Covid19 Spare time

KARNUT · July 17, 2023

26 minutes ago, Donstar said:

We're back from our first cruise and glad for the experience. I don't know if there will be a second, partially for the reason Karnut suggested in another thread. The "herding cattle" analogy he gives describes the part of the experience I found the most difficult. Our cruise included three stops at Alaskan ports. All were set-up to deal with a huge influx of tourists. I am glad to say I've added these communities to my list of places I've been and have the t-shirts as proof. However, herding through frontage streets and stores specifically built for tourists on a sunny day does not give you any unique experience. We have a very close friend who was on another cruise ship that visited the same places within a few days as our ship. Her souvenir from this cruise is a case of Covid. Your chances of catching this or any other illness are definitely increased when you're in a herd! I think my wife and I returned healthy but tired. I definitely will recommend an Alaskan cruise to anyone who asks but will stress how lineups and waiting will be a significant use of your time!

Our favorite part was after the first few times was exploring the ships while the rest were visiting the port of calls. We eventually became frequent cruisers that came with boarding and returning perks. We like to play cards so while out to sea we were in the casino. That eventually led to free cruises and drinks. Once retired I preferred driving to casinos that led to free rooms and meals for play. Surprisingly of all the hobbies I’ve experienced in my life this far cheaper. Sitting around tables telling life stories the people I’ve met has been astounding. Planning and budgeting is key to any hobby or vacation.

KARNUT · July 17, 2023

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

My 2 cents.

When I was younger I had a bad tooth and had to ride a bus to the dentist office. Reminded me of a cattle car. I avoid crowds, refuse to be herded. Nothing is that important to me to deal with herding.

Standing in line for anything irks me. Same as waiting to eat, no food is worth it to me.

I believe this is due to me being raised rural small town. There were no lines, you weren't herded.

The crowds are part of it, then add the inconsiderate people and it's not worth it to me.

I’m with you. My wife’s the opposite. So we compromise. I was happiest back in my ROW clearing days in my tractor and having one helper. My later training days dealing with people teaching them to operate equipment was brutal. Idiots, happily retired.

Donstar · July 23, 2023

My friend who got Covid on another cruise ship is recovering and the person she went with is still very ill. This was the cruise we first tried to get but it was full and now I'm glad we didn't! I wonder how many left this particular cruise with a similar souvenir? I found out yesterday that my neighbour across the street has been off work with covid for the past three weeks. I'm trying to pretend covid has gone away but it's not cooperating!

KARNUT · July 23, 2023

18 minutes ago, Donstar said:

My friend who got Covid on another cruise ship is recovering and the person she went with is still very ill. This was the cruise we first tried to get but it was full and now I'm glad we didn't! I wonder how many left this particular cruise with a similar souvenir? I found out yesterday that my neighbour across the street has been off work with covid for the past three weeks. I'm trying to pretend covid has gone away but it's not cooperating!

It’ll never go away much like many illnesses. The sickest I ever got was from a flu 20 years ago. My wife got a milder form. First time I ever didn’t go to work. I read just yesterday a heathy person got bit by a flea. Today he’s in the hospital with his hands and legs amputated. I have an uncle and brother who have been life long heavy smokers. They already out lasted two uncles who passed in their early 50s from lung cancer. My father quit in his late fifties and encouraged his sons who all smoked to quit, two did. My father passed from lung cancer at 80. My aunt got lime disease probably from her back yard. We had plenty of picnics there. Just she got it. I’ve been on 30 cruises never got sick always had fun. I’ve driven probably 2 million miles on the freeway. Never had a flat or an accident. One million was hauling my equipment. I didn’t let COVID stop me for a minute. Everyone in my family from 90 years old to 5 got it. My daughter with lupus got it bad, she’s fine now. Every one else it was like the flu. I’ve always been good with hygiene, maybe a little better now. It’s not going to define me. Something will eventually end me. I’m ready for what happens next. I’m going to continue to enjoy my life without fear.

KARNUT · July 24, 2023

My sisters mother in law had a visit to the emergency room with chest pains, it was indigestion. When you get older you can get fooled. I’ve almost have been myself. She brought home a present for their visit to the beach. A yearly event that includes my mother. You guessed it COVID. So far all but my mother has tested positive. The worst so far is 103 temperature. My mother’s exposure was a week later. We’ll see.

Donstar · July 28, 2023

The best part of our recent Alaskan Cruise was some reprieve from the heat at home, especially for our Texan family! The extremes in climate worldwide are absolutely scary.

Donstar · August 2, 2023

I currently have people in my life who are in their seventies talking about retirement. Two of them have jobs that they tolerate but it's not the job or money that has kept them working. They both struggle with how they're going to fill their days. I've always lived with the mantra of "Work to live" not "Live to work". I chose a career that I enjoyed and provided me a good living but I retired without hesitation or delay. Retirement and subsequently Covid found me with more unassigned time than anticipated. This spare time quickly disappeared. I look forward to every new day and love being my own boss! (Married men already know, and are regularly reminded, of being a boss as long as she allows.) If you're struggling with when to retire, I recommend to do so as soon as you are able. You can go back to work later but you won't get the years back that you postponed retirement!

