On January 31, I retired. I had been counting the days for months. (Sarah made me a paper chain with the number of work days to retirement, and I took one link off each day.)
Although I had the privilege of engaging in a meaningful career, both as a deputy prosecutor and as a court commissioner, the demands of the latter job, combined with a 2 to 2-1/2 hour round trip commute and several hours of at-home preparation each night wore me down! I was ready, especially after the loss of Jason and Uncle Bob, and the knowledge of several colleagues who battled cancer, I want to ensure that I will have time to “play.” I want to spend time with Janie, my kids and my grandchildren. We plan to do some traveling, including a trip to the Bay area to help Leslie move back, to Phoenix for Spring Training, a trip to SF to visit Jess, and a trip to Sweden this summer. I also want to do some road trips when time permits.
I also want to do some woodworking and photography. My shop will be going away since Katie will be moving to a new house, so eventually, I will figure out where to relocate it. I might try to set up a sharing arrangement.
I do plan to do some legal work as well. I can serve as a substitute commissioner, without the day-in and day-out pressure. I also expect to do some volunteer work, especially centered around child welfare.
