Yes, I Have Been Busy Lately

I will continue to use BlogSpot. I considered moving to Facebook because the pictures are so much easier to post and manage. I have found from personal experience and talking to others that it's difficult to post pictures and they just up and disappear sometimes without warning on BlogSpot. However, it's getting better by using Picasa to load pictures to the blog. Plus, I snobbishly think blogs have a certain cache I like.

I can't begin to update all the stuff that's gone on since my last post, so I'll simply update my thoughts now that I have six months of retirement under my belt. My very enthusiastically response to "how's retirement treating you" is still- "living the dream everyday"! I often, perhaps even daily stop myself, look up at the mountains, think of family and friends in Colorado and SMILE. Oooh, I just got Goosebumps!

My "summer job" at the golf course is down to just a few hours a week so I applied for and got a job a few months ago in senior care for people who need assistance, full-time or part-time at home. I may have started a new career. I find this work very rewarding, unlike banking. I have been very proud of the careers Mrs. Wonderful and my daughters have chosen because they have such a positive impact on the lives of people they help. They are really giving back to help make this world a better place. I may have a opportunity to catch up now- we'll see how it goes.

Dave's Really Busy

Here are some pics of our first summer in Colorado

Guenella Pass- Snow in June?

Guenella Pass

Jazz in the Park- City Park

Ava the Beach Babe

"Mrs. Wonderful" in Estes Park.

Dad and Arlo

Mom and Arlo

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

More Rocky Mountain National Park

Campfire in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

Rocky Mountain National Park camping

Mountain Plateau near the headwaters of the Platte River

On the job at Kennedy Golf Course

Steve's Snappin' Dogs

I thought it would be fun to start a regular addition to the Blog-

"The Inexpensive, Hopefully-Sometimes-Maybe Healthy, Denver Area, Small Restaurant Review"

The first edition is Steve's Snappin' Dogs, 3525 E. Colfax. I'm starting with my favorite guilty pleasure, hot dogs! I had to check this place out when I saw they featured the Chicago Style Dog. I was skeptical when they had the audacity to offer a Chicago dog that didn't have a poppy seed bun, their wiener wasn't all beef and gasp the heathens used brown spicy mustard not yellow. Well, as the old song goes- "I closed my eyes, I held my breath, I took a ...". To my surprise, it was great!!! The wiener is made by Thumann's- not a Vienna Red Hot all beef dog, but it works with a different consistency and not as salty. I never would have tried brown mustard on a Chicago dog. I must admit, I thought it would be like photo shopping the Mona Lisa. This hot dog tradition can stand a facelift. They are delicious.

They also offer ten other hot dogs including a dog that features bacon (Hey Joel, this place is a half mile away).
I skipped the bacon dog and opted to try the "Bronx Dog". It comes with New York onion sauce, yellow mustard and... yuk, cheddar cheese. Please! Even a Wisconsin cheese head can't put cheese on a hot dog. I ordered it without cheese. It was quite good but no match for the Chicago dog. No surprise- Chicago dogs are better! One last comment, at $3.85 per dog, they qualify as inexpensive for this review. However, it is a little high for hot dogs. They should put some french fries in the wrapper with the hot dog the way a good Chicago deli would.

*I rate Steve's Snappin' Dogs 3 1/2 (e.g. Yum-yums, belly pats, belches) out of 5.

*Send me your best idea for a rating scale. Email to davecomeau33@gmail.com. I'll buy the winner a wiener.

Dave's Busy

More pictures

Mrs. Wonderful at Lucy's Place Diner in Sedgwick, CO on our trip to retirement. When the girls were young it was a tradition to stop and have lunch on at Lucy's Place while on vacations in Estes Park. Seeing Lucy's meant we were almost there!

Reliving the Road Trip to Remember (from May 2011)- Scenic overlook from Iowa looking towards Nebraska beyond the Missouri river on our roadtrip to Colorado.

Living the Dream
Three weeks into it and retirement is everything I hoped it would be. The adventure has begun.
When I heard people tell their retirement story over the years, my ears perked when they talked about hopping in the car and driving cross country. Our first adventure came two weeks ago when I got a message from my new employer. His text said, "where are you and when can you get to Denver". A position opened for me to work in the Pro shop and starter for the the City of Denver's Kennedy Golf Course. The text came at 7:30 a.m. After a serious discussion with Mrs. Wonderful, the decision was made to go. We were on the road by noon! Add spontaneity to a road trip- Perfect!

Since arriving in Denver, everyday has involved family, especially those beautiful grandchildren. Memorial Day was spent at a picnic in Wash Park with family, friends and the grandpuppy. Thank you Bria for the pictures. I have to remember to bring a camera! I've been golfing almost every day, fly fishing in the South Platte river, fending off more rattle snakes and working at the golf course from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 four days a week.

I have heard some of you are thinking it's time to retire. Here is a must read- several of my friends have purchased the book "Retired Wild, Happy and Free". It should be mandatory reading for any age.