KARNUT · August 2, 2023

51 minutes ago, Donstar said:

I currently have people in my life who are in their seventies talking about retirement. Two of them have jobs that they tolerate but it's not the job or money that has kept them working. They both struggle with how they're going to fill their days. I've always lived with the mantra of "Work to live" not "Live to work". I chose a career that I enjoyed and provided me a good living but I retired without hesitation or delay. Retirement and subsequently Covid found me with more unassigned time than anticipated. This spare time quickly disappeared. I look forward to every new day and love being my own boss! (Married men already know, and are regularly reminded, of being a boss as long as she allows.) If you're struggling with when to retire, I recommend to do so as soon as you are able. You can go back to work later but you won't get the years back that you postponed retirement!

My target was 65. I was part of a family business. I had intended to sign over my stocks to the next generation. Much to my surprise my brother approached me at 58 to buy me out. We got along so there wasn’t a conflict other than I was way more conservative in growth and finance. I made it easy, pay my salary and insurance until I’m 65. Even though I enjoyed my work, retirement is much better.

diyer2 · August 3, 2023

The two best days of my life, birthday, retirement day.

Grumpy Bear · August 3, 2023

On 8/2/2023 at 9:27 AM, Donstar said:

I currently have people in my life who are in their seventies talking about retirement. Two of them have jobs that they tolerate but it's not the job or money that has kept them working. They both struggle with how they're going to fill their days. I've always lived with the mantra of "Work to live" not "Live to work". I chose a career that I enjoyed and provided me a good living but I retired without hesitation or delay. Retirement and subsequently Covid found me with more unassigned time than anticipated. This spare time quickly disappeared. I look forward to every new day and love being my own boss! (Married men already know, and are regularly reminded, of being a boss as long as she allows.) If you're struggling with when to retire, I recommend to do so as soon as you are able. You can go back to work later but you won't get the years back that you postponed retirement!

I got checked out of the work a day world at 55. Downsizing :crackup: Whatever.

Same types of companies were willing to hire me. With no vacation, no retirement plan and 50 cents on the dollar. That was their plan. It was not mine. I had watched my father go through this in my teens and was prepared. Or so I thought. I had not counted on the greed and stupidity of humans. I make it just fine anyway but not the jet set idea I had in mind at 20. I have enough I don't have to steal to eat and not so much I'm forgetful of my maker.

I'm not bored in the least. A day is like smoke through a keyhole. It spends itself with ease.

Donstar · August 10, 2023

Local radio yesterday announced the fall rollout of the Covid booster. It's nice that the covid pendulum appears to have settled. I know many are still fighting vaccines and/or "mandates" but more subdued, imo. The part I wish we all could remember is if you're visibly ill, keep your distance from others. I went through a checkout at a local grocery store yesterday and the cashier was a mess (coughing, snorting and constantly wiping her nose). I asked her sympathetically about her obvious discomfort and she said she thinks it's just allergies. I am pretty certain that even if she was unable to stay home, this employee had options rather than "working the till"!

Grumpy Bear · August 10, 2023

6 hours ago, Donstar said:

I am pretty certain that even if she was unable to stay home, this employee had options rather than "working the till"!

Doing the 'right thing' don't have much appeal to most. Those that do get ridiculed for it. :dunno:

Donstar · August 13, 2023

I've "unloaded" a lot of treasures over the past few years. I was particularly committed to this process during the Covid years. "Stuff" is starting to sneak back but new items receive a lot closer scrutiny before allowing to take up space in my garage. This morning, I was on another forum questioning about a winch to install on a trailer which I use to haul my trike. Indirectly, the issue of need vs want came up. I certainly don't need a winch on a trailer that was a want for a trike that was also a want! It can actually be quite comical (for lack of a better word) when considering needs vs wants in your 70's!

KARNUT · August 13, 2023

27 minutes ago, Donstar said:

I've "unloaded" a lot of treasures over the past few years. I was particularly committed to this process during the Covid years. "Stuff" is starting to sneak back but new items receive a lot closer scrutiny before allowing to take up space in my garage. This morning, I was on another forum questioning about a winch to install on a trailer which I use to haul my trike. Indirectly, the issue of need vs want came up. I certainly don't need a winch on a trailer that was a want for a trike that was also a want! It can actually be quite comical (for lack of a better word) when considering needs vs wants in your 70's!

I had a comical experience Saturday coming home from visiting my mother. I was driving the odyssey and behind me was a RAV4. I noticed when the light turned green he was on me hard so I goosed it to 60. Next light he was along side. When the light changed it was on to 60 MPH. After awhile he went by to get in front of me. On his plate was a pow license plate. Two old timers having a little fun. Later on the couch I said to my wife of 49 years. Could you imagine that we be doing stop light drags in a minivan. Yes we had a good laugh.

Grumpy Bear · August 14, 2023

12 hours ago, KARNUT said:

I had a comical experience Saturday coming home from visiting my mother. I was driving the odyssey and behind me was a RAV4. I noticed when the light turned green he was on me hard so I goosed it to 60. Next light he was along side. When the light changed it was on to 60 MPH. After awhile he went by to get in front of me. On his plate was a pow license plate. Two old timers having a little fun. Later on the couch I said to my wife of 49 years. Could you imagine that we be doing stop light drags in a minivan. Yes we had a good laugh.

Wait till you telling that story about wheelchairs. :crackup: