Thanks to all who helped provide great insights on retirement when I had to make a decision in December. All that information was most beneficial in helping to fully process both the mental and financial aspects of this adjustment. My employer of 42 years has accepted my offer to retire and provided me a last working day of March 31!!! The date is a little longer than my colleagues which is a mixed bag. It reflects a unique role I've been privileged to have in our organization and necessary for a smoother transition of duties but after making the decision I'm already ready for the next chapter!! It also means I'll have to be on good behavior for another month so I can retire with the nice package they've offered......Ha!

I'm truly blessed and am very excited about the future. My employer has bridged my medical to Medicare so no worries there. They are also providing other financial incentives which bridges me for a while. Financially I've been extremely fortunate so no worries there either, at least for now.

So what's planned???

More riding to find roads I haven't ridden before.
Updating my 20+ year old home to sell when the time is right-lots of interior and exterior projects!
Joining a local golf course where I can walk and play with other retirees, it is very close by my house.
I'm already a President of a nonprofit so maybe more focus on that.
I have already laid out a cross country bike ride that I hope to do August/September, my wife will be my support and we can go our own pace!!!!

My 94+ year old Mom passed away this week, I'm the estate executor so handling all that. She had 94 incredible years, had no regrets and went quickly and peacefully. Her heart literally wore out. I hope I can say the same at 94+!!!

But the circle of life continues. One of my daughters let us know that she is expecting and we are looking forward to our first grandchild this summer. So another item will be to learn how to be a terrific Grandpa!!! (It did push out my XC bike ride!!)

2016 looks to be a big year of changes in our household but it's all good. If you can't tell I'm really excited and I have no concerns about being bored!! Looking forward to what's next!!!!