Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

fezo said:

gg - " But, I'm trying to be relatively objective about it, but I'm really liking it right now."

There is a time and place for objectivity. I suspect this isn't it.

On work. Having been out of the work force for four and a half years I'm not in a hurry to return and anything I do will be something for fun. I may well end up in a summer job at a miniature golf course, working the booth and keeping the place clean. Nice, very family friendly place I've known most of my life. Might also be looking for some places to play in institutions - like nursing homes. The good part there is they have to hire entertainment by law, they don't balk at your price and pay on the spot. The down side is a 1099...

I want to be a car transporter for Rolls Royce.

fezo

I'd take that!

OF - where in NYS are you anyway? And what sorts of things do you farm? I ask because as the weather gets nice I start heading into the NW corner of NJ and hit a couple of farms up there for milk and eggs and other things where I get to know the source of the food. One of them has a spectacular maple bbq sauce that they get from a maple farm in Michigan's UP.

andres3

graphicguy said:

fezo said:

My hockey fun is over, but the Devils had a nice run with three more Stanley Cups than I ever expected them to get when they first came here from Colorado.

Hockey on TV is OK Hockey live is insanely good.

Gg - if you replace those dry rotted tires it won't be bone stock anymore.....

fezo...excellent point about the tires.

Now, we wait, to see if he calls me back first, or I call him back first, or we don't call each other at all.

There' the practical GG that says "you don't need a Cobra, it's an indulgence that makes no sense". Then, there's the impractical GG that keeps saying "...you've had a tough year. You deserve it. Buy it and drive it like you stole it, every chance you get."

None of us here like leaving money on the table when buying a vehicle. I think $10K, while not unreasonable, becomes $11K with new shoes. And, that is on the high side, regardless of how good condition the car is. $8,500 + $1K for tires puts it in the reasonable category.

Seller thinks the tires are fine. Dry rot is obvious to me, and not something I want on a car that's likely to be driven a bit aggressively.

That's where we're at.

If you googled pictured of dry rotted tires, and showed him how his tires matched, would that convince him?

henryn

andres3 said:

graphicguy said:

fezo said:

My hockey fun is over, but the Devils had a nice run with three more Stanley Cups than I ever expected them to get when they first came here from Colorado.

Hockey on TV is OK Hockey live is insanely good.

Gg - if you replace those dry rotted tires it won't be bone stock anymore.....

fezo...excellent point about the tires.

Now, we wait, to see if he calls me back first, or I call him back first, or we don't call each other at all.

There' the practical GG that says "you don't need a Cobra, it's an indulgence that makes no sense". Then, there's the impractical GG that keeps saying "...you've had a tough year. You deserve it. Buy it and drive it like you stole it, every chance you get."

None of us here like leaving money on the table when buying a vehicle. I think $10K, while not unreasonable, becomes $11K with new shoes. And, that is on the high side, regardless of how good condition the car is. $8,500 + $1K for tires puts it in the reasonable category.

Seller thinks the tires are fine. Dry rot is obvious to me, and not something I want on a car that's likely to be driven a bit aggressively.

That's where we're at.

If you googled pictured of dry rotted tires, and showed him how his tires matched, would that convince him?

No.

Becoming convinced would cost him $1,000. So the answer is "No".

andres3

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

Yes, but the big difference is murder isn't a totally arbitrary rule of law that only began 10 years ago. Murder is considered wrong and unethical in addition to a law that hasn't changed in centuries. When cars of 10 or 20, or 30 years ago are treated differently for no reason other than being "grandfathered" it creates a general feeling of ridiculousness.

Sort of like 55 MPH speed limits.

So because you don't personally agree with a law or rule, you think it can be ignored? Good luck with that.

Yes, it's cost me several tickets over the years but a wise person once said it is immoral to obey and follow unjust laws.

At least with the 55 MPH speed limits, the vast majority of Americans have voted with their left foots, and I'm not alone. Now if we could just get politicians to follow the will of the people.

graphicguy

andres....good idea about showing the owner the pics of rotted tires. I suspect this isn't just about the tires, though. This is about me finding fault with, up until this point, his pride and joy. Just talking to him Sunday with his wife, he hasn't driven it much lately. Don't know why that is. When I went to his home for another look see yesterday, he's got what looks like a brand new Explorer Titanium (assuming that's the big dog of the Explorer lineup). He also has an F150 that's probably no more than 2 MYs old, and it's loaded. So, two drivers, 3 vehicles...one isn't going to get driven.

I think he and his wife were getting some feelers at the car show I attended Sunday. Their car wasn't in the show, but he was actively going to the different Mustang contingency there talking up his Cobra. Regardless of his claim he doesn't have to sell (which I suspect is true), he's quietly but actively shopping it.

Fezo...Michaell...I don't pay much attention to Facebook, but every once in awhile there's a gem of a saying posted there. Kind relates to all of us, but saw one this a.m. that said..."A year from now, the thing you're worried about right now, won't matter in the least." Depends on how you interpret that, but probably true.

OF....I got a lawyer over a month ago. He's trying to protect me, but we need input from the other side to get this moving.

fezo

Yeah, not the kind of thing you can navigate by yourself. As always, best of luck.

oldfarmer50

fezo said:

I'd take that!

OF - where in NYS are you anyway? And what sorts of things do you farm? I ask because as the weather gets nice I start heading into the NW corner of NJ and hit a couple of farms up there for milk and eggs and other things where I get to know the source of the food. One of them has a spectacular maple bbq sauce that they get from a maple farm in Michigan's UP.

I'm up near Albany. This being my last year I've cut back to just a few herbs and some nursery stock. No animals...that's too much like work.

ab348

stickguy said:

It's different getting riffed in your 50s than when younger. You get into the gray area of too early to retire, but not all that enthused about (and sometimes, able to find) a replacement "rat race" job. If I had to go through that process again, I would really think about some alternative way to make money (and a cheaper lifestyle). Really just need to make it 2 more years, until I am done with kids in college, to have the option!

It really is strange how things can change so fast. I am coming up on 2 years since my retirement and it is interesting to reflect. My job the last 10-12 years I was working was very high-level, lots of pressure, dealing with CEOs and lots of V-Ps and also politicians and their senior staff people. Very demanding, hundreds of emails each day, lots of people to interact with, lots of hours, and not a whole lot of recognition when you did something good. By 2012 I knew it was time to get out of there but it took me 2 years to jump. I was worried about walking away from the money and the great unknown of being retired. But I figured I could always do something else at age 58 if I wanted to.

It took me months to actually feel like doing anything other than things around the house. When I finally did get back into the field I was involved with, although I did a good job, I hated doing it. A second request left me feeling the same and I have actively avoided any requests since. I do not want to do work in my old field. But this is where it gets strange: more and more I find myself not wanting to do ANYTHING. Even stuff like appointments to see my investments person at the bank are a bit of a PITA. I understand how some people can become hermits. I don't feel like volunteering, I don't feel like working at a keep-busy kind of job, I am really sort of wondering what the heck I would like to do to occupy myself. It's strange because I was never unemployed for a single day once I got my first job out of university.

I'm lucky in that I have a decent pension and have saved some so finances are not a concern. I'm single so I don't have a family to support and my house is paid for. But the idea of being alone is less and less appealing as I get older. Not that I'm looking for a wife or anything - I really think at my age now it would be nearly impossible to work out after being by myself all my life. But it is a bit of a big gulp kind of realization as I age. Kind of scary in one sense, and in another almost like too many options to figure out what would excite me in terms of activities or travel or lifestyle changes. I think part of the issue for me is that when I was working I was very structured and disciplined both at work and in my personal planning. Now all that is no longer necessary and it is a bit overwhelming.

driver100

fezo said:

gg - " But, I'm trying to be relatively objective about it, but I'm really liking it right now."

There is a time and place for objectivity. I suspect this isn't it.

On work. Having been out of the work force for four and a half years I'm not in a hurry to return and anything I do will be something for fun. I may well end up in a summer job at a miniature golf course, working the booth and keeping the place clean. Nice, very family friendly place I've known most of my life. Might also be looking for some places to play in institutions - like nursing homes. The good part there is they have to hire entertainment by law, they don't balk at your price and pay on the spot. The down side is a 1099...

