Thursday in the Park

One question people have asked me frequently during the last few months: "What are plans now that you have retired?" And a follow-up: "How do you spend your time?"

I usually answer with the same bullet points

• Some volunteerism
• Some projects around the home
• Some ham radio time
• Some travel

And, I wrap up with, "Then, we'll see what comes along..."

I read up on retirement for about a year before pulling the rip cord on the golden parachute. Most if not all the articles suggested being intentional about your schedule each day and that fits my mentality perfectly. I wouldn't be the type who is fitted for a rocking chair just yet.

So, I get up about the same time as before and I usually plan my day with a specific outline in mind.

One of the key elements of that plan is exercise. My former job was very demanding and sometimes there just wasn't time (or energy) at the end of the day to work out, run or walk. So, I knew I wanted to be intentional about getting my (at least) 150 minutes per week once I had more free time.

Most days--usually in the morning or early afternoon--I have been walking on a track at a park near my home (and on the banks of the nearby lake). Usually, I do it five or six days a week. 

I try to walk at least a mile each time but, also, I am able to add a great deal of people watching. There are many retirees who walk on this track. Additionally, many dog lovers take their pooch on a promenade. 

Twice, I've seen shirtless guys on a stroll. One man was very purposely walking fast- a vigorous workout. The other fellow, actually, was doing more of an amble. If he were equipped with a metal detector, I might think he was searching for treasure. Or if this were ten years ago, one might suspect he was part of the Pokemon Go movement. 

In any case, watching him is curious: He walks to a spot. Then turns. Then does it again. And moves on. Like he is searching for something. Maybe his shirt?

As for me, I don't think I'd want to join the shirtless crowd (at least not since the days of pick-up basketball games when the "shirts" faced the "skins"). 

The location also provides an opportunity to enjoy flaura and fauna. When you begin your lap around the .3 mile oval, you're greeted by the aromatic scent of honeysuckle. 

And as you make your way along the track, you might encounter any number of birds:

Northern Cardinal chirping cheerfully to the Mrs.

Mockingbird, doing its bit as Tennessee state bird, trilling away a medley.

Or these Canada Geese, who have taken over the infield as grazing ground.

While I survey the sights, the lakeside track is a great and entertaining location for getting in my daily exercise as a lynchpin of most days' schedule. 

It's not exactly like spending "Saturday in the Park." But on a day like this one, "Thursday in the Park" works just fine.

JG