Some surprises for retirees

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my retirement. I realize now that I had a few misconceptions.

I recall telling my husband, the financial planner, that I would be so happy just not having to leave the house every day; that I won't really need much to make me happy. I wouldn't be tired all the time, so I would have the energy to cook and dine at home. We could save money!

The opposite is true. My husband and I have plenty of energy now, skirt around to sightsee, and dine out constantly with the new many couples we have met. Knowing this is a tourist area, we should have figured there would be many restaurants in the area to sample, but the cuisine is outstanding. And more restaurants are opening all the time! Tempting every night to dine out.

That's what retired people talk about. What we ate. Where we ate. Where we want to dine next. And the Rehoboth Foodie feeds us constant updates! Thank you, Bob.

My husband and I did not think about traveling really, or how expensive it would be. We have a world of time on our hands and want to see the planet while we can still walk the distances to do so. But the trips seemed affordable when we had a paycheck coming in.

What are some of the surprises that retirement has brought?

New friends. Lovely, kind and funny new friends who like to play dominoes and card games. Neighbors who poke their heads out their windows and ask if it's time for happy hour. Who arrange potluck dinners and outings. Neighbors who share recipes, know your garage code, pick up your mail or store your trash bins when you leave town.

Our area has so many choices for so many activities. Lots of film to enjoy between Midway and the Cinema Arts Theater. We have golf, pickle ball, swim classes, yoga, book clubs, libraries and bike paths. Love the Cape Water Taxi cruises the best!

Nice surprise: the many gorgeous sunsets I see. The white egrets and blue herons at the edges of ponds.

Nicer surprise: I read for pleasure all of the time.

Nicest surprise: Life is much calmer and less stressful.

But, alas, there is one huge surprise we should have seen coming. What we love about this area is what everyone loves. Even with tourism aside, development has burgeoned and the traffic has increased more than ever.

How can I say to others - sorry, full up, go live elsewhere. No!

Let's hope we can work together to avoid overdevelopment, provide affordable housing and protect the environment. What makes our community so strong is our commitment to exist in harmony - to get along and to be neighborly. And that means welcoming some new folks. Let's welcome some traffic solutions too, please.

Share your thoughts about retirement. Write to lgraff1979@gmail.com.