Welcome to the Aruba Forum

Glenn · Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 7:22 am Post subject: Back here in the real world

Good morning Amy, Carol, Corinne, John and all my other bb friends

Donna and I returned to Winnipeg yesterday after our month long vacation in Maui.

We had a wonderful time. Spent most of it just laying on my chaisse lounge. I would walk down the beach every morning. (I always imagine the little crabs down by the canoe club saying to each other, "Here's this annoying guy from Winnipeg again. What say we teach him a lesson and go pinch his toes.") Donna would chat with her friend from Seattle.

I won't give you a detailed TR, but just tell you that we're booked again for May 2014, and again it will be 4 weeks.

If anyone is thinking of heading to Maui and would like some info, just ask.

Back to work on Monday, and then to Aruba in October.

Take care everybody. Have a great weekend.

Glenn

carolrd · Posted: Sun Jun 02, 2013 2:52 pm Post subject:

Welcome home Glenn!! I' sure you and Donna had a wonderful time. Now you can start the countdown till Aruba.

Carol Cool

~Amy~® · Posted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:29 am Post subject:

Hi Glenn! Welcome back!!!!

Sounds like a great, relaxing time - 4 weeks in Maui sounds like heaven!!

Mike and I still have Hawaii on our "list"....maybe next May....we're thinking about it anyway. Very Happy

JohnT · Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 12:05 pm Post subject:

Gee, Glenn...the flight from Winnipeg must be almost as bad as from Central Florida. At least you have 4 weeks to look forward to.
Our only experience with Maui was a cruise stop in 2005. It was beautiful.
We did return to Oahu in 2011...my niece got married in Kailua (where she lived). She now lives in St. Augustine, FL...only 50 miles for us.
Niece 2 still lives on Oahu, but her job takes her to various military places in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Okinawa and Japan (she's a civilian employee dealing with the Marine Corps). She is giving flack to her parents who are joining us in Aruba for the first time in September. She asks why they are going to Aruba for a beach vacation when they have a daughter who lives in Hawaii.
Enjoy your future trips!
Are you fully retired now?
Not a golfer...so I can't add to that suggestion.
I volunteer about 15 hours per week. With nothing planned and no medical appointments, I always enjoy days without demands. I will sometimes exercise, walk, take a book to beach or park...enjoy being outdoors. Summer must be pleasant in Manitoba. Enjoy!

Glenn · Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:01 am Post subject:

Hi JohnT,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you, but I re-read your post and I thought, "I think John asked me something here, and I haven't answered him yet".

John, you asked me if I was fully retired now. The short answer is no. After two years of just about cashing in my chips (a blocked colon can kill you), I feel great and with things having settled down at work, I'll probably work another 4 to 5 years if I can.

I turned 60 back in December, and when we our government department was going through the whole budget cut thing last year, conversations with a few of my colleagues would almost always start with "You know, if I were you...yada yada yada". Finally I told a couple of them, "Look, Maui and Aruba are not cheap, so lay off!". They never mentioned retirement again.

As I said I'll probably retire in about 4 years when I'm 65. Just not ready yet; I enjoy what I do, I'm reasonably good at it and I want to keep going to Maui and Aruba.

Take care.

Glenn

Sasha · Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:38 am Post subject:

Welcome Back! A month in Maui sounds like HEAVEN!!! I've only been there once but will definately go back!

I am actually working on earning a trip with my job to the Big Island in March. I've almost gotten one trip earned so it's pretty certain I'll be going. Now to try and earn all or most of the second trip so my husband can go with me! (Actually he will be going but whatever part of the trip I don't earn we will have to pay...).

Have you ever been to the Big Island? When I see you in Aruba you'll have to tell me about it if you have and also give us some Maui tips for when we go back!

JohnT · Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 8:35 pm Post subject:

Glenn,
I'm now 67...and I truly consider myself lucky that I thought I could retire 10 years ago. I did...and we have survived. Longevity was not a strong suit in my family, so I threw in my chips (after working for 35 years).
We're managing. We enjoy a yearly trip to Aruba...and maybe a cruise or two. What more can anyone ask at this stage?
Of course, each one has to examine their own situation. Continue to enjoy Aruba and Maui and god speed with whatever you do.
I certainly understand the frights and perils of health problems. My brother had colon cancer in 2010, but his prognosis is very good right now. What worries him is health coverage after retirement (at age 63),
He and his wife have made the big step...well my SIL retired from teaching on June 24th. He will throw in the towel in late November...as they have made a commitment to rent a house in FL for 5 months...starting December 1.
Good luck again in whatever you do!
John