Every-day's Not A 911!

It's like this .... if you know anything about the term .... Metaphysics .... you'll understand what I'm sharing with you today .... Admittedly, my life has been far from  NORMAL lately! .... I have always viewed normal as something to aspire to, but after listening to  Rev. Joe ....  from the " Center For Spiritual Living" .... I discovered that I needed to rethink .... My Normal .... If you compare normal to  front page stories of a newspaper .... (you know, the important stories) .... then understanding normal begins to take on a unique perspective ....  According to Rev. Joe, "Life just isn't about the front page story, it's about the comics too!" ....  I can relate to this and how I have been dealing with many aspects of my life .... especially this new retirement thing! .... Good news for me though .... every problem has a life span ....  keeping that in mind, a new normal is in store for me.  As I stated in my previous post, this coming week school will start and for the first time since I've been in high school, I officially do not have to report to a ..... NORMAL  .... job! .... Work is a large part of our every day life's .... but for me, sitting back and enjoying the spoils of life is my reward for being a .... NORMAL American worker! .... How will I handle it? .... How will others handle me? .... How will the world survive without the guidance and control? .... You see, if I'm not dealing with the 'Front Page Stories' .... How can I exist?.... How can the world exist .... without its .... 'Super-hero' ? ....  So this is the point of today's post, no matter how hard I try to force issues like .... activities .... friendships .... travel .... relationships .... I can't make them  NORMAL! .... NORMAL is going to happen when it's ready .... and in a way that is ultimately best for me and anyone that touches my life.  So there you have it .... everyday doesn't need to be a 911!

I'm Back .... Rested And Ready!

Oh yeah .... I feel much better!  I was having such a good time adjusting to my adventurous new life, that I forgot to take care of myself.  Well I'm better now and for those of you who have contacted me wondering why I haven't posted lately I say .... Thank You .... It's nice to know that you are inspired,  perspired,  or retired .... and interested in living vicariously through my adventures! .... So let me bring you up to speed on what's going on.  This week has been a little difficult for me because this is usually the time of year that I would be preparing my classroom and bracing for the onslaught of a new group of eager to learn .... P. I. T. ' s .... ( People In Training ) ....  I always explained to them that they were in my class because my job was to get them ready for high school and prepared for life after this transition year.  Like most of us .... even though we don't admit it .... at some point in life we pretty much think we know it all .... The difference with an eighth grader is that they insist they know it all .... and try to make you believe IT! ....  Remembering this, I have now decided that it's time to create an acronym for people like me .... here it is .... we will now be known as .... R. I. T. 's .... Yep, you got it .....  RETIREES IN TRAINING .... just like those young people have to learn about social interaction and the challenges that face them beyond the protection and security of what they are used to .... retired people need to learn that retirement is more than the financial .... it's .... Carpe Diem .... and they should .... because they have earned the right and the spoils that come with having reached a most time honored pinnacle .... RETIREMENT .... a place in life that offers challenges .... but at a slower pace!

Fish, Fish, Make A Wish!

I'm finding time in this retirement thing to pursue more of my unusual quests .... for instance to find the country's best fish sandwich! .... I'm not sure the Earl of Sandwich, the 18th century statesman who is generally associated with the culinary treat, would find my quest interesting though? ....  But here's the thing .... yesterday with my continued stay on California's beautiful southern coast .... the thought occurred to me that not once during the week had I pleasured my pallet with fish! .... As I was driving north along the ocean .... the craving began to overtake me and I needed a fish sandwich! .... But where could I find one .... I mean the PERFECT ONE?   Surely along this beautiful stretch of landscape there must be something .... someplace .... that would meet my needs! .... The problem though, was there were too many choices .... restaurant after restaurant passed by .... through beach cities like .... Del Mar ....  Cardiff By the Sea .... Solana Beach .... Encinitas .... but which one would have the best .... the perfect sandwich?  By the time I decided, I realized I had driven all the way to Carlsbad .... I've stayed there quite a few times and remembered seeing a restaurant called Jay's Gourmet Pizza and Seafood, .... perfect, I'll stop there .... they've got to have a fish sandwich! .... Whoops! .... when I checked the menu I couldn't find a fish sandwich .... there were many seafood dishes available both lunch and dinner .... but no FISH SANDWICH! .... total disappointment .... what now?  Just then, Jenna, a very pleasant employee approached me ....  I explained to her that I was really hoping to get a fish sandwich .... the reason she explained that one was not on the menu, was because none of their food was fried! .... She said that maybe they could create one for me .... I thought,  that'll work! .... She asked what kind of fish I wanted and I told her to pick one ....  her choice was Halibut. .... I ask for fries and she reminded me that they don't fry anything .... so instead, I had a bowl of clam chowder, ( which by the way was excellent) .... Finally, my special creation arrived and looked terrific .... it was grilled .... placed on a large focaccio roll .... topped with lettuce and tomato .... and was huge! .... The first bite told me that this was a great choice .... the fish was cooked to perfection and the warm roll melted in my mouth .... they did well! .... As I said, this sandwich was huge .... but I finished it! .... I have eaten fish sandwiches in many places around the country .... some really great ones ..... but I have to say that this truly was one of the best I've had yet! .... I'll keep looking now that I'm retired .... but this one's going to be hard to top!

