Hawaii.
Though he is unemployed, David’s demeanor has really improved. No longer does he come home from work with his head hung low, feeling depressed. He is much happier. Whether or not he finds work is beside the point. The main thing is he is healthy and he no longer feels harassed and abused.
David has decided to apply for Social Security as of September 1. We will live quite well on his and my income and savings. When my mother dies, I will receive some money from her estate, and that will help us also.
We are debating whether or not to travel to Italy next year or to somewhere less expensive. We want to travel while we are still physically able to do so, because as we age, traveling will be more arduous for us. During our recent trip to the East coast, I had a hard time walking and standing for long periods of time. I just didn’t have the stamina. It will be even more difficult ten years from now.
So, we plan to dip into savings and travel while we still can.
Our sister-in-law suggested a cruise down the Danube River. The advantage of such a cruise is that we would not have to keep changing hotels. However, David thinks the bed will be too small for him and he will feel claustrophobic in such a small cabin. I’ll have to ask my travel agent about the dimensions of the bed and cabin, and then we will make an informed decision.
gigi-hawaii 
August 16, 2013 at 3:31 am |
Gigi – it’s better to be ‘unemployed’ and happy than the other way around (as long as you can pay your bills). Regarding your plans to travel – Do this!!! Do this as long as you are still well enough. If David is worried about the bunk on board ship – maybe its better not to do the mini cruise. The other aspect of course is the fact that you cannot escape anybody – the wrong passengers at your asigned table can ruin your whole trip. But on the other hand it can also turn out your “cruise of a life time”. If you want to go to Austria, why not fly into Vienna (sooooo much to see there). Hotels aplenty for every pocket, wonderful and easy public transport. You can also rent a flat (which we often like to do). Wonderful day trips around the country and not to difficult or costly. If you love classical music a visit to the Staatsoper should be a must. I envy you both!!! Any info wanted just ask. Carina 🙂
August 16, 2013 at 5:16 am |
Thanks, Carina. I have been to other countries in Europe, but not Austria. I would love to go there. I have added your blog to my Blogroll.
August 16, 2013 at 6:53 am |
I agree. Travel while you can; don’t grow old with regrets.
August 16, 2013 at 7:47 am |
These are all wise decisions, Gigi. I’m so glad to learn that David is so much happier now.
August 16, 2013 at 8:54 am |
Gigi, do all the travelling you can and go where you want to go within your means! You are so right about health etc.
August 16, 2013 at 9:36 am |
I noticed Viking has several cruises in Europe on the Rhine and the Danube. I know the Danube can be taken as a whole or split in two parts. So many options. I think a cruise would be the way to go if you have trouble standing or walking. I am trying to persuade David to take a cruise or something. He doesn’t want to leave the dogs for a couple of weeks, however.
I told my daughter I would help her drive to WI next summer to visit my granddaughter who will be woking on a farm up there, and David said, “You will have to take the dogs.” He means Johnny of course, who is joined at the hip with me. Ha ha. You would think they were children.
August 16, 2013 at 10:39 am |
This is one of the reasons why David and I don’t want pets. We value our freedom.
August 16, 2013 at 4:40 pm |
A cruise down the Danube sounds wonderful. I would also like tot ake a vacation in Italy. We want to travel while we can also.
August 16, 2013 at 6:28 pm |
It is definitely better to be unemployed and content than employed and miserable. Depression is not an easy thing.
August 16, 2013 at 7:15 pm |
David has managed to postpone Social Security a few years past 62. We’re thinking the same way too, filling the income gap with dips into savings if we have to.
August 19, 2013 at 1:02 pm |
We really like river cruising. Your hotel goes with you and there are so many wonderful ports of call. Some advice to take or leave: Start working on your walking and standing stamina. You are too young to be decrepit. Any touring is enhanced by the walking through old cities. You can improve your physical well being. i know. i did.