Fezo, you should consider the Florida circuit. Most gated type communities or any community has a central recreation or meeting room. Some of the people who play are very good, and each year they do a circuit and perform....usually good at jokes and telling stories, getting people involved. I thought if I had any kind of talent and wanted to keep performing that would make for a pretty nice lifestyle.

driver100

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

It's different getting riffed in your 50s than when younger. You get into the gray area of too early to retire, but not all that enthused about (and sometimes, able to find) a replacement "rat race" job. If I had to go through that process again, I would really think about some alternative way to make money (and a cheaper lifestyle). Really just need to make it 2 more years, until I am done with kids in college, to have the option!

I'm lucky in that I have a decent pension and have saved some so finances are not a concern. I'm single so I don't have a family to support and my house is paid for. But the idea of being alone is less and less appealing as I get older. Not that I'm looking for a wife or anything - I really think at my age now it would be nearly impossible to work out after being by myself all my life. But it is a bit of a big gulp kind of realization as I age. Kind of scary in one sense, and in another almost like too many options to figure out what would excite me in terms of activities or travel or lifestyle changes. I think part of the issue for me is that when I was working I was very structured and disciplined both at work and in my personal planning. Now all that is no longer necessary and it is a bit overwhelming.

Ab, I have been really retired for about 3 years and I have never been so active. But, like you I hate doing any real things, banking or taxes etc (thank goodness my wife looks after that stuff). I can't fix anything and I hate working around the house. I don't think volunteer work is for everyone, it is great if you enjoy it, but, I feel I have done my share for humanity by employing about 10 to 12 people for many years.
I play tennis or pickleball almost every day, but, if I didn't do that I would go to a seniors center and look at what they offer. There are sports activities, classes and discussions about all kinds of topics from music of the 50s or 60s, current events, walking and travel groups. From that you can meet some people who are interested in the same things. I'd look at courses say at the library in how to use a computer, cellphone, or ebooks. Usually most places have a community or seniors center that can tell you about some things that are available. There are walking groups and I usually meet with a friend or two once a week for a coffee and catching up.

I think the danger is it is too easy to slide into being a hermit. It takes an effort and a lot of work to get things going, but it is so rewarding. Friendships take time when we get older too, we get set in our ways and it is harder to match up with other people. That's OK, it takes time but if you meet the same people on a regular basis then you start to form friendships

isellhondas

graphicguy said:

So....took another look at the Mustang Cobra SVT. It's all that and a bag of chips. Fun car. Strong drivetrain. Everything works. Top is in good shape. Surprisingly comfortable given how well it handles. Didn't push it since the tires were showing some signs of dry rot, but it will scoot. Trans and clutch are heavy compared to today's standards, but it all works as it should.

It will rev, which is fun. Didn't take it to redline because it was a cold start. But did take it to about 5,500 RPM. Redline is 7K. It feels like it will do that all day long.

It makes great sounds. It's also bone stock, which I like.

As mentioned, some dry rot on the tires. Tread is good, but wouldn't want to take a chance with them....especially given I would probably drive.....well....at speeds that I shouldn't.

It's been well cared for, but not driven much, at least not lately. I told him it was a nice car. I made no secret of my interest.

He wanted $12K, and said he really wasn't sure he wanted to sell it. I told him we were too far apart and I would not insult him with my offer. He wanted to know what my offer was, though.

I told him the only amount I could come up with was $8,500. He proceeded to tell me again he didn't have to sell it. I told him he should keep it then because it is a very nice car.

I thanked him for his time and started making me way towards me car. He followed me down the driveway and asked if I was willing to go $10K. So, he seemed a bit more willing to negotiate. I told him it was well over my budget, but I'd think about it.

I want to do more research. Good car, though.

Expect a phone call UNLESS you told him that 8500.00 was the MOST you would possibly pay.

isellhondas

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

GG, Sorry to hear about the problems and China and all......it is hard enough breaking up when the other party is still around. This too shall pass, but, it is a lot more complicated than it should be.

