You may have noticed the countdown clock to the right. Yesterday marked the completion of my 68th trip around the Sun. I have made the decision that if "God is willing, and the creek don't rise" that my retirement will begin on my 69th birthday, next May 3rd. I've informed my supervisors at work, so that they have ample time to find a replacement. When I was on-boarded with this current contractor, it seemed to take forever, so i'm thinking even a year might not be enough at the speed with which they move. But that would be their problem, and not mine.
Yesterday, the South Plainfield Police Department DID hold their 2nd Annual Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby t Spring Lake Park. Predictions fora rainy day did not come to fruition, and it turned out to be quite the opposite, with bright sunshine with temperatures making it into the 80s.
Our new CERT trailer made it's debut, as a large tackle box! It was loaded with rods and reels for kids to use who wanted to fish, but couldn't afford equipment. Marv K2VHW, Bill KC2PLO and myself were on CERT duty to direct parking cars and to keep a watchfull eye for any mishaps. Fortunately, there were no hooked ears, fingers, or faces, and no one fell into the water. In that way, we had a gratefully uneventful day.
We did have one surprise, though
The United States Park Police made an appearance with two mounted officers. It turned out that one of the officers is a local resident and that he convinced two of his friends to come with him on their own time. They were indeed, a big hit with the kids and their parents. Everyone wanted to give the horses a friendly pat, and the horses didn't seem to mind at all
This is not to disparage the officers, who were in full uniform. Dressed that way must make it a bit difficult to mount a horse, so they used a little step stool to do so. Of course, my brain immediately went to, "Marshall Dillon would never do that!" Just my warped sense of humor, I guess!
We wrapped up at Noon, when the tournament ended. I was pretty much wasted after getting up extra early and spending hours in the hot sun. I got the weekly grocery shopping done and just chilled for the rest of the day after that.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP -: When you care to send the very least!
Happy Birthday! The greatest thing since I retired is radioing at the park on weekdays. Everyone else is working so it's like having your own private estate with no interruptions. You just have to figure out when they will be mowing where!
ReplyDeleteRick N8TGQ
Larry...I am hoping to retire in March 2026 at age 66, God willing. I hope you get to retire next May. I also hope we both have many years of retirement to live out and enjoy!!
ReplyDeletePS. Used my Norcal SMK-1 tonight at 350mw to make a contact in Illinois. It's not DX but it made my weekend...the bands here in the heartland were pretty ugly Saturday. 73
Good morning, Larry, congratulations on setting the date, and the time will fly past. Once you are retired, you will be surprised how each day seems to get packed with things to do.
ReplyDelete73,
Mike
VE9KK
Only downside with retirement is you will wonder why you waited so long! Congrats Larry. Wishing you a long, leisure life. 73 de Jeff KE9V
ReplyDelete