Generic Retirement Thoughts (GRTs)

It’s been awhile since I just shared the latest iteration of my life as a retiree. Retirement life evolves with somewhat more rapidity with each year, likely because the number ahead is far shorter than the number behind. There’s also some sense of urgency to fulfill every experience left on the bucket and wish lists coupled with considerably more time just to sit, read and reflect. It’s an interesting dichotomous period of rapid and slow movements interrupted as often as possible with grandkids sightings (and their parents, of course). We’ve just returned from a wonderful Thanksgiving trip to Denver where we all gathered for the holidays and early celebration of Judy’s (big) birthday, so feeling particularly satisfied right now. But…

1. Can’t deny the reality of health issues revealing themselves at these ages as well. Fortunately, Judy and I seem to be in good health but with a long history of prostate enlargement (no secrets when we age), I had a relatively new procedure this week. All went well and I’m looking forward to its potential benefits. Otherwise, sticking with our vegan diet (more than 15 years), returning to our intermittent fasting (16/8) and increasing our exercising to ward off whatever we can avoid.?
2. Lots of travel planned for 2023 starting with a trip to SE Asia next month. We’ll begin in Vietnam and visit Cambodia, Laos and Thailand and look forward to the cultural immersion. The 23 hours of flight time each way (and multiple flights over there)….not so much. Subsequent trips are planned to India (Penn faculty) and Scandinavia but more about those later.?
3. I get great pleasure from connecting people with each other. Recently, I got to make several connections among entrepreneurs, Duke and Penn alumni and others who reached out (or whom I came across) with others I knew who could support them. I love hearing of great collaborations that ensue. I’m always reminded of the power of networking and really encourage all you, especially those just starting out, to expand your networks as broadly as possible and don’t forget to share those contacts with others.?
4. Haven’t played much golf of late with all our travel and ‘stuff’. I’m less and less inclined to play in the cold so will play later in the day and not at all on chilly/windy days. I’ve added a regular Monday afternoon pickleball match to my schedule, but Judy’s definitely become the family pickleball leader. She’s taking clinics and private lessons, playing ion tournaments and eager to improve her game. It’s a joy to watch her enthusiasm and excitement for the game and we’re heading to a multi-day pickleball camp in Feb which we’re both excited about!
5. How have the grandkids grown so fast! Jonathan will have his driver’s license in a few months and has already had his first college visit! Eli and Sylvia are in their last single digit ages and the Rose and Lucy are hysterical together. We can’t wait for the next time we’ll all be together. Gift shopping for Chanukah has definitely advanced past ‘toys’. They each have such distinct personalities and their parents deserve high praise indeed for raising such responsible, intelligent and funny kids. Eli wiped me out in a Monopoly game and the girls could be on roller skates all day!
6. We’ve been listening to a wide array of music when we’re home just hangin out. Stan Getz radio, various jazz artists, and old standards from the 40’s to the 80’s seem most prominent on our Apple music accounts. On TV, we’ve binged White Lotus (just ok), Attorney Woo (awesome) and just started Three Pines (we’re big Louise Penny fans). I’ve read a few Masie Dobbs mysteries and have a couple of biographies that were recommended to me. I quit Twitter, added Post and still spend too much time on Facebook. I’m about to drop Instagram (don’t find it of value or interest) but still find LinkedIn to offer most value. I love Atlantic articles and enjoy Kareem, Bari, Andrew, Heather, Robert and several other substack writers. I just finished an interesting podcast series (Gatecrashers) about Jews in the Ivy League. We’re overwhelmed with content! Thanks to all of you who make such great recommendations. Keep them coming!?
7. Eggplant was a big hit in the garden and I’m learning how to better manage my cucumbers. I added three large pots to the garden so hope to have more planting options in the spring. Stay tuned!
8. Nothing new on Judy’s Vinfast. We’re still on the list and hoping to have the opportunity to purchase our first all-electric vehicle next summer. Of course, we’re also getting to the point where we may only need one car so we’ll see what happens.?
9. The rise in antisemitism is infuriating. I’ve recently volunteered to be a Holocaust Educator in NC and have a slide deck prepared about my parents’ experiences in Poland and through the horrors of the Holocaust and their concentration camp experiences. Ye, Nick, Alex, Donald and many others can all go fuck themselves. Silence is complicity. Never forget.
10. Onward…

Larry