About the Mustang....love that car and it would be a nice fun car to have. I suppose the CTS will be your daily rider and the Stang is just for fun. What is the plan for it in the winter? I doubt if you would get too far in the snow unless you got snow tires!

Thanks, guys! It is what it is. I'm past the emotional collateral. I just want to get this over with.

CTS would be my daily driver. Mustang Cobra would be the car for sunny days and top down.

See...I've already thought this through....LOL!

If you really want that Mustang and it sounds like you do, give the guy a call and let him know you still have cash waiting and that you might pay a bit more. Do NOT suggest a number but have him give YOU a number.

Hopefully, his wife will be the one to pick up the phone and he won't be home!

henryn

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

It's different getting riffed in your 50s than when younger. You get into the gray area of too early to retire, but not all that enthused about (and sometimes, able to find) a replacement "rat race" job. If I had to go through that process again, I would really think about some alternative way to make money (and a cheaper lifestyle). Really just need to make it 2 more years, until I am done with kids in college, to have the option!

I'm lucky in that I have a decent pension and have saved some so finances are not a concern. I'm single so I don't have a family to support and my house is paid for. But the idea of being alone is less and less appealing as I get older. Not that I'm looking for a wife or anything - I really think at my age now it would be nearly impossible to work out after being by myself all my life. But it is a bit of a big gulp kind of realization as I age. Kind of scary in one sense, and in another almost like too many options to figure out what would excite me in terms of activities or travel or lifestyle changes. I think part of the issue for me is that when I was working I was very structured and disciplined both at work and in my personal planning. Now all that is no longer necessary and it is a bit overwhelming.

Ab, I have been really retired for about 3 years and I have never been so active. But, like you I hate doing any real things, banking or taxes etc (thank goodness my wife looks after that stuff). I can't fix anything and I hate working around the house. I don't think volunteer work is for everyone, it is great if you enjoy it, but, I feel I have done my share for humanity by employing about 10 to 12 people for many years.
I play tennis or pickleball almost every day, but, if I didn't do that I would go to a seniors center and look at what they offer. There are sports activities, classes and discussions about all kinds of topics from music of the 50s or 60s, current events, walking and travel groups. From that you can meet some people who are interested in the same things. I'd look at courses say at the library in how to use a computer, cellphone, or ebooks. Usually most places have a community or seniors center that can tell you about some things that are available. There are walking groups and I usually meet with a friend or two once a week for a coffee and catching up.

I think the danger is it is too easy to slide into being a hermit. It takes an effort and a lot of work to get things going, but it is so rewarding. Friendships take time when we get older too, we get set in our ways and it is harder to match up with other people. That's OK, it takes time but if you meet the same people on a regular basis then you start to form friendships

You should also checkout Meetup.Com

A lot of things to do, get involved in. I am active in a Meetup group for singles over 50, and there are many, many others.

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

stickguy said:

It's different getting riffed in your 50s than when younger. You get into the gray area of too early to retire, but not all that enthused about (and sometimes, able to find) a replacement "rat race" job. If I had to go through that process again, I would really think about some alternative way to make money (and a cheaper lifestyle). Really just need to make it 2 more years, until I am done with kids in college, to have the option!

It really is strange how things can change so fast. I am coming up on 2 years since my retirement and it is interesting to reflect. My job the last 10-12 years I was working was very high-level, lots of pressure, dealing with CEOs and lots of V-Ps and also politicians and their senior staff people. Very demanding, hundreds of emails each day, lots of people to interact with, lots of hours, and not a whole lot of recognition when you did something good. By 2012 I knew it was time to get out of there but it took me 2 years to jump. I was worried about walking away from the money and the great unknown of being retired. But I figured I could always do something else at age 58 if I wanted to.

It took me months to actually feel like doing anything other than things around the house. When I finally did get back into the field I was involved with, although I did a good job, I hated doing it. A second request left me feeling the same and I have actively avoided any requests since. I do not want to do work in my old field. But this is where it gets strange: more and more I find myself not wanting to do ANYTHING. Even stuff like appointments to see my investments person at the bank are a bit of a PITA. I understand how some people can become hermits. I don't feel like volunteering, I don't feel like working at a keep-busy kind of job, I am really sort of wondering what the heck I would like to do to occupy myself. It's strange because I was never unemployed for a single day once I got my first job out of university.

