No more triple digits

In fact, it is quite close. I am under 100 days before my retirement (60 actual workdays). Additionally, I have learned that my last 33 workdays will be remote, working from home as the workspace undergoes reconstruction. Employees will report on February 5, 2024, and I will retire on February 2, 2024. While it is a refreshing thought, it also brings a sense of apprehension. I have diligently managed my finances and have limited concerns about money. However, as many of you have mentioned, transitioning from a cash-based system to solely spending money can be challenging.

I decided to retire a few months before 62 due to experiences over the past decade. In addition to the past three years of a toxic workplace and stress, my supervisor refused to retire early for six more years. He retired at 67 and died at 70. Another coworker retired at 65 and died at 68. Another held out until 67 and died the day he retired. Another stuck it out to 68 and died at 73. Recently, a dear colleague I’ve known for 28 years is in hospice at 51. Retirees are healthier and happier, and I’m already feeling less stressed knowing my high-stress workdays are over.

Following my divorce nearly 25 years ago, achieving financial stability proved to be a protracted endeavor. To secure my retirement savings, I undertook additional employment opportunities and adopted a highly frugal lifestyle. While numerous acquaintances indulged in vacations, acquired more luxurious automobiles, and resided in larger homes, I diligently saved.

Upon my son’s enrollment in college in 2007, I intensified my efforts by working 65 to 70 hours per week between two jobs to augment my retirement savings. Even in the present day, I continue to work 50 to 55 hours per week to maximize my savings potential.

My long-term plan is to start receiving Social Security benefits or my pension before I reach the age of 65. However, I may consider delaying this decision, contingent upon the prevailing economic conditions. I have meticulously planned to maintain a substantial cash reserve to sustain myself for at least the initial two years of retirement, which will extend my lifespan to approximately 64 years. At that juncture, I plan to rely solely on my 401(k) retirement account.

I plan to delay accessing my Roth IRA until after 70. In 2025, I expect to have a substantial healthcare savings account that will cover most of my medical expenses, including lifelong insurance. Many people worry about medical costs in retirement.

Based on my spending plan, including travel money, I could be broke at 92. At that time, only my pension and social security would be left. I prefer to be broke at 92 than die rich in my 70s. That still isn’t broke; it just means I have no more retirement savings. That’s based on an average 4% inflation and an average 6% return, which is bad.

I retired on February 2. It seemed fitting that it wouldn’t matter if the groundhog didn’t see its shadow. I’d no longer be in a toxic workplace that shortened my life. If we have more winter, I can read, play guitar, walk, or take pictures. If the winter is short, I can ride my bike without a schedule. I can do many other things on my schedule with little stress!

Looking forward to that time in my life! The new adventure.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Head home tomorrow

Today, we planned to take the Washington Island Ferry to the island, spend the day sightseeing, and bike the island.  We were up and ready to go by 8:00 AM.  We had planned to have breakfast at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik as earlier in the trip, we did not make it before they closed for the day.

Upon our arrival at 8:30 AM, the establishment was nearly complete. We secured a table, and shortly thereafter, a waiting list had formed on a Monday. Both of us ordered the special Swedish pancakes with lingonberry sauce, eggs, and bacon or ham. As we observed the staff, we were astounded by the restaurant’s exceptional efficiency. There were approximately five to six bus person staff members strategically positioned in the center of the seating area. Remarkably, our water glass never reached half its capacity; the staff promptly refilled it. Upon the completion of a table’s service, it was meticulously cleaned and prepared for the next customer within a minute, effortlessly. Subsequently, the next customer was seated within the same minute. The restaurant demonstrated unparalleled efficiency. 

Our hot food arrived in less than five minutes. The pancakes were the best I’ve ever had. The ham and eggs were usual. I’ll long for this meal. On the way to the ferry, we drove on curved roads at 40 MPH, which made Shelley queasy.

We arrived at the ferry at 9:29 AM and got the last spot. We arrived on the island by 10:00 AM and drove for 30 minutes before finding a place to stop and bike. It was a great place to ride. We biked 20 miles in under two hours. There are many great places to see. We were about a week ahead of schedule for color. When the trees are in full color, it would be unbeatable. See the route below.

