Back on the Blog: Life Updates and What’s Ahead

Hi everyone! Today, we will explore the exciting life after retirement journey and all the experiences it has to offer.

It’s been a while since I’ve written, but don’t worry—I haven’t forgotten about my blog! Life’s just been full lately in the best kind of way. Before Jim’s official retirement on November 10th, we took off on a 12-day road trip out West. It was for something truly special: his Navy ship reunion for the USS 42 Mahem—and no, not the rock band. It was the real Mayhem, a proud Navy ship with a long history and even longer stories!

We met so many wonderful people—some who served before Jim, some after, and even a few who are still serving today. The stories, the laughter, the shared pride… it was unforgettable. The trip took us all the way to North Dakota and back. We traveled through miles of wide-open country. It reminded us how big and beautiful this nation really is, an important part of our life after retirement journey.

Now that we’re home, I’ve been focusing on staying well. I am preparing for (fingers crossed!) what will be my last surgery, which is part of my ongoing life after retirement journey. Meanwhile, my Etsy, eBay https://www.ebay.com/usr/rachtacharo_0, and Marketplace shops have been buzzing. Believe it or not, I sold a jug the other day for $130—who’d have guessed? Of course, I still have a few odds and ends—stuffed animals, posters, even a few Amazon mystery boxes. They’ve all found happy homes, too.

Can I make a living from it? Sure. But for me, it’s still a hobby—something that keeps my mind busy and my heart happy. I navigate through this new life after retirement journey. And now, armed with my new tape recorder and a little help from AI, I plan to keep the stories coming, even while I recover.

So buckle up, friends. I’ve got tales to tell, lessons to share, and miles of memories to unpack. You haven’t met anyone quite like me yet—but you will!