I'm lucky in that I have a decent pension and have saved some so finances are not a concern. I'm single so I don't have a family to support and my house is paid for. But the idea of being alone is less and less appealing as I get older. Not that I'm looking for a wife or anything - I really think at my age now it would be nearly impossible to work out after being by myself all my life. But it is a bit of a big gulp kind of realization as I age. Kind of scary in one sense, and in another almost like too many options to figure out what would excite me in terms of activities or travel or lifestyle changes. I think part of the issue for me is that when I was working I was very structured and disciplined both at work and in my personal planning. Now all that is no longer necessary and it is a bit overwhelming.

Not retired and still work two jobs but I can relate to what you're going through when I have school breaks during the non farm season. I fall into a chair and vegetate. Very tough to self motivate when there are no negative consequences for doing so.

I find eventually that I get depressed doing nothing but if I acomplish just one thing each day it's better. It can be as simple as taking the garbage out to the curb or simple home repairs. Set a goal and do it each day.

As to being alone but not wanting a wife it sounds like you're a good candidate for a sugar daddy relationship. (Just kidding)

cdnpinhead

I find eventually that I get depressed doing nothing but if I accomplish just one thing each day it's better. It can be as simple as taking the garbage out to the curb or simple home repairs. Set a goal and do it each day.

This is absolutely true. Once you get the first thing done, the motivation to do the second one increases noticeably, at least for me. Baby steps, followed by something more significant.

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Not retired and still work two jobs but I can relate to what you're going through when I have school breaks during the non farm season. I fall into a chair and vegetate. Very tough to self motivate when there are no negative consequences for doing so.

I find eventually that I get depressed doing nothing but if I acomplish just one thing each day it's better. It can be as simple as taking the garbage out to the curb or simple home repairs. Set a goal and do it each day.

As to being alone but not wanting a wife it sounds like you're a good candidate for a sugar daddy relationship. (Just kidding)

I actually do that although I try to make it more than taking out the garbage! I feel let down if there aren't a couple of things accomplished daily. And I have the 3 cats here so their care always takes some time.

The sugar daddy thing sounds appealing!

explorerx4

@ab348,
I'm a few years older than you and still working, but am worried about going in to hermit mode when I retire.
Probably will have some grandkids by then, so it won't be an option.
How about taking a trip? Go on a tour somewhere. Just tell people you are going back to where some family was generations ago and you are trying to fill in some gaps. A plausible reason, in case anyone asks. Get out of your rut.
Go visit Stever for a few days. He can put you on rattlesnake patrol. Find one and that will put some 'pep in your step'.

stever

lol, relocating the rattlers will definitely get your heart beating. C'mon down, I'll even buy an extra garbage can and broomstick for y'all.

My wife took early retirement at age 55 three years ago. She's busy being creative and loves it. I'd tend to go hermit mode.

andres3

In my dreams I see retirement as moving into the Playboy Mansion. Hefner isn't going to last forever.

abacomike

I usually have no problem getting up every morning (around 7:00 AM) and doing my routines - coffee, bagel, 10 pills, newspaper, bathroom duties, shower, dress, take out the trash, walk 30 minutes at the mall, and by 12:00 noon I am usually home and exhausted.  

Today, after walking at the mall, I had the car washed, filled up the tank with gas, went shopping, and then came home by 12:30 PM.  Still exhausted!

Ever since my heart attack in November, I find I just don't have the strength or desire to go out for dinner or volunteer at the hospital or the local school(s).  If I was involved with meeting people and carousing, I'd be over-doing it.  Some of the pills I take cause the tiring - the heart medications in particular.

At least I am getting some exercise most days - but that 30 minutes of walking also causes me to tire.  Do I wish I could do more - definitely!  I just can't.

On Mother's Day, I am planning to visit my mother's and grandmother's grave - a two-hour round trip drive.  I have to rest up for that.  I usually have at least 3 doctor appointments per month which also takes planning and proper timing.

