Retired. Retired is a term that applies to people of a certain age. The elders in our family range from 86 to ninety, so they do not think of themselves as retired, nor would anyone think to inquire. Their project is to have as much fun as possible.

Since I never worked in the corporate world, and my only full time position was as a parent, retirement crept up on me. Retired from what, exactly?

I had several careers, which I may dissect at a later date. But today I am here to remark upon my somewhat new status. I have not responded to the last two requests to work as a tutor of English for our local school district. The hourly fee is fair enough, but engaging with guidance counselors is generally painful. I found it to be so in high school, and though there are exceptions, I find it so today. In addition to corresponding with counselors, the school tutor must correspond with teachers, parents, and school administrators. Interacting with the students themselves is often delightful and rewarding. But being paid one hour for every four or five worked is unrewarding, and even a bit offensive. I suggested free lessons at our public library to a neighbor I was tutoring in ESL. Tutoring ESL to an adult involved intercultural exchange of ideas, and I do wish we had continued.

But I am so busy! No, I am neither a grandparent, nor am I a frequent world traveler. So how do I keep so busy and largely satisfied with my own company during the days?

Read on, tomorrow!