After the ride, we went to Washington Island Stavkirke.  This is a building that is preserved by the Lutheran Congregation.  A real beauty that you should see in person!

Shelley wanted Apple Pie, so we made a stop at the Cherry Hut.  We picked up small cherry and cherry almond pies to take home. Since it was a tiring day, we returned to the lodges for the evening.  It was a relatively uneventful night.  The deck next to us had a man who sat and smoked a Cigar, so we couldn't enjoy the deck or have the windows open.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Hiking and cherry products

We were up and ready to go by 9:00 a.m.  The plan was to hike for the day.  Our first stop was Potawatomi State Park on the shore of Sturgeon Bay.  The Ice Age Trail goes through the park.  We did a two-mile hike on the Ice Age trail at the top of the park, then proceeded to do the Hemlock Trial on the lower area along the shore.  While they were not difficult heights, you needed to look down more to avoid tripping.

After Potawatomi, we headed to Whitefish Dunes State Park.  We stopped at Grandma Tommy's Country Store, where we purchased some local goods.  We consumed the Cheeey Caramel first; wow, was it good!.

We walked the pristine beach with the finest sand we’ve ever seen. We hiked the partially coastal Barachiopod trail, which has educational markers. There’s an app for the tour, but our limited service prevented us from downloading the information. I’ll download it if we return.

We were both hungry, and I was sad to learn that Shelley skipped breakfast. I had a protein shake with Enso Super Greens, Vitamin C, Chia seeds, Ashwagandha, L-glutamine, and turmeric. She had a Blueberry Cliff Bar. We planned to go to Bailey Harbor and the Harbor Fish Market & Grill, but they only serve food at 4:30 p.m., and it was already 3:10 p.m. We went to Fish Creek for lunch, but most places were closed. We went to Egg Harbor and stopped at Wood Orchard Market to buy more groceries. 

Upon arrival at Egg Harbor, we discovered many restaurants closed, possibly due to the Packers game or the off-season. We found a place called the Log Den and ordered  the lunch menu, which was exactly what we wanted. However, upon arrival, it was the dinner menu that was much more expensive. This reminded us of the New York restaurants with no prices, where asking for the price implied that one couldn’t afford to eat there. Despite our hunger, we opted for the salad and soup bar, which cost $18.99.

The waiter was abrupt and rude, making the experience unpleasant. The impression I left was not of the outstanding soup or the building architecture, but rather the poor service.

We arrived exhausted and spent the night resting at the resort. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Washington Island. 

Carry on my friends, carry on!

First full day

We awoke to a crisp breeze off the bay in Green Bay, Door County. Shelley didn’t sleep well, so we evaluated the day. Our first stop was the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, a typical small-town market with mostly crafts. We also visited a brewery with a sign I had to take a picture of. Shelley found a soap vendor with eight bars and accessories she had knitted or crocheted. The friendly and unique people made the experience enjoyable.

We had breakfast at Scaturos Baking and Gifts, a charming old family-owned restaurant. The staff was great, attentive to everyone’s needs. I had biscuits and gravy, while Shelley had cinnamon pancakes, eggs, and sausage. The biscuits and gravy were average, but the cinnamon pancakes were so good that syrup was unnecessary. If we were in the area and needed a place to eat, we’d return to Scaturos, but not as frequently as we would for the Delta Diner in Delta, Wisconsin. If you’re near Delta, try it out!

After breakfast, Shelley’s stomach was upset, so we rested at the lodge. At 12:30 p.m., we loaded our bikes and headed to Peninsula Park for a bike ride. Friends advised parking outside and riding in, as there was no fee. Surprised by the increased temperature and clear sky, we started on the Sunset Trail, a supposedly flat limestone trail. Despite being on the right trail, the road bikes were unenjoyable due to the roots and rocks. We rode about 5 miles on the trails and 6 miles on the road. We enjoyed the views and the trip, even with my tripping. Leaving, I noticed the park’s recommendation: “Ride the roads.” We did both.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula Park

Nicolet Bay Beach - Peninsula Park

Nicolet Bay Beach - Peninsula Park

After loading the bikes, we headed to Sister Bay to eat at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik, known for its goats on the roof. On the way, we passed through Ephraim, Wisconsin, a charming small town with a peaceful waterfront.

