Just go to happy hour!
Marjorie in Lewes writes, “I look forward to smiling at our shared experiences when I read your column…we should touch base with the beach each day because that is why we moved here…to see the surf, to bring a beach chair and keep a book in the trunk for a quick retreat.” Great advice. She also recommends the diver scallops at the Back Porch and likes the restaurant The Kitchen at Paynter’s Mill. I frequent the Kitchen too! Avoid Route 1 traffic and experience the culinary creations of Chef Raymond in Paynter’s Mill, just north of Five Points on Route 88. He and his wife Lisa have a loyal following because they treat their customers like friends. I enjoyed my first cucumber martini last week and a mahi mahi taco garnished with half an avocado filled with creamy guacamole. Oh my goodness!
Carol wrote to me about eating out on a retirement budget. “We do not have to eat horrid early bird specials in order to save, just go to happy hours. We like a(MUSE.) as well as the wonderful Nage bar menu. We also order one entrée and split it or just order appetizers, which are often more imaginative than the entrees - good for the budget and our health. Hari Cameron from a(MUSE.) was nominated for a James Beard new chef award this year.” OK folks, Carol and I agree - go forth all ye retirees, and enjoy delicious and affordable choices by prominent chefs. Or have some friends over and have everyone bring something like we did when we were all first married. No credit card needed!
Joan retired from working with teenagers in crisis and was worried she would be challenged to fill her day. “I am learning Tai Chi, which helps me with balance and has a calming effect. I joined Lunch with a Purpose and for $20, I enjoy a delicious meal with 200 other retirees once a month at Baywood. In May, the charity was Shoes That Fit, and everyone was asked to bring children’s socks, sneakers or shoes which go to kids who can’t afford them. One woman told me, ‘Sussex County is a very giving county!’” The restaurant owners are also very generous, as they are constantly asked to support so many charitable events.
I also received an email from Tobi, who is the president of Crazy K Farm Pet and Poultry Products (yes, of the chicken diaper fame). He wanted me to know he is writing a book about pet chickens. Don’t laugh. I am anxious to read it. Tobi, do they lick your face to wake you up every morning? Do they sleep in little chicken four-poster canopy beds? How often do you have to change a chicken’s bikini diaper? I am picturing a chicken nursery now, wallpapered of course, with a little holster changing table.
Finally, Ronda wrote to say she has been to the Galapagos Islands (Retirement 101 May 31 column - favorite travel destination) and there are no Komodo dragons there. Komodo dragons are from Indonesia. “There are unusual iguanas that swim in the ocean called marine iguanas and they are not as big as Komodo dragons.” Thanks, Ronda. I love that you know this and am envious of your travel destinations. I am especially grateful that you corrected my husband, who doesn’t really know everything. Just almost everything. OK, Rayquest, let’s go see marine iguanas! I bet they don’t wear diapers.