Time To 'Beer' Down!

This could be my favorite title yet! .... While I was working I didn't have time, or at least choose to participate in a growing popular pastime .... frequenting 'Micro Breweries' !  Friends of mine have been telling me for a while, how they have really enjoyed visiting various breweries in different locations, and getting into the nuances of the art of beer tasting .... Having been a college student during the sixties, I thought I new all about beer .... Heck, I can do better than that .... my grandparents owned a bar back in western Pennsylvania .... that alone should automatically qualify me as an expert! .... But not so fast .... this is way beyond pulling a draft tap .... uncapping a bottle .... or popping a top on a can .... this is a highly refined eloquently explained and deliciously delivered experience .... it's tasting at its finest!  I'm learning that beer tasting is becoming as popular as wine-tasting .... and the cool thing is you don't have to wait for anything to ripen on a vine .... or be affected by the weather .... you just need to be patient and allow natural fermentation ..... and .... presto .... Tap A Keg!  There are thousands of Micro Breweries scattered around the country and all have unique ways of delivering their goods.  My recent experience was in San Diego at the Karl Strauss Brewery,  and at an event they call  'Cask Nite' ! .... First let me say .... I really enjoyed the appetizers, and the food menu was outstanding .... very yummy ....  my beer choices were pretty good too .... but my Cask Nite experience was interesting .... The way this process works is that at certain times during the month, the brewery announces they are going to 'Tap a Keg' of one of their Brew-master's concoction of unusual ingredients .... could be anything from lavender pedals to coriander .... whatever.  Everyone gathers .... they pick a time .... grab a wooden mallet .... and .... after a ceremonial count down by all present .... whapp .... a keg is tapped! Samples are available for all with the hope that this will become the next most popular flavor and huge best seller.  As always, the aficionados ooh and ah about the body .... color .... aroma .... and of course taste .... But the proof of success remains in the ultimate testimonial .... will anyone buy it? .... Some will .... but others think of it as interesting and fun ....  preferring to stick with their personal favorites.  So there you have it .... 'Cask Nite' .... good food .... good fun .... great friends! .... Oh yeah, the beer .... it was flavored with coriander and lavender .... and as far as my inexperienced pallet determined .... tasted a little soapy! .... Cheers!

The Sun, The Sea, The Surf!

I'm staying ....  at least for a couple more days! Oh yeah .... this place is great. I noticed an add yesterday for a part time job at a company here in La Jolla .... "Fishmore and Doolittle"! .... Maybe I'll apply? .... seriously though, I spent yesterday at the pier in Oceanside, CA. .... this is one of my favorite spots to pier fish in Southern California.  First off, it's the longest pier in California .... the fishing is great .... the people are interesting .... there's a Diner, ( Ruby's Diner), at the end of the pier .... and plenty of parking fairly close .... plenty of exercise from walking the long pier .... and oh yeah did I mention .... absolutely great views of the coastline both north and south .... check out the link and you'll see what I'm talking about, .... it's just a great place to spend the day and forget about everything .... even putting more money in the meter! .... by the way, the Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort Suites, is a great place to stay ..... walking distance to everything and reasonable rates .... Okay, now the cool stuff .... especially for a few of you who have ask and want to know about .... THE FISHING! .... As always, when I'm here it's impossible to leave .... I forget about everything .... eating .... phone calls .... parking meters ....  almost! .... See it's like this, I get so caught up from all the excitement of people catching things, I don't want to stop .... I'm afraid I'll miss out on that one great catch .... The pier is home to some doggedly dedicated anglers .... and they are the culture of the pier. Eager to give advice on everything from the bait needed that day, to the kind of equipment you need .... even about what you are wearing!  And let me tell you .... they catch fish, a lot of fish! .... Usually, so do I .... just never the really big ones .... at least not yet. I'm still learning from my mentors all the tricks .... but I'm getting better and really think I should spend more time here .... The great thing about pier fishing in California is that you don't need a license .... it's great because the money you save can be spent on more important things .... like more tackle! Anyway .... the day was great .... Good Sun .... Good Sea .... Good Surf! ....  Maybe next time you can join me?