Ephraim, Wisconsin waterfront

Al Johnson’s closes at 3:00 PM, serving only alcohol and a limited menu afterward. We returned to Ephraim to Wilson’s Restaurant and Ice Cream, a 117-year-old establishment. Shelley had a Vegi Wrap, and I had a Chili Dog. Both meals were satisfactory. We sat outside under the canopy. I’d stop for a meal here if in the area, but not drive out of the way. After dinner, we took half home to save room for ice cream. I tried the Deep Dish Apple Pie and Coconut Joy, while Shelley had the Blueberry Crunch. The ice cream was exceptional, and I’d return.

Wilson's in Ephraim

As the day grew late, we headed to Baily’s Harbor. Unlike the towns on Door County’s west side, it lacked allure. Would we visit unless there was a specific event? No. On our return, we stumbled upon an abandoned house with character. We photographed it, though I don’t recall the exact location.

We headed back to the lodge to relax with the sunset and take pictures. The results were mixed.

We watched the Hogs lose a close game, but were thrilled to see Northwestern beat Minnesota! After showering off our sweat, we were ready for a solid sleep to prepare for tomorrow’s hiking.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

It took seven years

Before Shelley and I went on another solo vacation, I couldn’t enjoy time away knowing Porter, our recently passed Golden Retriever, was home alone. While I miss Porter, I can enjoy being away.

Porter as a young puppy

Porter's photo before he passed

Our trip was to Door County. We left on Friday, September 22, at 9:00 AM. Driving through Wisconsin, of course, we had so many cheese producers who attempted to lure us to the shops. We stopped at Marieke Goude in Thorp, Wisconsin, for a rest and to buy some cheese. It was a good stop, but not a destination.

https://www.mariekegouda.com/

We arrived in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, just before 3:00 PM. We checked into Westwood Shores for four nights. As the drive was long, we visited Egg Harbor and Fish Creek to plan our next few days. We had planned to eat at White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, but it was full.

We decided to have dinner at  Casey's BBQ and Smokehouse.   They had outdoor seating with views of the bay. The food was average, but the service was great. The view made it a relaxing dinner.

https://caseysbbqandsmokehouse.com/

One of the highlights of Casey’s was a root beer and ice cream shop next door. We enjoyed the  Cedar Crest Ice Cream they served. We opted out of the popcorn and root beer. While the ice cream was average, the double scoop was delightful.

We returned to the lodge after dark. Shelley needed an allergy spray at CVS. Exhausted, we called it a night. Tomorrow’s activities include a farmers' market and biking. More activities are likely throughout the day.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

RIP my dear pal, Porter

I have never been an avid dog enthusiast. While I do not harbor animosity towards dogs, my aversion primarily stems from my childhood experience with a dog. This canine companion provided me with a sense of security and optimism, offering protection and companionship. However, when I was approximately eleven years old, my beloved dog passed away, marking the first instance of profound emotional pain I had ever experienced. Consequently, I refrained from seeking a dog for the remainder of my youth, as I was acutely aware of the likelihood of their premature demise, a sentiment that I found deeply distressing.

My father, on the other hand, had a profound affection for dogs. Upon the passing of a canine companion, he promptly replaced it with a new pet. One fateful day, I inadvertently let my father’s dogs out of the house to relieve themselves, resulting in one of them escaping. Despite my efforts to locate them, I was compelled to return to my sophomore year at North Dakota State University. Upon returning home, my father discovered the note I had left, which informed him that I was no longer permitted to return to the house. He subsequently found the dog that evening, but our relationship soured. His anger was palpable, and I realized that he held a greater affection for his dogs than for his children or wife. While I had previously entertained this notion, this incident provided concrete evidence to support it. The emotional turmoil I experienced was profound, as it juxtaposed the love I had once felt for a dog with the pain that this love had replaced the love I had for my father’s children.

Later that week, my sister informed my father that she was engaged to an African American man. He essentially instructed her to leave and never return. The relationship was deeply strained. I informed my mother that I intended to give her away at the wedding, and my father told her that I was no longer his son and that she should never speak to me again. That is another story—we talked about it five years later.

