Try something new in Cape Region
Greetings, retirees and wannabe retirees who may be wondering what life will be like when they finally get to quit work. Maybe you will be like my reader Mary, who mentally prepared herself for the change. “When I retired to Delaware, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I was moving to another state…and since my husband isn't retired yet and travels for business…I knew I’d have to find things to do.” Mary says the “key is to keep semi-busy with things I enjoy, but allow me time to read, work on grandbaby albums and enjoy new friends.” Mary spends time volunteering at the All Saints' Thrift Shop, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and at Tunnel Cancer Center. “Since I am a cancer survivor…this is an amazingly rewarding and humbling job.”
Terri Rumble in Lewes claims, “It took me one nanosecond to jump headfirst into retirement and I have loved it ever since…I can say yes to spontaneous outings with friends or family, and there is so much to do in this area.” Terri’s husband Warren writes, “I had very little exercise when I worked…Now three days a week I exercise with TRX followed by yoga at the studio on Route 24…It’s good that I am getting exercise because now I have time for my hobby of cooking.”
I am delighted to report that my newly retired husband Ray is enjoying his economics class at Del Tech. Did you know that tuition is free if you are over 60 and there is space available? The only problem is that the book costs $180. Ray spent three hours the other day doing his homework. One of the sample questions he answered was “What is the difference between a nominal rate of interest and real interest?” I have no idea, do you?
Certainly the best part about retirement is experiencing new things. Together, Ray and I shared our first film festival experience, and the scope and depth and quality of the event left us flabbergasted. Since we had not yet become members we went to the tent early Thursday morning after choosing a few films from the booklet. Even though many events were sold out, we were able to score tickets to two shows that day: “Searching for Sugar Man” and “Café de Flore,” both of which were quite entertaining.
I was in awe of all the volunteers needed to run this operation, and what fun to meet people in the queue and to hear about films which they had seen.
It did not seem long before they let us into the theater, but we were appreciative that the volunteer in the big tent told us to go 30 minutes ahead so we were near the front of the line. Ray and I plan to become members next year so we can purchase tickets in advance.
Like Warren, we love to eat, too. We were able to use the $20 Cape Dining Card to try a new restaurant between films, Casa DiLeo. Great food and superb service, and I love how the waiters ask the patrons, “Do you need to get to a show?” Twenty-three popular local restaurants are participating. Buy one entree and get the second entree free (up to $15). Last year we went to about nine different restaurants. We saved money and got to try new places. Once you use the card, managers initial it except at Victoria’s - their policy is not to sign it so you will come back again. Smart managers, because after we experienced the brunch once, we were able to take out-of-town guests there and they took $15 off the check again.
