We have a "right" to own guns, but not a right to health care, food, shelter, clothing, employment

[Flatulo]

147. People often ask me how I keep busy in retirement, and the truth is I often run out of time

each day.

I took a slightly different approach than you - I got a puppy, a beautiful chocolate lab who is my full-time project. We're inseparable, and I have to exercise her at least 2X per day to keep her insanity level at a minimum. Since I can't walk very far, I throw a ball with her for a half-hour in the morning and another half-hour in the afternoon. I do this until she is good and worn out. Then we do a short training session after each workout. Dogs seem to learn better after they've been exercised.

I also have a network of friends that I correspond with, which is becoming a lost art with Facebook and instant messaging. I really enjoy crafting a detailed letter to a dear friend.

Since my wife still works, I am now the chief cook, butler, chauffeur and housekeeper. I go collect fresh ingredients each day and make a healthy dinner for the family. We've all lost a few extra pounds and feel great after cutting back on processed food, sodium and saturated fats.

Last but not least, I tutor a few local kids in math and physics for just an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It's a good way to pick up a few extra bucks and the kids seem to respond well to my personality and methods. I worked as a mechanical engineer for 35 years and have a lot of good experiences to share. It also gives me an opportunity to act as a role model for them.

Like yourself, I do tire out and have to rest my back a few times during the day. A half hour on an ice pack usually does the trick.

In the evening I swim at the local community center, which is the only exercise left that I can manage with my back. By the time I get back 9:00 or so, I'm ready to settle in with my wife and cuddle up for an hour of TV. I don't sleep very well with the back pain, so I'm up and down all night, which is when I get in my correspondence.

I do enjoy reading your posts, and you've become a valuable resource for me on DU. Your postings are always well thought-out, well-researched, non-crazy, and always civil. You seem like a lovely person.