RETIREMENT

Tomorrow, May 1st is the official start of my retirement although I've been using my earned vacation time for all of April thus far. Some of the things that I've done during April are: went to two weekday movies (Avatar with my father-in-law and Alice in Wonderland with my wife and father-in-law), joined a summer 10-pin bowling league, joined the local senior center, signed up for five continuing education courses at Manchester Community College, got a new digital SLR camera, and bought some recliners for my man-cave. Time has seemed to slow down considerably. Nothing is a rush anymore unless I unwisely decide to plan things haphazardly. Stress seems to be a thing of the past and I'm looking forward to writing, exercising, and getting involved in social and educational activities on a regular basis. The key is to be physically, mentally, and socially active. They are intertwined and essential for a healthy and happy life.

Light the Lodge Powwow

On April 18, my wife and I attended the Light the Lodge Powwow on the University of Connecticut campus at Dow Field in Storrs, CT. Attached is a link (click on title above) to the UConn newspaper which covered the powwow. One item in the article which many people misinterpret is when a commenter referred to "I just love to see their costumes...". I have been to a few powwows and the ceremonial clothing is specifically referred to as regalia and not costumes. Powwows are deeply religious events to Native Americans and all aspects of the powwows such as the regalia, songs, dances, symbols, and prayers are all to be treated with respect. As an example, in the Catholic religion, I'm sure that many followers would be offended if non-Catholics were to refer to a priest's vestments as costumes.

CAPA Meeting - April 17th

My editor and writing workshop teacher, Eileen Albrizio will be the guest speaker at the Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association April meeting in Avon, CT. She offered a writing exercise to produce a plot sentence. I took the challenge and will present mine at the meeting. Here is mine for my upcoming novel, Montana Harvest:

Faced with a troubled marriage due to his 24/7 commitment to law enforcement, Sanders County, Montana Sheriff Jim Buchanan, a mixed-blood Native American and former professional sports celebrity, gets more than he bargained for when his pregnant wife, the former Kate Warren of New York City, turns up missing and the racially-charged, local townspeople begin to suspect him in her disappearance.

BREAKING NEWS

I just received back the manuscript for 'Mystery at Little Bitterroot' from my editor, Eileen Albrizio. I now have until April 14th to send a query letter for the CAPA-U 'Meet With An Agent' segment of CAPA's annual writers conference on May 8th. I also will have to work on her edit remarks for the 1st 50 pages of my manuscript and bring that with me to provide to an agent if requested. It looks like retirement occurred just in time and will transition my 36-year career at Northeast Utilities right into a writing career. This is an exciting time. To be continued . . .

1st Two Days of Retirement

My last day of work was Wednesday, March 31st and although I'm technically still on the payroll using vacation time through to the end of April, I am in retiree mode. I got up at 7:30 on Thursday morning, fed the dogs, ran a dish wash, read my emails, did a clothes wash, exercised, showered, and then got two of our dogs ready for a 2 PM vet appointment. Then I came home and stuck a home-made pizza in the oven for my wife and me. I didn't write yesterday but am seeing that many of the things that I used to accomplish either after work or on weekends can be done during regular weekdays. Today, I backed up three of my PCs and then donated blood, reaching the 12-gallon milestone.

R-E-T-I-R-E-D

Wednesday, March 31st was my last day at work and to mark the occasion, my wife suggested that we go out, enjoy a meal together, and celebrate. We went to Outback Steakhouse and I ordered a mouth-watering sirloin steak with mashed potatoes, carrots & broccoli, topped off by a Heineken. Then, after window shopping near the Mall, we drove to Bob's Furniture Store and bought . . . what else . . . a heat & massage recliner. What else should a retiree have in his/her home!