Now This Is More Like It!

Wow .... why didn't I think of this before .... I guess my thought process is still not in the right mode. I'm sitting in heat and humidity that becomes oppressive at times and certainly limits all my outdoor activities .... when all I had to do was get in my car .... drive less than 120 miles .... and here I am .... in a place where the ocean breezes are a cool and refreshing 72 degrees! See, this is what I've been talking about .... it's hard to remember that .... I'M RETIRED!! It means relax and enjoy, you've earned it.  A friend recently sent me some retirement bumper stickers that she found on this website .... check out a couple, because I think they go along way towards explaining this 'Brave New World ' or is it 'Old World' .... whatever .... here they are .... Bumper Stickers.  See what I mean, it makes you think. Anyway, getting back to my fabulous get away, the weather is great .... the Pacific is blue and the fishing .... the fishing is still to come! I'm still finding all the cool places to frequent. Today's gastronomical expedition is taking me to the Pizza Port in Solona Beach .... sounds like my ship may come in there .... my two favorite diet busting entrees .... pizza and beer! But listen .... I worked out this morning .... ran on the beach .... remembered what my trainer taught me, (I had to promise to keep working while I'm away) .... and generally recovered from my first night's celebrations .... I deserve to relish in the culinary treats of beach comfort food .... I mean why not .... tomorrow's another day and anyway it's cool here ....  maybe I'll work out this evening .... or maybe not! .... Instead, I'll get back here and write about the great drive I took ....  along the coast with the top down .... the great views .... the smell of the salt air .... the wind in my face .... or maybe about how badly sunburned I got, and how much aloe vera I still need! .... Anyway, I'll keep you posted ....!

The 'Chase' Is On!

In my last post I talked about two things that happened to me within a 24 hour period of time that reminded me what working and being is all about. The second epiphany .... occurred at one of my favorite morning coffee shops .... Panera Bread .... with people who were still working and others also retired. As usual there were several of the regulars sitting around their previously designated location within the establishment. By the way, this is a great place to solve all the problems of the .... world .... country .... state .... family .... an Universe! I received my order and listened intently to a question asked by one participant that dealt with Chevy Chase .... Okay, before I go any further I need to ask YOU if you know anything about Chevy Chase. Before you answer check out these two links .... first .... Chevy Chase  .... and then of course this link .... Chevy Chase ! Alright tell the truth, how many of you new this before you looked it up .... come on be honest .... okay I thought so. Don't feel bad because this is truly the point to this scenario .... none of the philosophers sitting around the table new the answer .... along with several other patrons in the establishment ....  and they were using computers to get started on their days work! Here it is .... there was an article in the local paper quoting something Israeli Prime Minister,  Binyamin Netanyahu  said to a former U.S. diplomat .... he said, "You live in Chevy Chase. Don't play with our future." .... They were perplexed by the comment because the only Chevy Chase they new of was the actor/comedian, and they wondered why a world leader was basing international politics on a character who was best known for his edgy slapstick comedy. Having sat there for several minutes, the teacher in me took over and I chimed in to inform my peers that the comparison was between a bedroom community outside Washington, D.C. and the dangerous and tense geography of the Middle East. So there you have it .... teaching is an on going job .... whether I want to or not .... It's Automatic! Before I left, I Googled Chevy Chase, MD. on my Motorola Droid and showed them a picture .... it was a good thing! I think I'll go back there soon .... the conversation is quite stimulating ..... and rewarding!