Most GHS Classof 1960 classmates expect to retire eventually, and some even plan for it, establishing a personal timeline and following a series of steps toward "countdown" - like selling the big house, buying winter property, or moving into a retirement community. Many retire locally and find new activities and interests. Others move to an entirely different location to mark the transition to a new stage of life. Here are some retirement thoughts submitted by people you may remember well.
"I am now enjoying and fully appreciating the freedom that retirement affords me and love traveling with Wayne, be it on a cruise ship, hiking a trail, biking through the countryside, visiting the kids, or going back to Gardner to see my Mom and sister. I spend a great deal of time in my flower gardens. I have learned that daily exercise and good eating habits are a necessity at this stage of life. For me, it is impportant to keep moving - even when it hurts!" - Karen Heywood Greenlaw
"Retirement has opened up time to pursue hobbies, travel, education, volunteerism, and other interests. We have more time for activities with children and grandchildren and share time with friends and neighbors. Ed and I have completed a cross-country road trip to the West coast and back. Ed grows our own organic vegetables, many of which we eat during the winter months. We are truly enjoying each and every day." - Suzanne Skamarycz Nobrega
"Geoff and I are busy getting our cottage on Prince Edward Island ready for the summer rental season. We enjoy the warm water and ocean view but have a lot of work to do to get it ready. We are back and forth during the summer. Retirement can be fun. Every day feels like Saturday." - Diana Virta Wood
"My wife and I retired at the end of 2010. I was worried and wonderng if I was doing the right thing but now there is no looking back! We visited Hawaii and California in the fall and in January left for our winter home in Florida. We just got back to Gardner. I'm glad I didn't have to shovel all that snow, but I did have to get back to cut the grass!!!" - Vincent Maillet
"The retirement yeaers are flying by a lot faster than our years of working. I have no complaints and my wife and I try to enjoy every day. I used to dream of retiring in Florida, but never thought it would happen! - Donald Roy
"At first I missed working but now I am getting used to retirement. I moved back to Gardner and love it! I reecently traveled to the Virgin Islands on a trip I won at Foxwoods on a penny machine. Sailed on the Nowegian Epic, a beautiful ship. Went to Aruba for a week. Spent a week in Destin, Florida with classmates." - Roberta Dines Graves.
"There is much peace, joy, and love in the autumn years of life with a lot more time for reflection. There is time to do the important things and still learn and experience something new." - Geri Girard Nelson
"I love retirement. I devote more time to writing and belong to the Wachusett Writers and Poets Group. I have placed many stories in newspapers and magazines. We enjoy grandchidren, camping, fishing, and taking long walks - anything outdoors! - Jan Morin Ricord
"My husband Stan and I love retirement and often wonder how we got anything done when we worked. We have added a wrap-around porch on our house and a den that looks out on the lake. Stan plants a lot of vegetables and some fruits. We babysit for our great-grandson. I am doing all the reading I couldn't do when I worked plus I knit and crochet and do some quilting. - Judy Herr Bonk
"We live in a "55 and over" community in Florida and there is never a dull moment. We are in walking distance to the clubhouse, gym, and pool. We play cribbage, billiards, pool volleyball, mah jong, and go to they gym once a day. There is sometung to to do all the time if you choose. When we go back north for the summer, we enjoy visiting with family and friends and spoiling the grandkids. We still drive back down before the snow starts falling. - Barbara Reed Fuller
Do you have a reflection on retirement that we can add to this blog post? Please add a comment or send an e-mail so it can be added to this posting.
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