My grandparents are the epitome of happily retired. They live in a cozy house in the country with limited responsibilities. Mornings are quiet, a time reserved for throwing birdseed and peanuts on the patio so they can watch the birds and squirrels eat breakfast. My grandma even has one squirrel trained to come right up to the door to get his peanuts.
Hummingbirds flock to the feeder that hangs right outside the sliding glass door. My grandpa rides his horse; my grandma reads her kindle. It’s peaceful and quiet and slow and just the way I like things to be. Every meal is prepared in the kitchen and eaten at the table after the blessing. Their house is full of western mementos and vintage southern treasures. It’s homey, the kind of homey that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile, you know?
I rarely think about retirement (which I think is okay for now since I’m only 26), but every time Brett and I visit my grandparents in Oakhurst, we find ourselves discussing our dream retirement situation. Where do we want to live? What do we want to do? And, well, after this weekend, I think I’d be happy with a house in the country. A quiet place to write, train squirrels, and spend time with my grandkids (and great grandkids!) when they come to visit.
Do you ever think about retirement?
p.s. I just realized that the last time we visited my grandparents at their house, my grandma was wearing the same red shirt and I was wearing the same yellow plaid. HOW WEIRD IS THAT?!