Sorry for this partial post- my computer is in the hands of "The Geek Squad". I can't down load pictures, access my blog or anything for two weeks.

Dave's Busy

Why I Can't Wait to Get Out of Bed in the Morning

Months ago, when I would daydream about retirement, leisurely mornings was near the top of my list. Sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee, NPR on the radio while reading the newspaper seemed to be a perfect way to start the day- well, it is! Only now I can add sitting on my deck overlooking Highlands Ranch Golf Course and the spectacular Rocky Mountains. This is why I can't wait to get up in the morning. I often get up before the sun. I really am Retired Happy and Free.
Dave's Busy

Fun Stuff in Colorado

Here's the first edition of fun stuff in Colorado. Last week I went fly fishing on what locals call the "dream stream", which is a ten mile stretch of the South Platte River. This is a famous area between Spinney and Eleven Mile reservoirs. I can't begin to tell you how magnificent this area is. It's in South Park (I didn't see Cartman and the gang, but I saw a kid with his hood pulled over his head and tied tight around his face standing in the road. I went over to tell him to look out for the truck, but it was too late. SPLATT! I yelled at the speeding truck, "HEY- you killed Kenny! You bastard!!!") But seriously, South Park is a fifty mile in diameter high country plateau surrounded by snowcapped mountains. I saw pronged horn antelope, buffalo and trout. No, I didn't catch any. I feel like the beginner I am- but what a great classroom in which to learn the art of fly fishing!

I saw an opportunity to report on another adventure on my list when I passed the Double D Platte Ranch on the way to fishing. The ranch is in Fairplay, CO near South Park. I have always wanted to go high country, open range, gallop like a cowboy, horseback riding and have dinner on the trail. Until then...
Dave's Busy

P.S. click on the pictures to enlarge them for your viewing pleasure.

Everything I Hoped it Would Be- Still Living the Dream!

Here we are, back in the blog and retirement business. The repaired computer is in my lap and I found my camera.

Retirement in Colorado really does give you opportunities for adventure every day. What could be better? Well, I found that with a little planning, most adventures are free or at least very inexpensive!

My goal has been to hopefully offer interesting and engaging stories of retirement adventures on a budget. There it is, retirement and free fun stuff- let's get this blog rolling.

Top of my list- fun with the family.

Pool parties, especially swimming with Ava and Arlo.
Picnics in the park
Free concerts in the park
4th of July Fireworks
Rockies games- $1.00 senior seats in the "Rock pile"
Camping in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park
Thursday night "girls night out"- (they let me crash occasionally)

I'll figure out how to edit and arrange these pictures in the future! Anyway, that's it for now. Next I'll continue the free stuff list, as well as, a great budgeting idea and an update on how many of my 149 things to do in retirement list I've done so far.
Dave's Busy

My First Glorious Week Retired Happy and Free

How do you spend your first week of retirement after working full-time for forty-five years? ANY WAY YOU WANT!!! That's the free part of happy and free. How about the happy part of happy and free. Well, my blood pressure has dropped ten points as well as my heart rate- really. No exaggeration, I check it every day- down ten points! Here's the kicker. If the Rapture had occurred and the world ended at 6:00 pm Saturday, May 21st, I had one glorious week!

Retirement started on Sunday. Why Sunday? Because I had no Sunday work anticipation blues. No homework. No meetings for which to prepare. No having to play fireman putting out flames of the latest disaster that erupted over the weekend. My round of golf was not played under the pall of work the next day. Actually, Sunday did involve some work considerations. I heard from the Golf Pro at the City of Denver's Kennedy Golf Course. I need to be in Denver on June 2nd for my job interview. Yes, I will be returning to work- at a golf course! If I can call that work. They pay me for part-time work and I can play unlimited free golf at all city courses. Life is sweet!

Monday was the first day of my "retirement schedule". I have read several books on retirement and even though I seem to be the perfect candidate for a happy and free retirement, maintaining a schedule is important to stay mentally busy and active. My day starts with a leisurely morning from 6:00 to 8:00 reading the paper, drinking coffee, healthy breakfast and listening the radio followed by a one hour walk. I'll talk about my schedule in a later post. The word I would use to describe my first day was, unrushed- if that's a word. In the past, I would try to get in as many things possible on my day off rushing from one activity to another. Not  Monday! I had to stop at my Honda dealer to pick up sunglasses left the Jeep I traded earlier ($167/mo gas savings) when my dealer asked if I had a minute. Well, I sat and gabbed like a retired guy for almost an hour. Unbelievable- but great!

Every day was busy and never boring. I started working on my list; shopping for a guitar (used), studing the right fly fishing equipment I'll need, long walks with Mrs. Wonderful, lots of golf and a ROCKIES GAME at Miller Park. I even sat on a bench in downtown Lake Geneva relaxed watching the flatlanders.

What have I learned about retirement? Planning is important. Turning off the TV is a must. I'm happy to say that so far retirement IS an opportunity to spend the rest of my life carefully exploring and planning interesting times and adventures. It's all possible because I'm RETIRED HAPPY AND FREE!

