41 and retired a year ago...

[kcowan]

I am impressed with Jim and his discipline. I would suggest that you investigate something that drives your passion. You have the benefit of flexibility to experiment. In the next 20 years, you will encounter some life-changing events that should help you to establish your new passions.

For us it has been travel and we go away 4 times a year for about 4 months total. We have been creative with home swaps to look after our two cats. We have also kept on our housekeeper who stays at our place when we leave without a swap.

We are still experimenting with charity work and have not found the right satisfying pursuits yet. We just organized a bocce tournament with the proceeds going to Children's Hospital. But then we like bocce. Could be a bigger item. But I would prefer something that would leverage our skills more.

Welcome aboard! You will love the journey...

[magellan_nh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcowan Welcome aboard! You will love the journey...

Thanks kcowan!

DW and I like to travel, but usually for just a couple of weeks at a time. This year, we might try renting a place in the southeastern part of the country (maybe Tenn or NC) for a month or so. It will be our first extended trip away from home.

Last year, I went to Cambodia for February and into March, while DQ took care of the house and dogs. While I was gone a storm took power out for 3 days with temps falling below 0 each night. If DW wasn't there we definitely would have had major damage from frozen pipes, so when/if we do leave for an extended period, we'll need to get someone to checkup on the homestead.

Anyhow, thanks for the comments.

Jim

[kcowan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by magellan Thanks kcowan! DW and I like to travel, but usually for just a couple of weeks at a time. This year, we might try renting a place in the southeastern part of the country (maybe Tenn or NC) for a month or so. It will be our first extended trip away from home.

A business associate has his winter home on the coast near Charlotte NC. Except for the hurricane shutters, it is a great shangrila for them.

We get strong winds sometimes so we have to tie up our patio furniture during the winter. Once an especially strong gust blew a lounge over the side! 19 stories and just one bent leg. It was in the spring (so untied).