Returning to dogs, I have always been responsible for their care. Unlike the cats on the farm, I always felt that dogs were unfortunate animals that were not typically self-sufficient. Consequently, my heart and soul always went into parenting mode when it came to dogs. There is a need to care for those in need and demonstrate kindness, but never develop an attachment. This was the same for my girlfriend of nearly two decades. When we met, we had the older dog, Annie (a Golden Retriever), and Jackson (another Golden Retriever) for a while. Jackson was young when I met him. I developed an attachment, but not close enough to experience pain.

Therefore, my attachment to a pet was still considered neutral in my mind. Recently, however, my heart has recognized that this has changed.

Within months of Jackson’s passing (Fall 2014), Shelley introduced Porter to the family (April 2015). Porter was a male Golden Retriever. She believed that Porter would be her last dog, as she anticipated that he would be approximately 67 years old when he passed away (assuming he was 12-13 years old). Porter was a well-behaved puppy who was particularly drawn to me.

Porter became a cherished companion in my life. He possessed an uncanny ability to recognize my scent, and whenever I was a block away riding my bicycle home, he would eagerly leap into the air to greet me. I would take him on rides with my bicycle, and he would obediently follow my commands to stop, start, turn left, and turn right as we leisurely traversed the neighborhood at speeds exceeding 10 miles per hour.

On most nights, Porter preferred to sleep near me. When I was unwell, he remained near me. When I left to visit my son, Shelley would send me photographs, and it was evident that he was experiencing a state of depression. Upon my return, he would always greet me with an exuberant display of affection that surpassed anything I had witnessed before. Porter was, indeed, an exceptional friend and a source of immense comfort to me.

Approximately four weeks ago, Porter was gravely ill. He was afflicted with tumors and growths that were deemed inoperable, and his health was deteriorating rapidly. We were faced with the difficult decision to end his life at the age of eight and a half years, as this would constitute a whole life for Porter. I was overcome with devastation and a profound sense of loss, as I was losing a significant part of myself. It was a deeply painful experience.

Although I still harbor resentment towards my father, I believe I have gained a deeper understanding of his profound love for his dogs. My father passed away in May, and that is a topic for a separate entry on a later date. We were unable to reconcile our past, and it is unlikely that we will ever achieve that.

This period has been particularly challenging for me. When I am experiencing moments of depression, I find solace in writing lyrics to express my anguish. I have accumulated over fifty stones, primarily composed of sad emotions, as I find that I am most effective in conveying my pain through writing. Here is a song that I composed titled “When Dogs Die, Do They Go to Heaven”:

The sun sets another golden day

Memories linger every waking day

We were close; my faithful friend

Never wanting the bond to end

With tear-filled eyes, I said goodbye.

Underneath the painted twilight sky

Your tail wagged one last time, so gentle and kind

Leaving paw prints forever on my mind

When dogs die, do they go to heaven

Do they run free where angels play

Chasing dreams in fields of clover

Left me with pain when their life is over

With the quiet night, I feel his soul

Empty house feeling you’ll never know

His spirit lives great deep in my heart

You were the perfect mate right from the start

I see your eyes in the morning dew

A sign from above, a bond so true

Heaven gained another angel of the night

Guide me with your eternal light

When dogs die, do they go to heaven

Do they run free where angels play

Chasing dreams in fields of clover

Left me with pain when their life is over

RIP Porter.  RIP, my dear friend!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Gollllly - life is ?

I’ve been writing less, doing less, and having less exciting news in the past few years. It feels like a never-ending cycle of work, sleep, and eating. Before I get into the negative, I’m happy to share that I put my work computer away and took my first vacation in five years. I’ve been losing about two weeks of vacation a year, but this is a great start to transitioning me out of my current job.

My girlfriend has seven active grandkids, and we spent a week at Grandview Lodge with them. Despite the busyness, we made great memories, which keep us young. Here’s a photo of the troop! I also spent a week in North Carolina with my son. I helped with household maintenance, which was a nice break from the monotony. While there, I visited the The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, one of the oldest abandoned racetracks.

Here are a few photos:

After returning from each week away, I worked a 65-hour week to stay above water and another 50 to catch up. This highlights the urgency to leave, but more made me realize I needed to escape. The health decline began almost 7 years ago and has been a fight since. I’m unsure if it’s COVID stress, my toxic workplace, my father’s passing, aging, or something else, but everything seems more complicated, and my mind is less emotionally prepared.

My recent physician visit revealed a need for change. I’ve been on oral iron supplements for 6 months, and they have slightly improved my condition. However, the oral iron causes severe stomach pain, and I have all the classic anemia symptoms, confirmed by blood work.

• I am tired all the time, but I can't sleep.  Four Advil PMs and I might sleep 4 hours!
• I have extreme shortness of breath
• Chest pain is a daily occurrence
• My hands and feet get cold easily
• My heart will race
• For decades, a headaches were rare, but now it is widespread

After six months, I had anticipated improved outcomes, but the majority of the results fell significantly below the recommended minimum. Although not as severe as the situation in 2017, it is evident that the issues persist.

After receiving the unexpected blood test results in June 2023, I was shocked to have an EKG and the following appointment. The doctor explained that untreated anemia puts pressure on the heart, with a bleak outlook. This was odd since I feel best riding a bike with a heart rate over 120. Is the body happy to get more oxygen?

In a few weeks, I’ll have three infusions, up from two and one in the past. I hope this helps me. Retiring will reduce stress, which is beneficial for my health. Workplace changes are common, but over 33% of employees are new within two years. In my division, 70% of new employees report dissatisfaction and quit, but it persists. My workplace is so bad that I retired before 62 and hope to succeed financially. If I stay, I’ll die. I can control this outcome. My job is posted and should be filled in the next few weeks. I’ll train the new supervisor before retiring.

May the infusions work, my health improve, and reduced stress make life more enjoyable!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Erik's Bike shop experience, twice now

I’ve had issues with Erik’s Bike Shop before, about 20 years ago, when I bought my son his first bike. Despite my hopes for improvement, their customer service and overall experience have not improved. I’m stuck with a $3,400 bike that I’ve only ridden 11 days this year and 8 weeks in the shop.

Last year, I wanted to replace my 8-year-old e-bike (Surly Long Haul Trucker with a Bionx D-500 kit). That bike has over 10,000 miles on it with only minor repairs.  I also have a Juiced Bike RipCurrent S and a RAD Mission.  Being a heavier rider, I have always been cautious about the spoke strength.  On June 7, 2022, I went to Erik’s Bike Shop in Eagan, where they had a sale.  There, I found the Diamondback Current, which was on sale for $3,450. 

 

Before buying the bicycle, I discussed my concerns with the sales staff about my size, strength, and fear of spoke breakage. I explained that I prioritized spoke strength two decades ago due to spoke breakage and wanted a more robust wheel. In my last five bicycles, I had no spoke problems, except for a custom wheel that caused issues. I had a rebuilt wheel made, and it didn’t have problems. The salesman assured me that a properly tensioned wheel wouldn’t be an issue. I trusted his words and bought the bicycle.

As my Bionx bicycle remained in excellent working condition, I limited my riding on the Diamondback to less than 300 miles during the first year. Subsequently, in April 2023, I began riding my Diamondback more often. Approximately 400 miles into my increased riding, I noticed a spoke breaking at the hub. Due to my absence on vacation, I had the surgery, but I was only able to use two of my seven planned vacation days. Upon returning home, I rode approximately another 100 miles, and the spoke broke again. This incident occurred during four commutes to work on paved trails, without encountering any rough terrain. Consequently, I took the bicycle to Eric’s repair shop, and over a span of 24 days, I received it back.

I rode my bike less than 150 miles and had another spoke break. I returned it to Erik’s Bike Shop on June 20, expressing disappointment about the spokes and suggesting a stronger wheel. They promised to call me with options on June 23. I reiterated my concerns and was told they would install stronger spokes and have the bike ready by July 5. I hoped to have it for my trip starting on the 8th. On July 5, I was informed that the rim can handle oversized spokes and suggested a new wheel (over $225 fixed). I left on vacation and wanted to take the bike, but they said it should be ready by July 12, not before I leave.

Frustrated, I called them on July 16 and was informed they expected to have it ready on July 24. The bike has been in the shop for over two months, and I've only ridden it 11 days this year.

I’m not sure how Erik’s Bike Shop staff stay in business. I have found that my bike knowledge may exceed theirs, and when I expressed concerns based on my understanding, they dismissed them.

Carry on my friends, carry on!