Am I satisfied with my daily life?  No!  I wish I could do more, but I just can't.

ab348

stever said:

lol, relocating the rattlers will definitely get your heart beating. C'mon down, I'll even buy an extra garbage can and broomstick for y'all.

My wife took early retirement at age 55 three years ago. She's busy being creative and loves it. I'd tend to go hermit mode.

I'll pass on wrangling the rattlers, thanks.

Hermit mode is especially tough here because generally speaking, the weather in Nova Scotia is not pleasant from November until May. For example, it is snowing here as I type this. When it is below freezing and damp/snowing you do not want to get off the sofa.

@explorer4 , I used to travel a fair bit in my younger years but have become less adventurous more recently. Part of that is my absolute hatred of what air travel has become. Also, until recently I had 4 cats with various needs for care that really couldn't be turned over to anyone. The oldest and most needy, Sam, died in November, and I just learned this week that another of them is not long for this world, sadly. Once that inevitably happens there will be just two and those are the easiest for someone to take care of, so travel might be more practical then.

oldfarmer50

stever said:

lol, relocating the rattlers will definitely get your heart beating. C'mon down, I'll even buy an extra garbage can and broomstick for y'all.

My wife took early retirement at age 55 three years ago. She's busy being creative and loves it. I'd tend to go hermit mode.

I dream of a retirement buying rust free Florida cars but I think to do that I'd have to become single again myself. Well there's always road trips and vacations.

oldfarmer50

.

Am I satisfied with my daily life?  No!  I wish I could do more, but I just can't.

The lament of every senior.

driver100

For those who get bored you need a definite something about every other day to frame your week around. Find an activity you might like and sign up. If you go on a Mon, Wed and Fri you will do your other basic stuff on your days off....and the week will fly by.

When my daughter was about 5 or 6 she would say I am bored, and I would say to her there is music to listen to, books to read, movies to watch, games to play, places to see, people to meet, things to learn....only boring people get bored.

As an example of what can be done. Some people told me I can't come back to Florida unless I learn how to play Euchre. At home I joined the seniors Center and learned how to play Euchre...it didn't take long. I met some very nice people and if I liked it I can go back or join other groups and play. I am not that much into card games, and tennis and pickleball keep me pretty busy. But lots of people play badminton, or just go to a yoga or exercise class. Most towns have walking groups, and the people usually go for a coffee after.

Don't become a hermit. Force yourself to get out. It is much easier to sit at home but you will feel so much better being out and meeting and talking to people. Sometimes we are so tired on a Sunday evening but we force ourselves to play tennis, and on the way home we say we are so glad we forced ourselves to get out.

Ab, I think you mentioned taking up pickleball...that is the perfect winter sport/activity if you don't want to be outdoors. I think people are getting addicted to playing...it is a lot of fun!

explorerx4

@graphicguy,
That Cobra sounds tempting.
I hope you don't mind, but did some creeping over at tirerack.
Didn't see any OEM tires available, but the most expensive in my quick search was about $150, tire only.
Compared to a lot of current vehicles the tires are not that big 245/45/17.
When was the last time the battery was replaced? Cars of that vintage don't have the draw of current cars, so the battery lasts a while, but they still need to be replaced at intervals.
I buy a 100 month Motorcraft battery for my '91 Mustang and it lasts about that long, even sitting around more than half the year at a time. The car does seem to like a full charge before starting it.

graphicguy

isellhondas said:

graphicguy said:

driver100 said:

GG, Sorry to hear about the problems and China and all......it is hard enough breaking up when the other party is still around. This too shall pass, but, it is a lot more complicated than it should be.

About the Mustang....love that car and it would be a nice fun car to have. I suppose the CTS will be your daily rider and the Stang is just for fun. What is the plan for it in the winter? I doubt if you would get too far in the snow unless you got snow tires!

Thanks, guys! It is what it is. I'm past the emotional collateral. I just want to get this over with.

CTS would be my daily driver. Mustang Cobra would be the car for sunny days and top down.

