The Crotchety Old Man

Category: Life in Retirement

  • Next-Level Retired

    I’m grateful to have been able to retire. Not having to work is great. A few recent changes make me even more retired than I already was. Getting Mavis was the first big change. She drags things into the house from the yard. She’s especially fond of pine cones and small branches, both of which…

  • Experienced Retiree

    Last month marks the beginning of my sixth year in retirement. With five years of experience, I’m no longer a rookie. The new may have worn off a bit, but I’m still very much enjoying a life of leisure. Work is a distant memory. I stopped checking work email last year after a security change…

  • Pile Shifting–Again

    Cataract surgery in late February significantly improved my vision. For the first time in years, I saw exactly how dirty my house was–especially the carpet. Seems my little dog had more “accidents” than I thought. “Accident” suggests she couldn’t help it. I’m sure that’s how Tootsie see it. She thinks going outside in inclement weather…

  • My Summer Vacation

    Public schools here in Athens opened the first week of August. Fall semester at UGA started last week. Where did the summer go? My “What I Did this Summer” essay would be brief and more than a little boring. I didn’t go anywhere or read any good books. I rarely left the house except to…

  • Never Bored

    One of Mom’s friends recently asked her if I ever get bored. Mom laughed and said I have too many things I enjoy doing to get bored. It’s true. I haven’t been bored since my last faculty meeting. It’s a fair question. My life sounds pretty boring. I rarely leave home for more than a…

  • Retired Attire

    For the second time since retiring, I have reorganized all my drawers, cabinets, and closets. I got rid of a lot two years ago, but had just retired and had no idea how my lifestyle would change. Now I know. This time, I was ruthless. I wear sweat pants, gym shorts or pajama bottoms just…

  • Two Months with Tootsie

    Hard to believe Tootsie has been in my life for two months. Doesn’t seem that long. Time flies when you’re having fun. And Tootsie is fun — more fun than any pet I’ve ever had. It’s her personality. She wants to play all the time, with or without me. Her solitary play often revolves around…

  • Hello 2022!

    Hi, everyone! Long time, no see. I blame retirement for the extended absence. Contrary to expectations, blogging has not been a priority. My intentions were good. I bought WordPress for Dummies — a massive tome that combines multiple volumes on various topics into a comprehensive guide. Frankly, it’s more than a little overwhelming. Despite having…

  • Cool Running

    Weather has long determined if I go for a run or not. Preferred conditions include sunny skies with a temperature from 65- to 7degrees and a light breeze. There’s a little wiggle room, but anything beyond that is a deal breaker. An aversion to sweat is the issue. I don’t mind sweating so much these…

  • Nine Months Later…

    The end of September marks nine months of retirement. My new lifestyle is nothing like I expected. No surprise. Things rarely turn out as expected. I ain’t gonna lie. Not working agrees with me. Taking care of the homestead, Toodles, and myself are my only obligations. Aside from the occasional medical appointment, my schedule is…