P.S. I have to remember- take a camera so I can add picture to my blog!

One More Week to Go

It’s starting to sink in. I’m retiring this week. I made it through the surprise retirement party Saturday night. I know they were thinking- don’t yell “SURPRISE” too loud. He might have another heart attack!! (Only your true friends can make heart attack jokes.)

I’m excited. Mostly I’m excited because I’m anticipating a great new life adventure. There will be monumental changes. The word that occurs to me over and over is adventure- having new adventures exploring more of the world and people around me and the time to take my time doing it.

But first, a thought I had that’s melancholy and joyful at the same time. I have worked with some wonderful people. I have tried to call many of them last week to say, “you know, the good ‘ole days were really GOOD-OLD-DAYS!” I will miss them.

Now for the reality check. How can you make retirement affordable? I have my 12 fundamentals. Fundamentals developed from books blogs and articles I've saved over the years. I like to say my best original ideas were stolen from other people. Anyway, here are some people from whom I stole great tips.
"The Simple Dollar", a great daily blog and "365 Ways to Live Cheap" from Trent Hamm
"Your Money or Your Life"The best book I've read on your relationship with money, by Dominquez and Robin.

You'll find these tips imbedded in their works.

1) Spend less than you make. Duh! Write down every penny that comes in and goes out of your life. You'll be surprised- this will change how you spend money.
2) Don't shop for entertainment- shop for a need then LEAVE.
3) Grocery shop from a list and don't impulse buy. Shop once a week. Not small, we need... shops.
4) Anticipate needs. Buy items on sale. Do your research.
5) Buy it used.
6) Keep things until they're worn out. Then repair them yourself.
7) Do preventive maintenance. On your body and "your stuff"
8) Do you need two cars? What's your gas mileage? Can you use public transportation?
9) Check your insurance premiums regularly. Insurance companies are notorious for increasing their rates, loosing market share, then reducing rates to get market share back. Shop rates!
10) Get rid of credit card debt!!!
11) Save money. Save for short term goals and emergencies in a savings account. For long term funds, such as retirement, take advantage of IRS retirement savings plans; IRA's, 401K's etc.
12) Increase income. Utilize a talent or passion in your life and find a way to make money at it.

A word about gas mileage.

I sold my Jeep Liberty last week. I was getting 15 MPG. I traded the Jeep V-6 engine in on a Honda Accord 4-cylinder. I'm getting 30 MPH on the Honda. I will save $2000/yr. That's $167/month savings. You don't have to be retired to appreciate how that helps your budget!

Budgets, like diets don't work unless there's a lifestyle change equal to the challenge. Are you motivated? Am I motivated? You bet I am because it makes it possible to be RETIRED HAPPY AND FREE!!

Dave's Busy

Three More Weeks to Go

I know, it's been a week since my last blog. Hey, I'm still working. Remember my last blog- FOUR WEEKS UNTIL RETIREMENT. Anyway, here I am, three weeks to go. I just added another item to my list of 169 things oops, I mean 170 things to do when I retire- #170 Learn Creative Writing.

Ever since I decided to retire and start my list, some people have been curious as to what's on it. Well
"THE LIST", ( not a bucket list),  is broken down into three categories;
1) Things I like to do now
2) Things I've liked in the past
3) Things I always wanted to do but didn't have time.

The top 10, 20 or 30 are fairly predictable, such as;.

Spend time my family
Golf
Fly fishing in mountain streams
Volunteer
Long walks with Mrs. Wonderful
Leisurely mornings with the newspaper, coffee and the radio on the deck
Read
Concerts in the park
Rockies games in the afternoon
Travel
Learn more than the same stupid five cords I now know on the guitar

When I started to stretch for inspiration the ideas got a little more esoteric such as;.

Write a blog
Become an inexpensive restaurant sommelier- especially those with healthy menus
Create a recipe and enter it in a contest
Learn to meditate
Take college courses for fun
Ride horseback in the back country- no trails
Write a song and perform it

I'll be sure to keep posting my progress with lots of pictures. If actually doing the things on my list is as exciting as developing the list this should be a HAPPY AND FREE RETIREMENT.

Dave's Busy

P.S. Next post. "How can you make retirement affordable?"

Four weeks left until retirement

I have my list! 169 things to do when I retire. I have done my homework! A legal pad filled with income and expense projections for now, two years from now, five years from now and the rest of our lives. I have given my notice at the bank. My retirement benefits package is in the mail.
FOUR MORE WEEKS.

Have you dreamed about retirement? Have your fantasized How it would feel? I sure have!

Now I'm about to retire and this is what my blog is all about. It’s an opportunity to spend the rest of my life carefully exploring the best of times ahead for my family and personal pursuits.

If retirement isn't in the cards for you in the near future, enjoy a vicarious ride with me on my journey to a HAPPY AND FREE RETIREMENT!

Warm regards,
Dave's Busy