On the Road to Retirement

Wow, just knowing I've made the decision is such a freeing experience. Problem is that I want to retire NOW and not in three years and a week plus. I know the time will pass quickly but at the same time, I wish it were here already. It's like being a child and waiting for what seems forever for Christmas to arrive. Or being 15 and it taking forever to get to 16 and the ability to get a drivers' license.

So much to do, to plan, to get ready to be ready to quit one job and take on the adventures of "the rest of my life."

I got a very nice email from my very nice daughter today. She and I were extremely close during her growing up years. I've tried to give her enough space as a married mother of two so that she can be her own person. I like my daughter. I'd like her if she weren't my daughter. She's smart and pretty and everything a person looks for in a good friend. She married a very intelligent man. And I have two very talented grandchildren living in that household.

I spoke to my son on the phone recently and marveled at how mature he is. How can my 'baby' be so smart? He knows so much about managing people and has learned it all first hand. Of course, he's had a few very good teachers. And a couple very bad teachers who taught him what not to do. He got a good education in management from the manager of the grocery store he worked in while he was a teen and we lived in Montgomery, Alabama. He amazes me. He married a very patient young lady who has produced three very fine grandchildren for me.

One thing I can't do much of is complain. I have been blessed with wonderful family members. All the way to all those zillionthed cousins a zillion times removed. I don't think there's a 'bad' one in the bunch.

Regarding relatives: If you're related in any way to Daniel Boone, then you're related to me. My ancestor was Samuel Boone who married Sarah Day. Samuel was the oldest Boone brother to Daniel. Sarah taught Daniel what little readin' and writin' he knew. And Daniel NEVER spelled his last name without the final 'e' -- those carvings "Dan'l Boon kilt a bear here" were not made by my 5th great uncle Daniel Boone.

I think I'll find all my genealogy information and post it here. Or I may make a new blog and post it there. I'll let you know.