Retirement as you like it

Here I sit on my deck, the blue sky is cloudless. It is 74 degrees, no wind and quiet except for the birds making their views known. My view of anything beyond 50 feet is blocked by thickly leaved trees.  

Between writing, I read commentary about tariffs, trade, economies on Project-Syndicate, a daily updated compilation of articles from scores of international writers. I’m also reading about the Salem witch trials and Ben Franklin’s rise to fame and testimony before Parliament about taxing the colonies – where have I heard about taxes before? 

It’s a day to do nothing except what I want. It’s a day to be retired and enjoy. The doctor visits are over – for this week at least. My new eye doctor said I was a delight- perhaps a shock to some HD readers. He said most of his patients my age were grumpy, complaining and slouching in the chair. I delight in not acting or being perceived to be my age. 

Yesterday I drove four hours roundtrip to my brother in laws 80th birthday party. During lunch several locals were talking and complaining about their property taxes. $3,200 was outrageous for 3.5 acres of property I was told. The fellow nearly choked on his crab cake when I told him we paid $13,500 on our condo with zero land. 

Talk about projects in retirement. My brother in law has a fully equipped garage/shop on his property where he builds cars and their motors and everything else related. I couldn’t even handle Lincoln Logs and this guy takes old cars apart and puts them back together just like new. 

I’m trying to finish reading a book and he has a “new” 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix he built, races and shows. I feel inadequate. He has a government pension, a very modest 457b balance, but doesn’t care and lives as he enjoys.  

Retirement as you like it seems possible, at least if you live in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by corn fields with the nearest supermarket 10 miles away. That does sound appealing- some days.