Thursday, July 27, 2017

What Do You DO All Day?


What do you do all day?
I'd be so bored at home. 
My spouse would drive me crazy. 
There's nothing to do. 
I can't afford it. We can't afford it. 
What do you DO all day????

Retirement questions and comments fired our way for the last few months. I've been home for over five years now, and Mr. Smith just joined me last month. We're just getting started.

What DON'T we do???

Retirement, according to an online dictionary is regarded as "the act of leaving one's job or employ." Another site reminds us that retirement means to "cease working."

There's still so much work to be done around here though!

The Social Security Administration recommends couples our age work until age 70 to increase their benefits. Ha! No way! You can (at this time) collect a percentage of your benefits at age 62. We'll consider that, when we get there.

One of the biggest issues facing couples our age is not only $$$, but also medical expenses. With the current political regime, we can expect our medical costs to skyrocket. Valued citizens, I think not. The current regime... that's a topic for another time.

But... I digress.

Erin needed some help with her classroom this week, so we were able to hang posters, clean files, and get shit done. She's ready for hordes of high-schoolers to come and learn all they can about history.




Jeff and another retiree friend of his took in a Diamondbacks game yesterday. They got great seats and the matinee prices are damn good. D-Backs won the game, and that was pretty snazzy.  If you want to see the D-Backs, check out www.mlb.com/dbacks for information.



There's still a few peanuts leftover for me!

Today we picked up a much-anticipated monthly shipment of beer. Yup, it's been a terrific retirement gift so far from our good friends. We are loving every bottle! 




Tacos. It's a passion here for us and we've found some pretty delectable plates around town. This yummy lunch happened at TaCarbon on 43rd Avenue and Thomas in Phoenix. My favorite, and could be yours as well. Carne asada or lengua, or beef cheek, or pork, or pastor, or ... you name it, they have it on a tortilla or in a burrito. The smell of grilled perfection smacks you in the face before you even leave your car. Don't deny yourself. 




Oh, this. We're trying to keep our brains engaged. So, yeah this is happening too. 




Buenos Dias!!
:) Deb & Jeff 




Saturday, July 22, 2017

Welcome to Retirement, Mr. Smith!!

Jeff and I made some financial plans for his retirement in June of 2018, right after Erin's wedding. 
But, truth be told, Jeff couldn't wait till then, and I don't blame him a bit. 
Retirement came early and we couldn't be happier. 

Here's how the first month of retirement shook out for us. 



Week One - Buy a new Retirement Vehicle!
Hey, what's money if you can't piss it away? 
We got ours at Honda of Tempe - great customer service. 
www.tempehonda.com 



Over to California to celebrate my great-nephew's high school graduation.
Four generations of Torrance High Tartars right here. 
From 1955 to 2017 - wahoo! 



Baby Shower for my new great niece with 
her proud & expectant parents!
A gorgeous day for a gorgeous new family. 
Think Pink...



Erin & I at the Heard Museum to visit Frida & Diego
The Heard Museum in Phoenix is one of those amazing little places that transports you with the beauty of Southwest Indian art and culture. Founded in 1929, the museum is recognized internationally for its world-class collections, exhibits, and festivals. 
If you're in town, check it out at www.heard.org 


One of my favorites by Diego


A fantastic Frida self-portrait


Frida & Diego 



Whilst in Torrance - gotta catch up with my niece.
We're sporting our LuLu Disney - Thanks Erin!!



A lovely visit to the Musical Instrument Museum (https://mim.org) here in Phoenix. 
The MIM is home to over 6,000 displayed instruments from around the world. (There are about 10,000 instruments in reserve at any given time.) Plan on a few hours to enjoy the diverse performances within each country's exhibit. 




Back to California to visit the Ronald Reagan Library. 
This presidential library is filled with memorabilia from Reagan's life of service, along with tributes to many notable events of the 1980's. It is well worth your time to see this gorgeous property in Simi Valley. You won't want to miss wandering through Air Force One! 
See for yourself at: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov 



Madame President... 




Over to the Forest Lawn, Hollywood Cemetery for a glimpse at a few famous graves.
Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher above 

Nellie Wooden & John Wooden below
(one of Jeff's all-time favorite basketball coaches!) 



And Liberace! 




Jeff and I enjoyed the 2 Cellos concert at the Greek Theatre
where you can spot a $15 Pacifico in a can. Great concert though! 
If you fancy a listen, check out www.2cellos.com for some amazing cello playing. 
They do everything from classical, to movie themes, to U2, the Beatles, and Queen. 

Surprising us the morning after the concert was the arrival of our new great-niece.
She is as pretty as you can possibly imagine and we love her to pieces already.
No pics here, sorry. Maybe when she's older. 

... And that's just the FIRST month of retirement. 

:) Deb