Hello Class of 73
Just wanted to say hi and update our lives in retirement . Julie and I retired about 2.5 years ago and it has gone by so quickly.
We spent the first six months doing a complete remodel of the house we bought We moved into a 55 community and the house we purchased was built by the the original owners. They had planned to live the lives out in the house but alzheimers sent them down a different path. The house was ok but had never been updated. I think we got a good buy but spent plenty redoing it to our liking. We now live in a very nice house and will stay here until some major change forces us out.
Our community was very active until the COVID hit. We had plenty todo and kept active in a number of groups and social events but currently all are on hiatus. We are still in a relatively low risk area but we only venture out for needed supplies and an occasional meal. Our golf course remained open so we spend a lot a days doing that. With Florida another hot spot they are considering closing or restricting our pools and gym, we will nave to see.
Before all this hit we went on a cruise to the southern Caribbean and Belize. The cruise was a great time, Belize left a lot to be desired. Except for the Mayan ruins, I would probably never return. We went with Julie’s brother Jim and his wife. They were great fun and we both sort of knew that each couple needed time alone which worked out well for all of us. We then spent several days in Biloxi and New Orleans. A mutual friend had his 60th BD in New Orleans. Exploring the area was very interesting. There is plenty to see and if you like to drink and gamble plenty of that available. The food there is amazing. We made sure sure we went to a good restaurant each evening to try out the local flavors.
Julie and I went to Vegas in mid February. The day we returned was the first day that southern California enacted some their first restrictions. We were pretty clueless at that point. Fortunately there was no problems for us but is was somewhat unnerving to find out this was an issue when we got home.
The only unfortunate thing to happen to us was our 14yo golden retriever had to be put down. He was my bud and I still miss him a year later. At 14 he was past his time and we just could not stand seeing him decline any further. For those of you that had a long time furry family member know what I mean. As of this time we have not replaced him.
Julie’s dad turned 90 in March. We were supposed have had a gathering to the adult members of the family but that was canceled until sometime in the future. He lives in the same community as us, which is mostly the reason we moved here. Julie wanted to be closer to him for all the reasons you can think of. He usually comes over of Sunday dinner and calls when there is some sort of a problem. We help out as best we can and so far has not been too bad.
We were supposed to take a long driving vacation this year but that has been put on the back burner. The last niece graduated high school this year and we were supposed to go to her graduation party, then a long trip to the Rockies and back to Iowa for my family Christmas in June. Unfortunately none of that is taking place,maybe next summer.
Both our boys are doing great. Ben is still in DC working for the USDof Transportation as an engineer. He as been working from home since March with no date on return to normal office hours. He has a significant other for some time now. He recently adopted two cats and she has a dog. I guess all 5 of them are getting along nicely. Based upon current conditions, it may be some time before we get to see him.
Quin is still in Orlando working IT for Hilton Hotels. He and his significant other bought a house and have been fixing it up. They have also become backyard vegetable gardeners growing a large variety of fresh fruits and veggies. We do get to see them on occasion but tend to keep our distance for safety purposes.
Well that concludes my life in a page.
I attached two files, one is the top music from the summer of 73 and the second is a collage of Julie and I through the years. Our most recent photo is middle bottom .Isolation gives us time todo things that maybe we would never think of
Stay safe all and hopefully we will all be able to get together in a few years for our 50th
love from Florida
Arnie and Julie
