March 1st

“Mercury Forecast Edmonton 3 degrees, Calgary 6 degrees, Mesa 34 degrees”

I first have to say something about retirement. First of all EVERYONE should attempt too retire as soon as possible. As we all know the life expectancy in Canada average is 83 yrs old less for men. Retire at 65 and you have 18 summers to enjoy yourself. Your health currently and your dollars saved unless you are fortunate to have a lucrative defined pension have to be considered. I will say you DON’T NEED as much money as any advisor or financial expert says. They are in the business to keep your money in the bank. It is your business to decide to live life and spend it.

This is Jackie and I’s 12th yr anniversary of retirement. It has been wonderful, we have experienced so many things, and we have gone on some amazing trips.

Not a regret but a wish per say is that we would have saved more money. We do not have pensions, but our plan is still intact. We are doing quite well mostly due to a strong stock market. The only difference if we would have saved more is replacement of cars sooner. At retirement we made a plan to replace our vehicles every ten years. We replaced Jackie’s at 9 years and mine is still around at 14 yrs old. It was the excessive mileage we put on so fast. The increase in cost on a new vehicle is astronomical .We have taken trips as we wanted and some more planned but I foresee in the near future more domestic travel versus world travel. It is getting more difficult as countries add rules, conditions and visitors are looked on negatively. We planned to take a large trip every two years and a smaller one every year and it has worked out well.

One of the best decisions we made for our retirement was to buy in Viewpoint. This place is our home away from home and is thoroughly enjoyed. To spend 4 to 5 months every winter in a warm, physical active and social active spot is worth every penny.

We are aging pretty well. LOL

Yesterday was hot. I was working outside and I had to come in to the ac. I am having a issue with my charger for the golf cart. Remember I said I never wanted one. I always find it funny as golf carts are pain in the ass. I think the circuit board is shot. I have to pull it apart as it has a build in fuse which will be first check. Luckily I had a spare one as Tim moved his cart over to Lithium.

Last night we had our monthly block party. A great turn out. I will say it was the poorest selection of potluck for a long time. People must have busy or the heat got to them. No Deviled eggs ! Meat and cheese plates were abundant. But the group, the shady area and the idea to move everyone around to meet different people was awesome.

Always a fun gathering.

Two great movies in row so I am happy but you can’t go wrong with Stathman movie,

Daisy missing her Mom.

While Jackie is in Calgary she got to see a hockey game of Jackson’s.

Dave came over this morning for some back pain pills. he has had a bad back for along time and these things work like a charm. Pain and muscle relaxant build in one pill and not available in the USA. I find it funny how people are scared of certain medications. They will take a Statin, blood pressure pill, and aspirin. However, when it comes to pain relief, they claim it may harm their liver or kidney. A statin is extremely detrimental to the liver. Aspirin, once considered the holy grail of cures for doctors, isn’t what they thought. Blood pressure medication can cause numerous side effects, including dizziness and excessive urination.

Most medicines in moderation our bodies adapt to. So if you are in pain FIX it with medication in moderation and live. If anyone takes anything in excess complications will happen. The daily dose for my pain management is 8 pills in 24 hours. I take two in 24 hours but add two beer 6 hours after taking it. Balancing act.

I sweated today outside changing my lights. You read right. I never sweat but they said only 34 degrees today and at noon it was already 33 degrees. I had to be careful with the ladder climbing up and down to keep my balance. I had to change my lights as when we are playing cards outside it was just a little too dark.

The neighbors next door had there Lampman Sask party today. A town a population of 637 and they had 22 Lampmanites for the gathering today. It was a win for me as Donna walked over with an amazing omelet and a pudding shot. She asked me to take a picture of them all on the street. I started by saying, “Isn’t it nice to get all of the cousins together for a picture?” There were groans, laughs, and heckling. But it was funny

Lampman has a community complex that includes an outdoor swimming pool, ice hockey arena, curling rink with four sheets of ice, and five baseball diamonds. The town also has a racetrack, golf course, campground, parks, and a walking path. Better than Calgary !!

Nice people and a great group.