So, we retired when we were 57 years old and married for 35 years. What are we going to do for the next 4 to 40 years.  (My grandpa Scherr was retired more years than he worked).  The circumstances of our retirement were complicated but briefly it involved our office building accidentally being destroyed and we had to relocate it, changes in the credit card processing industry and how it would affect our clients and our own health.  So with selling/insurance from the building and business and other sources we actually purchased two vacation homes.  One as  a family retreat and meeting place, a six bedroom home on a non-motor boat lake in the Catskills and the winter home in Florida which is a 2 bedroom plus den and 2 bath.  We have a nice soft bed with no metal frame in the den so we sleep more than 6 if needed and the regular guest room is on the opposite side of the house from the master so guests can have a private space.

So how do we keep busy when we are in Florida,   Well there’s the repetitive things like Ron plays racquet ball 7-8a twice a week and tennis at 9 or 10:30 3 days a week.  I have water weights everyday at 9:30 and boxing at 3-4 twice a week etc,  Then there are clubs like photo club, arts and crafts, drama etc that meet from once a week to once a month and then there are shows, some brought in by the homeowners association and some by the clubs (some you can bring guests and some it is only for people in that complex. My son’s in-laws purchased 4mi away but we  hardly see  them because we are doing stuff at our complex and they are at theirs.)  Among the stars we’ve seen are Don McClean, Joan Baez and Peter Noonun, we’ve seen lots of tribute bands and even bigger groups like Capital Steps and also a variety of  local/regional entertainers that also do the cruise boat gigs.  And in on top of that we’ve had several concert and theater venues which we’ve either purchased individual or season tickets.   WE had two years where we juggled two or three Tuesday night subscriptions.  Some sites are better than others on returns and exchanges But you can see how we keep busy.

And then of course there are the visitors and actually this is something you need to check before you purchase,  Our complex does not allow diapers in the pool so my kids really can’t come down again until the 2 year old is out of diapers.  But another nearby complex does not let children in the pool at all. In general Valencia Shores is kid friendly The Men’s Club does all sorts of kids programs (ages 5=17 ish) during the December school break and people often pass around high  chairs, car seats and Pack n Plays

So moving is never easy, finding new stores, new practitioners, doctors, etc, but Ron and I personally made a good choice with Valencia Shores. We’ve formed nice friendships for the future and every once in a while make an acquaintance with some one that shares our past history