See...I've already thought this through....LOL!

If you really want that Mustang and it sounds like you do, give the guy a call and let him know you still have cash waiting and that you might pay a bit more. Do NOT suggest a number but have him give YOU a number.

Hopefully, his wife will be the one to pick up the phone and he won't be home!

LOL!

I left it open ended. I expect he'll see if he gets any more bites, as it's the absolute best time of year to sell that particular car.

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

ab348 said:

As to being alone but not wanting a wife it sounds like you're a good candidate for a sugar daddy relationship. (Just kidding)

driver100 said:

For those who get bored you need a definite something about every other day to frame your week around. Find an activity you might like and sign up. If you go on a Mon, Wed and Fri you will do your other basic stuff on your days off....and the week will fly by.

When my daughter was about 5 or 6 she would say I am bored, and I would say to her there is music to listen to, books to read, movies to watch, games to play, places to see, people to meet, things to learn....only boring people get bored.

As an example of what can be done. Some people told me I can't come back to Florida unless I learn how to play Euchre. At home I joined the seniors Center and learned how to play Euchre...it didn't take long. I met some very nice people and if I liked it I can go back or join other groups and play. I am not that much into card games, and tennis and pickleball keep me pretty busy. But lots of people play badminton, or just go to a yoga or exercise class. Most towns have walking groups, and the people usually go for a coffee after.

Don't become a hermit. Force yourself to get out. It is much easier to sit at home but you will feel so much better being out and meeting and talking to people. Sometimes we are so tired on a Sunday evening but we force ourselves to play tennis, and on the way home we say we are so glad we forced ourselves to get out.

Ab, I think you mentioned taking up pickleball...that is the perfect winter sport/activity if you don't want to be outdoors. I think people are getting addicted to playing...it is a lot of fun!

I have been retired for 10 years and at times I enjoy being alone with just my wife and dog. I have 6 or 7 good friends and we all belong to the same club and play golf 3 or 4 times a week. In the warmer months we may Tee off at 7AM. so we finish around 11AM. Then I spend the afternoons with my wife. We may shop, have a late lunch, go for a walk, etc. When not playing golf or doing things with my wife, I watch out for our investments and follow the stock market, trying to find a big winner or two.

She won't allow me to go into hermit mode too much. Always inviting someone to dinner, or going over to a friends for dinner. When our son, his wife and 3 teenage boys visit from St. Louis, we always have a great time with them, and after a couple of days we breathe a sigh of relief as we wave goodbye !! I love the retired life.

graphicguy

Houdini....sounds great. That's the way retirement is supposed to work.

graphicguy

Explorer....battery is new. Tire price is merely as estimate on my part.

nyccarguy

I love hearing how well you guys are all doing in retirement.  My Dad is 70 and still works open to close, 6 days per week.

fezo

"Very tough to self motivate when there are no negative consequences for doing so."

Amen, brother.

stickguy

this is an exciting bunch here!

Farmer, is your plan to sell the land, and move to Fla? Or just stay there without doing the bus and farming stuff?

I already have the hermit part down. working full time from home, without any need to travel for business, means I am already set for being a vegetable. I have the staying in sweats all day nailed down.

if I didn't have to be tied to the PC during the day, I would probably get out more. And start doing the stuff on my list that I never get around to. Or more likely move, and start a new list!

The grand plan is to move in with my daughter, after she gets a job making lots of money. we will live over the garage, and take care of the 1/2 dozen dogs she wants to get. Plus I can maintain the car. sounds like a win win!

cdnpinhead

When you don't have to put your trousers on until after lunch, you're either retired or "working remotely."

Certainly works for me.

verdugo

ab348 said:

Once that inevitably happens there will be just two and those are the easiest for someone to take care of, so travel might be more practical then.

Sorry to hear about your cats. We lucked out and have two cats that will live forever (I keep telling myself that.)

Why not look into getting an RV and travelling with your cats? My in-laws got a small RV (based on the Mercedes Sprinter) and travelled with their cat.

oldfarmer50

Stickguy asked:

"Farmer, is your plan to sell the land, and move to Fla? Or just stay there without doing the bus and farming stuff?"

