I hope that's the case for me too. I've been so "busy" for so long, I don't want to become bored in retirement.
I'll be continuing my downsizing efforts around here, as there is a lot in this house that we will need to get rid of before moving. Next up on my agenda . . . my personal reading library/book collection. I hate the thought of throwing away books, but some (most business type books) are simply obsolete in this day & age of the internet and 100% real-time information.
I will be looking forward to continuing our work here in Milwaukee with shelter/rescue groups for dogs . . . and fostering when we're home and available. I'm also pretty excited about finally being home and being able to do the rescue transport of dogs from the south to rescue groups up this way, as those animals make their way to their forever homes.
Somehow I doubt you'll ever be bored. You have too much that interests you.
Downsizing is a process - keep reminding yourself that the accumulation happened over time, so it's not reasonable to expect to get rid of things in a short time. One room at a time, or one corner of one room at a time. Keep chipping away at it. It'll happen.
Talk to a Used Book Store or even a Library in your area to see if there is any interest in your books. You may be surprised to find out about "vintage" non-fiction book demands. People like reading up on how things "used to be done." And if they are fiction books of any variety, a Used Book Store may be very interested. A lot of books we enjoyed in our younger days are out of print.
Animal Rescue work is very gratifying. I hope you can find a way to satisfy yourself with that, in whatever way that works out. Our cat was adopted as a kitten from an animal rescue in Seattle. He's now six years old, and I've never seen a cat with more personality. It's a good fit. I'll always be grateful to that organization.
Have fun on your trip!
EDIT: I just read back through your Blog about Yellowstone. So great! You had some amazing adventures. You mentioned some places I've enjoyed visiting, too, and given me some great ideas for future trips! (I haven't been to Thermopolis since 1996. And Livingston needs more exploration than we gave it last time around.) Google Maps says it's only about 9+ hours from here to Jackson or West Yellowstone - a nice day's drive. I'm thinking we're going to need to have some more Road Trip days.
Thanks again for the Blog posts. It felt a lot like being there in the car with you. If you're serious about repeating this in Summer 2023, I may have to see if we can figure out how we can zoom up there and say Hi.
Dave
