i retired six months ago due to declining health, but life is good. The flexible schedule is wonderful. I am more relaxed and can spread out chores so doing a little each day gives me incentive to try something. Health is up and down, but my DH is very understanding. He has been retired for several years. We share cooking and laundry and truly enjoy being with each other. I am blessed!
Since I worked with the public for so many years, I do miss contact with people I used to see daily or weekly. It is a pleasure to have someone call my name and come up to me in a store and give me a hug. :-) It still seems strange that I am in retirement, rather than continuing to plan for my career and education of my children.
Grandchildren are special and our travels have been to see them in their own homes without the stress of using limited vacation days. It is so much fun to take care of the children in their own environment when the opportunity arises.
Our DDIL says she doesn't want us to go home when we do visit. Of course, we do make it a point to not intrude on their lives. We've always done this and my sons know that they can ask for help without getting the third degree of questioning. We respect each other's privacy.