Sorry about the long absence from the Boards. Just finished a long, rewarding 30-year teaching career. :yippee: The last weeks and months have been fun, yet hectic. I hope this time to be able to spend a little more time on SO. I have not forgotten you, and hope you are all well.
:luvu:

Gene :)

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your new life. :)

Congratulations!

Wow Gene, that's just wonderful news! I hope you have a long, fun retirement. You've certainly earned it. I've missed you posting and look forward to seeing more of you.

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Sorry about the long absence from the Boards. Just finished a long, rewarding 30-year teaching career. :yippee: The last weeks and months have been fun, yet hectic. I hope this time to be able to spend a little more time on SO. I have not forgotten you, and hope you are all well.
:luvu:

Gene :)

I'm so happy for you Yooch. :) Congratulations on your 30 year career. I'm looking forward to you posting again. Have a great week. God Bless!

Enjoy your retirement Gene! Try not to drive your wife crazy!:lol: :wave:

Enjoy your retirement Gene! Let it be a rewarding time for you!

Many Congratulations on your retirement from teaching, Yooch!!! :clap :clap: :clap

Hey, thanks you guys for the kind words and wishes. It is good to be back. I'll try not to drive too many people crazy! :lol: :biglove: to all of you! See ya 'round the boards.

Congrats on your retirement!!!

:cheers:

Congrats on your retirement!!!

:cheers:

Thank you!

:clap: Congratulations on your retirement!

:clap: Congratulations on your retirement!
Thank you, too, AB!

Congratulations Gene. Enjoy you retirement. Welcome back to SO. :woohoo:

Congrats, Gene!!! Enjoy your retirement - you've earned it and you deserve it!!! :cool: :D

Sonny, Tara, Monika, thanks also. One of my friends who retired the previous year, told me that the reality of retirement as a teacher will not hit right now, because there's no (regular) school in the summer. But when the new school year starts, it will hit me (in a good way!) I already feel a certain 'freedom' and was reflecting yesterday how quickly, now, that 30 years seems to have just flown by, almost like a dream that spans many years, yet lasts but a few seconds. I have no regrets or second guessing about this decision. I was contemplating it last year, but the formula they use for the retirement system just didn't add up, age-wise and years of service-wise, so this year was more advantageous. And, I wanted to go out when I was still effective, and before I'd "Jumped the Shark" to use a popular TV metaphor. Bottom line is I got out at the right time for me. I am relaxing a bit right now, but would also like to travel, but not right away--maybe a few areas in the country I haven't seen yet, like Alaska, or Seattle, Victoria BC for example. I'd like to try some writing. Our teaching staff gave as a gift to each the three retirees a Kindle; it's so cool. I'm getting a chance to read now more than I ever have. I'm somewhat involved with my church (not a whole lot), but here and there. That's pretty much it for now; it's great to see all of you again on SO! :) :heart:

Wow, 30 years. That is a pretty long career.
Congratulations!

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!

Jenny, Fleet, Ponytail--thanks also for the well wishes.

btw Janice, that watch picture was so cool! Thanks again!

Gene, I just came back from visiting Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver; absolutely breathtaking! I highly recommend that you visit those cities:) Victoria was my favorite, though:)

Thanks, Tara. I've only been as far north as Portland, Ore., but that was some time ago. I'd like to see the rest of the Northwest. I'm glad you had a good time.:)

Thanks, Tara. I've only been as far north as Portland, Ore., but that was some time ago. I'd like to see the rest of the Northwest. I'm glad you had a good time.:)

If you ever plan on visiting Portland again, look me up, and we can get together for lunch or something. I'm so glad to hear that you're getting the opportunity to do so many of the things that you're passionate about.You deserve all those things, and much more. I am TRULY ecstatic for you. :)

If you ever plan on visiting Portland again, look me up, and we can get together for lunch or something. I'm so glad to hear that you're getting the opportunity to do so many of the things that you're passionate about.You deserve all those things, and much more. I am TRULY ecstatic for you. :)

Thank you!

Thank you!

You're welcome! :)

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Reverend Jim, these are GREAT! Thank you very much! :)