Friday, March 26, 2010

Plans change ...........


I've spent the morning catching up on blog reading. This week has been so busy, I haven't had time to get on the computer. My husband got a call Tuesday evening from his place of employment to come in Wednesday morning with his spouse for a meeting. Several of his coworkers got a similar call, so we were curious as to what the meeting would be about. They offered a Special Early Retirement Program to anyone who was 54 and had 20 years of service. 23 employees qualified.


Hubby was really happy with the deal. He had planned on retiring in September anyway, so the special incentives were icing on the cake. May 15th will be his last day to work. I think almost everyone accepted the offer. Now we need to get busy and find health insurance and decide how to invest his retirement so we have money to live on. Hubby is only 58, so we have a few years before he gets Social Security and Medicare.


I've told him that he will have to get a part time job somewhere, if for no other reason than to get him out of the house a couple of times a week so I can get things done. I had planned on going through the whole house and decluttering, cleaning, and redecorating before his planned September retirement. That way when he retired we could enjoy doing other things. Well, I have just started and there is no way I can finish by May.


We bought a new bedroom suite and new leather sofa last weekend. (Part of my redecorating plans.) They were delivered yesterday. I spent all morning emptying the dresser and armoire and moving everything out of the bedroom. Then we had to set everything up and put things back. The set I had was almost 35 years old and was not in the best of shape, so I gave the bedroom set and sofa to one of the aides who stay with my Dad. She was very appreciative and came to pick it up last night.


Everything has turned a vivid green outside and the trees have got tiny green leaves. Ahh, I love spring! Will have pictures soon. Took the picture of the daffodils last week.


12 comments:

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Wow....how great for your husband and you. I am really happy. The health insurance is a big issue, as my premium at age 57 just jumped 20% to $703/month.

Fortunately, my new job will allow me to get group ins at a next to nothing cost, but private ins, especially in New England is the highest in the country.

Your flowers are lovely...last week it was in the 60's here, and tonight it is suppose to be 18 degrees, then back in the 60's by Thursday...LOL

Have a great weekend.

KathyA said...

I'm so glad for you and your husband, both! What a great opportunity. We don't have that option because my husband has his own business. He often verbalizes how it would have been easier if he'd just stayed in his original job. I don't think he would have been happy, though. Do you have a Trader Joe's in your area? They are a great place to work and have benefits for even part time workers.

Linda said...

Wow, that is a bit change! Hope you don't have too much trouble finding insurance you can afford.

I worked with a number of women who were working solely to provide insurance since their husbands were self employed. Be careful that your husband doesn't try that with you.

Arkansas Patti said...

What a nice surprise. You do realize the saying about retirement though.
RETIREMENT, HALF THE MONEY AND TWICE THE HUSBAND.
Enjoy.

Gilly said...

I do hope you enjoy your retirement - and can get health insurance. I am so thankful we don't have that worry in the UK.

Mr.G has been retired now for 16 years, and I can assure you that making your husband find a hobby/part time job to take him out of the house is absolutely essential for the sanity of both of you!

basicliving@backtobasicliving.com said...

What a wonderful surprise! I'm so happy for you both. Enjoy the retirement - whether he takes another job or not. Life is too short NOT to enjoy it with the person you've committed yourself to. I'm so happy for the both of you!

Femin Susan said...

What a wonderful surprise.Hope you enjoy your retirement.have a great weekend.
cheers!

CountryDew said...

Happy Retirement to your husband! That will be a big change. I hope it works out for you both, though.

Anonymous said...

Oh fun! All the more time for him to chase you around the kitchen table... *giggles* My hubby is 59 so retirement is not far off and then he plans to do some consulting work to keep him busy. Can't wait to have him here at home full time.

Congrats and I'm glad he is happy with the early retirement package.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Sweetflutterbys3 said...

How nice he gets a chance to retire at such a young age! Now you both have more time to enjoy each other. I do think an easy part time job is an excellent idea, though, for husbands with time on their hands. Keeps them out of trouble and gives you breathing room.

Beth said...

How wonderful! It's such a blessing to retire when you're young. More energy and more time to do all the things you've dreamed of doing. Congratulations!

As others have noted, however, that part-time job is a great idea. For both of you.

Thank you for visiting my blog---I've enjoyed yours very much. I am fascinated with your albino deer. It seems like a good omen for you to have been visited by something so special. I'm looking forward to further photos.

Snippety Gibbet said...

Oooooh, I'd take that one! I'm up here in Springfield working for the state. Any chance he's a state employee?? (I saw your link over at Sara Brit Gal's site and had to check out the Virginia connection.)