What will semi-retirement look like in 2026? Hopefully like 2025.

| December 16, 2025

It is the time of year that I do my best to reach out to my existing Consolidated Printing and Publishing Co. customers that I’m still serving. The gradual slowing down of my nearly 40 year old business continues and I’m still doing my best to keep loyal and long time customers satisfied. Is maintaining […]

The first snow of the winter always shuts down schools, etc.

| December 3, 2025

The “over-forecasted” first winter snowstorm for 2025-26 was spot on. By morning we had at least 6 inches of heavy snow. About the only thing that would have made it look a little prettier would have been some sunshine … but it was still beautiful (took the photos too early in the morning though).  I’m […]

Retirement: Are you a “Wear Out” or “Rust Out” kind of person?

| November 23, 2025

There was article regarding The Joy of Doing Nothing in the WSJ’s Lifestyle section on retirement last week … which forces the question “when to actually retire” and “how to actually retire?” One of the comments triggered a mental debate on slogan that get reversed, depending on who you are talking to: “It is better […]

A couple of important financial numbers for today: 3% and 2.8%

| October 24, 2025

First up, the Consumer Price Index inched up a tenth of a percentage point in August from 2.9% to 3% on an annual rate (numbers were pre-government shutdown). This is ties into the second important number of 2.8% — the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA). This is key for Social Security recipients as it is […]

For Sale: Another family’s home is for sale in our neighborhood

| July 12, 2025

It might be a little concerning if I didn’t actually know my neighbors and neighborhood as well as I do … but another couple has decided the time is right to sell their home. The Groseth family has lived here for 30 years and we’ve watch our families grow up together. Both Marvin and Arlene […]

A Linux Server update and screenshots from a CRFB webinar

| June 25, 2025

While updating a few more Linux server items elsewhere today, I learned a little bit more that might help out my older “droplet” that refuses to function the way I want due to so much old software. Yes … overdue for an overhaul, but the older I get, the more comfortable and set in my […]

Archive: What’s going on with our family?

| April 3, 2025

This content is restricted.

Archive: We never tire of seeing this Atlantic Ocean view

| March 22, 2025

Seeing this view each morning as we head to the beach never gets old. To be sure, I’ve posted similar photos a few times before, but even as the wallpaper on my iPhone, I can’t get enough of it.  As our time in Florida for 2025 inches closer to a close, Brenda and I are […]

Enjoying life and leftover President’s Day weekend family photos

| February 19, 2025

My reading from a week ago has stalled … and I have no idea why? “Area 51” by Annie Jacobsen is an interesting book, and beside walking, neither Brenda or I are doing much more than pretending we are on a long vacation.   One of our pleasures is seeing the same people each morning […]

There’s no place better for Valentine’s Day than on the beach

| February 15, 2025

We have been enjoying our time together in Florida this month. The weather has been near perfect after a little “expected” cooler, damp, jacket weather that Florida received in January. Next week could be different … according to my weather and tides watcher — report courtesy of Brenda. 😉 Our daily walks are getting easier […]

Thoughts on owning second homes/condos and inflationary costs

| November 24, 2024

With all the expenses associated with owning a Florida condo these days (HOA monthly dues, large engineering related assessments, increases in insurance and real estate taxes, not to mention normal utilities and repairs) … I’m wondering if being an owner is worth it? Nevertheless, Brenda and I do enjoy the longer escapes these days as […]

My brother and neighbor enjoying their retirement perch fishing

| July 24, 2024

Since the earlier post this morning was “private” … for friends and family … it seemed like a good idea to archive another “texted to me” photo from last week. My brother Ron has been enjoyed trips up to “his” new property (our old property) and reconnecting with neighbors. He sent a photo out perch […]

Retirement: The question has been asked a lot lately.

| June 23, 2024

Brenda and I have been asked several times recently … “are you retired?” The most recent for me was at my yearly wellness physical by my PCP.  I’m not really sure how to answer the question since there hasn’t really been a definitive “we are retiring” moment for either of us. I “work from home” […]

Retirement: Workers Don’t Expect to Work Full-Time Past 62

| May 19, 2024

It is time to face the inevitable that working later in life is not a reality for most people. As I commented on a Barron’s article last week, you “better have a Plan B or even a Plan C” in case there is a health concern that prevent working later in life. From personal experience, […]

Inflation is easing but still a big issue for most Americans

| May 15, 2024

U.S. inflation eased slightly in April, with a key measure of price pressures slowing to its lowest level since spring 2021. The consumer-price index, a gauge for goods and service costs across the U.S. economy, rose 3.4% in April from a year ago, the Labor Department said Wednesday. So-called core prices that exclude volatile food […]

What’s next and where do you want to retire? #TBT

| May 18, 2023

Most people spend their lives going to school, focused on work and career, raising their family and after 6 decades or so can plan for the day they shift gears and retire. The question arises, what do you want to do and where do you want to live when you aren’t restricted by school and […]

Where do you live if you want $100,000 to go furthest?

| April 6, 2023

There is probably a new survey or report out every month or so comparing the cost of living in different areas of the country. I usually gloss over them for one reason or another. Some exclude income taxes, state and local taxes or hefty property taxes. Others ignore lower salaries and some just don’t factor in […]

A favorite podcast: Stocks Are in the ‘Death Zone.’

| February 25, 2023

Jack Hough is a favorite Barron’s Magazine writer and #streetwise podcast host wrote “another” interesting investing article and interview this week: U.S. stocks have entered the “death zone,” a top Wall Street strategist wrote this past week. I detected a bearish undertone. The phrase is used by mountaineers to describe heights where humans can’t live […]

Sound advice for 2023, but am I disciplined enough to follow?

| January 8, 2023

For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed reading the often contrarian thoughts from Forbes contributor, Brett Owens. He writes and contributes investment advice in several publications, newsletters and columns. He co-authored an excellent book too! 2023 Rule #1: Don’t fight the Fed. Print this rule out and tape it next to your computer. Or the […]

My brother emailed a photo of our grandfather from 1966 #TBT

| December 22, 2022

Tis the season, to reflect a bit …  at least for me. I posted a few old photos last week, so when my brother sent me one of Earl Daniel Corbett, our grandfather, it seemed appropriate for Throwback Thursday #TBT. He mentioned  that he came across it at a Corbett family reunion and said it […]

Summer 2022: If only every day could be like this

| August 28, 2022

Neither Brenda or I have fully retired yet (although I loaf more than I should), but there is no reason THIS couldn’t be every day during retirement IF the weather was perfect all year around. I probably take more time off during the summer than I should and having the girls for a week in […]

Where do you WANT vs where SHOULD you live in retirement?

| July 10, 2022

While I personally have not worked the numbers, a May 2022 Barron’s Advisor column on retirement offered an enlightening look on “where” to live; it can be eye-opening! Low income taxes aren’t everything. Many retirees who live in states with high taxes are eager to move to states with no income taxes, says Rhian Horgan, […]

Stay on your retirement planning track and consider iBonds

| June 25, 2022

It is stomach-churning to follow the often heard “hold tight” and “stick with the plan” advice often given by financial advisors.  If you are currently retired and living off of a fix-income and nest egg, or are trying to prepare for retirement, you are likely worried about times like these. Advisors tell you not to […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog