have devoted Christmas to taking care of my Spouse’s mother. Since she passed away in May, this year sets a different tone for the holiday. What are we doing?
I am still struggling to get used to not going to the office every weekday. I do not actually retire until January 3, but I am on leave until my last day, when I make a brief visit to the office and turn in equipment and my I.D. Being on leave is just like what my schedule will be when I retire.
After the “high” of last week’s travel to the Caribbean and the delightful surprise of recognition bestowed on me, I returned last Friday night to …
Today is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. As we have done every year for the past 21 years, Spouse and I are hosting our annual “No Senior is Alone Thanksgiving Feastival.” This is the only time each year that we host guests. Otherwise, except for my family, we do not entertain visitors.
Having returned home from Alaska late Thursday, and taking off work on Friday, one would think that I would sleep in. Not the case… instead, I got together with three firefighter buddies and…
This week, I have been going through the rather typical and expected emotional roller-coaster after 
Like the old Energizer Bunny commercial, here I am, still going… and getting heavily persuaded to serve as President of a local public service group.