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Just back from a couple of months grouse hunting in MI Upper Peninsula. I retired at 59 and I had known it was this much fun I would have started at 26.

It’s pretty much all been said, but I think the key to enjoying retirement is entering it with outside interests, but you could just as easily develop them after you retire. For me I bicycle, cross country ski, hike, train my dogs, travel and bird hunt. For quiet time I read quite a bit and I still enjoy watching movies in the evening. As a bonus our grandkids are all close and we see them frequently. My wife is also retired and we enjoy many of the same pursuits so that helps.

So my two cents is like the others, you have to develop some new interests. You have the time and the money is a bonus.

Good Hunting,
Mike

I had two old lawyer friends that were about the same age. One was frugal and never lived above his means. The other,not so. When they were both in their late 60's, Frugal John retired, traveled and moved to be close to his son and grandkids. Not-so-Frugal John continued to work out of habit and economic forces. Frugal John asked his friend, "When are you going to take time off and retire, at the END? Which is what he did.
Another lawyer friend tried a jury trial with the other lawyer being in his 90's. Allan asked the other lawyer what it was like to practice law and try cases in his 90's.
"Allan, old boy, I do my best arguing when I sit down and peeing after I zip-up."
Gil

I never had to find new interests after retirement. I'm still pursuing the same interests I've had since I was a child -- some with more vigor, and some with a bit less. The toys are generally bigger, however. I'll never finish all the projects I have in hand or in mind. It's frustrating to think about that, so I don't much anymore. Generally, I'm having a blast, by the way. I think the key is to keep learning new things.

It is a funny feeling, however, to have no real paycheck, and yet be spending money. That's not a feeling with which you likely ever were comfortable. Now is the time to kick back and get used to it!

Cheers!

Member Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 328

I have found a new vice. In the last 15 years or so this area has had an incredible increase in pecan orchards. We have also had a corresponding increase in ground squirrels. So I have picked up a pcp air rifle. .22 caliber. One squirrel can consume 50 to 75 lbs of pecans a year. So permission to hunt them is a given, especially when only hunting with an air gun. Also some of these guns can deliver 30-40 fpe, so they are your not the pellet gun of your youth.

I have been having a blast.

3crosses, tnx for the pecan reminder. Around here there is a truffle that grows in the groves. I want to train my Britts how to find them. Gil
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/style/tmagazine/georgia-gold-mine.html

Joined: 29 May 2016 Posts: 79 Location: Burke Co, GA

That is very interesting, Gil, considering there are 1200 acres pf pecan orchards "next door" to me.

SRH

Stan, I've reached out to the Jefferson County cousins who have some on their farm. I just need a few for training purposes. Gil

Joined: 22 Oct 2013 Posts: 3 Location: South Carolina

I am 73 and still working full time. But I enjoy my work very much. I will hate to have to retire. The problem is that there are many things that need to be done on my farm and around the house but no time.

Besk, welcome aboard on your first post. What part of SC do you farm? Gil

Joined: 29 May 2016 Posts: 79 Location: Burke Co, GA

Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 827 Location: N. Shore, mn

If you like to hunt, get a bird dog & take up bird hunting. The dog will keep you moving year round if you are serious about it. The hunting (walking) is great exercise. Target shooting can keep you going in the Summer. Keeping your dog in shape helps keep you in shape. Remember the old saw: If your dog is fat YOUR not getting enough exercise?

That's just one approach.

Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 827 Location: N. Shore, mn

Another approach for you. Did you ever notice that work got in the way of parts of life? Did you ever day dream about something you would like to do but never had the time, while working?
Now is the time to think seriously, pick something & get moving. You can always refocus on another pursuit. Big thing is get off your ass ( Laughing

) & get on with it. Your local gun club could probably use some help. Most do. Most any non-profit org. has certain core members that do all the work & keep "it" going. These folks get old, need help & replacement.
Doing something new may tell you what you also have little interest in.
I had to wait 18 mos. to get my retirement (money flowing) approved. That VERY recently happened. Laughing

Someday (maybe before Erickson is 85) He'll get his ass North to hunt Grouse around here???

Guest

Only two more years!

Joined: 22 Oct 2013 Posts: 3 Location: South Carolina