Thank you so much, MZ! I think I spent most of the past week grinning - but I don't think the reality has truly sunk in yet! I had to go in to work today to finish some paperwork and finish transferring some files. But I got out of there quickly and didn't stick around for another round of good-byes. I guess I was just ready to go.
Monarch - A piano duet would be wonderful (I didn't know that about you and Kenny!) - but if I have to settle, that very PS-worthy cake ain't bad.
BTW - true story! - last Tuesday I truly honestly really accidentally *ahem* flushed my security badge down the toilet. Truly honestly really accidentally!
I figure the universe was telling me it was OK for me to retire.
VR: Kenny might actually be embarrassed at the thought of he and I playing together. But for your sake, I bet he would suck it up for 3 minutes and give it a whirl.
Happy retirement, with cake and jewels, nonetheless!!!
PS, sorry for the terrible cake. It was meant to be symbolic!
Thank you tyty and minousbijoux and diamondseeker and Skippy and Dancing Fire! This being a holiday week I'm traveling to be with family, so the reality of my new reality probably won't sink in until next week. But I already have plans for a bi-weekly get-together with one friend so we can support each other on our *ahem* remedial house stuff, and for monthly or so matinee trips with another friend who'll be retiring soon. I know all that "free" time will fill in before I know it, but for now the thought of that vast expanse is a little daunting....
DF, if you want to latch on to somebody's pension, you'd better start being really nice to your wife!