Monday, January 31, 2011
Snow 1; Retirees 0
In our attempt to become newly-retired snow birds, the snow has won! In this latest battle to leave for Florida, the snow has altered our plans and we cannot leave. May this be the last battle!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Snow, Snow and More Snow
Snow is an interesting phenomenon. To the child, it is often a blessed event that includes a day off from school and some sledding or even a snowball fight. To the young adult, it is a time to feel the excitement that was felt at 7 and 8 years old. And maybe find the time to make a snow angel or two. For the retiree (or the near retiree) is might also elicit positive “fun” feelings. Especially, if that other four-letter word is not involved – work! I suspect that sitting by the window, with a fire in the fireplace, lingering with a second or third cup of coffee would be wonderful.
But, and there is always a “but”. When you are planning a departure in the RV to mark the beginning of your retirement, that impending storm is more of a threat than an invitation to snow angels. We agonize over the forecast each day, watching the impending storm move a day or two earlier, then later. Then… who really knows when the storm will arrive. It does not appear to be the weather forecasters.
Yesterday, our day of departure was to be blessed with yet another snow storm this season. The storm seems to be moving; it now will arrive the day after departure. If we can get far enough south, we won’t care! But, for the moment it seems like we just have to wait and see and hope.
If we get a vote, we would vote for a storm to arrive very late in the day after departure. And we would vote for a storm approaching from the north (as we head south). Most storms do not arrive from the north, so a storm from the west would be appreciated almost as much.
For now we wait and see.
By the way, while we were employed and trying to get out on the road as much as possible, work seemed to be the nasty four-letter word. Now, as we transition to the next phase, it seems to have been replaced. By SNOW!!
But, and there is always a “but”. When you are planning a departure in the RV to mark the beginning of your retirement, that impending storm is more of a threat than an invitation to snow angels. We agonize over the forecast each day, watching the impending storm move a day or two earlier, then later. Then… who really knows when the storm will arrive. It does not appear to be the weather forecasters.
Yesterday, our day of departure was to be blessed with yet another snow storm this season. The storm seems to be moving; it now will arrive the day after departure. If we can get far enough south, we won’t care! But, for the moment it seems like we just have to wait and see and hope.
If we get a vote, we would vote for a storm to arrive very late in the day after departure. And we would vote for a storm approaching from the north (as we head south). Most storms do not arrive from the north, so a storm from the west would be appreciated almost as much.
For now we wait and see.
By the way, while we were employed and trying to get out on the road as much as possible, work seemed to be the nasty four-letter word. Now, as we transition to the next phase, it seems to have been replaced. By SNOW!!
Are You Ready?
This is a question that has been asked often in the last few weeks. We are preparing for our first ever, post-retirement, extra-long RV journey! We will be in Florida for over 2 months. We will spend some time in TN, LA and TX. Then, some day we will travel back home!
There are so many aspects of this trip to “be ready” for. First, there is retirement. Then there is the length of the trip. And some of the destinations – looking for a relocation area and sharing a daughter’s graduation (we will have a Dr. J in the family)! Each of these looms large. But, together they seem overwhelming.
So, the answer to the question is a resounding NO – I am not ready! Do I want to leave? Yes. Am I looking forward to it with excitement and anticipation? Yes. Is everything loaded on the RV? Mostly. But, am I ready? Not sure. I don’t think I will be sure until we get back!
So for now I will have to be content with being prepared for the trip. Maybe ready will come somewhere south of Washington DC.
And for the record: There will be snow on the scheduled day of departure. So, I may gain a day to get ready. But, it will be spent watching the snow and agonizing over it, waiting to leave!
There are so many aspects of this trip to “be ready” for. First, there is retirement. Then there is the length of the trip. And some of the destinations – looking for a relocation area and sharing a daughter’s graduation (we will have a Dr. J in the family)! Each of these looms large. But, together they seem overwhelming.
So, the answer to the question is a resounding NO – I am not ready! Do I want to leave? Yes. Am I looking forward to it with excitement and anticipation? Yes. Is everything loaded on the RV? Mostly. But, am I ready? Not sure. I don’t think I will be sure until we get back!
So for now I will have to be content with being prepared for the trip. Maybe ready will come somewhere south of Washington DC.
And for the record: There will be snow on the scheduled day of departure. So, I may gain a day to get ready. But, it will be spent watching the snow and agonizing over it, waiting to leave!
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