Last night was it, the end of one reality, and the beginning of another. I was supposed to be able to come in and wander around saying goodbye to all of my old friends. Three of us, the top three senior people, start an hour before the other full timers. So I reported to my work area and my sup said he didn't think I had to come in. I said I didn't and was just going to putz around talking to all of the old guys. He said OK and asked if I minded sorting till the other full timers started to show up. I said not problem. Four hours later he comes over and says he's sorry for "KEEPING" me so long. I said no problem "You weren't KEEPING me, I was chatting with my friends as I helped". He said thanks and he would try not to "KEEP" me on the back half, after lunch. I said "no problem, you're not "KEEPING" me. He said see you in a bit and I started laughing. He looked at me smiling and said "what". I said you need to listen to what people say and not what you want to hear. What did I just say. He repeated that "He wasn't KEEPING me" then he really busted up laughing and said you're leaving now aren't you. I said "YEP" my knee made it up those steps once last night and that was it.
I have two and a half cords of firewood to deliver this weekend. That should be enough to bring home a pre war 99 in 30-30 I got a lead on. Then Tuesday I get my left knee replaced. Good news is my surgeon said 99% sure I'll be able to go to the farm in WV for opening day. Won't be able to traipse around the woods but I can snipe a deer in the field in front of the trailer from a camp chair.
I think I'll be able to handle this retirement stuff, Joe.