Moving to Florida is my plan. Getting someone to pay me what my place is worth and then convincing my wife to go with me are the only things standing in my way.

sb55

@ NYC. I love hearing how well you guys are all doing in retirement. My Dad is 70 and still works open to close, 6 days per week.
I worked for a family company in NYC too. My grandfather started it and worked 6 days/week into his 80's, commuting by train from Connecticut! I never thought that I would work there, but after a farming accident in my 20's, I couldn't go back to the farming life. As a temporary measure, I went to the "family" metalworking business. My father and grandfather worked there too, so it was hard to have a voice, but it turned out that I really liked it. Even the commuting part was OK in the beginning. I worked there for 30 years and during that time I ended up buying the company, so I was able to sell it when I finally had enough. The good thing was that by then my kids were done with college and we owned a summer place in Vermont that we were able to turn into a summer seasonal business. So my "retirement" is being kind of an innkeeper for 6 months of the year (treetopsvt dot com if anyone is interested). I really love it. I'm 61 now and my wife wants to have an "end date" plan. I just can't think of not doing what we do now, so how can you pre-plan a date? I knew when it was time to sell the other company and lucked out that it was in 2007 and not 2008. I'm sure that I will know when the time is right to fully retire and feel lucky that it will be on my timeline and not someone else's.

ps. for the mod's, my "quote" button doesn't work. Is it just me or a problem with Edmunds?

driver100

I always find it fascinating to hear how people got to where they are. Getting through life is sometimes difficult, roads taken or that weren't taken. We may have dreams to have a certain career but end up going in another direction. Some people work at the same company all their life and end up with a nice pension, but, that is getting rarer these days.

Striking out on your own can be one of the hardest things you can ever do in life, but it can be one of the most rewarding.

You all made it this far and that is quite an accomplishment. Thanks for sharing your stories.

nyccarguy

I posted this on CCBA, but just in case some of you don't follow that board; I took delivery of my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 14 years ago today

stickguy

Very nice looking. And when the zombies come, I know where to go for TP.

stickguy

Farmer, include the wife with the farm. Might up the price.

Just kidding of course.

driver100

nyccarguy said:

I posted this on CCBA, but just in case some of you don't follow that board; I took delivery of my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 14 years ago today

I always liked those early Preludes, and that one looks great. That car is a keeper...IMO, nothing looks better than older car, that has a great design, and is kept in good shape.

carnaught

NYC, the car looks pristine!

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

I posted this on CCBA, but just in case some of you don't follow that board; I took delivery of my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 14 years ago today

Car looks in great shape. I'd guess you don't drive it much in winter or it would have rust.

houdini1

driver100 said:

nyccarguy said:

I posted this on CCBA, but just in case some of you don't follow that board; I took delivery of my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 14 years ago today

I always liked those early Preludes, and that one looks great. That car is a keeper...IMO, nothing looks better than older car, that has a great design, and is kept in good shape.

Right you are driver. Kind of like really old tools that have been well used and well cared for. They just have a certain patina and a sense of history about them.

stever

@sb55, the quote button is still broken for IE users.

(Say hi to Darryl and Darryl for us - something tells me you hear that a lot, at least from your family members)

sda

oldfarmer50 said:

nyccarguy said:

I posted this on CCBA, but just in case some of you don't follow that board; I took delivery of my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH 14 years ago today

Car looks in great shape. I'd guess you don't drive it much in winter or it would have rust.

nyccarguy,

Happy 14th anniversary! Looks great and I'm sure in better shape than this one I was following behind this morning. With the exception of you sharing pictures of your Prelude, I cannot remember that last time I've seen one--and red no less!

stickguy

I think that model might be the last of the over-engineered Hondas, from when they were engineers first instead of marketing and bean counters.

imidazol97

stever said:

@sb55, the quote button is still broken for IE users. (Say hi to Darryl and Darryl for us - something tells me you hear that a lot, at least from your family members)

Bob Newhart! Love that show. Is he still around?

stever

Newhart is 86 and just writes travel books now ( "Many Moods Of Minnesota" and "Captivating Kansas").