May, 1992
Mike and Elaine went on a non-medical tour in the Spring of ‘92. We flew to Washington D.C. It had been at least forty years since either of us had been tourists there. This time we used a Tauck tour and guide. In a way, we were testing what ALWAYS BEING TOGETHER, as in retirement, would be like. Our travels taught me seven points to keep in mind while contemplating retirement.
Retirement Point 1: My husband has 100 times more energy than I have and better knees. We flew to Washington D.C. Visiting the Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington monuments, four of the many Smithsonian Institutes, the National Art Galleries, the Capitol, and, by subway, the Catholic University and the National Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, etc, etc., I think we climbed a million steps! Then there were the stairs and hills at Mt.Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello. Thank God for “vasotec” my heart medicine! At Williamsburg Inn I had cleverly arranged 18 holes of golf for Mike, so I finally had a chance to read and relax before we walked the streets of Colonial Williamsburg and the stairs of the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol Bldg. Now I remember why our family vacations were relaxing: the children ran about with “Mr. Energy” and I got the opportunity to read and relax!
Retirement Point 2: We both agreed No Camping! We drove along the Skyline Drive, viewing the Shenandoah Valley. We stayed overnight at 3200 feet at Skyland Lodge in the National Park. It was reminiscent of scout camp with much better food and yes, our Cabin was UPHILL.
Retirement Point 3: Here’s a possible hobby, taking classes or researching the history of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. I enjoyed the history of Harper’s Ferry as we passed into West Virginia. Mike of course had to climb the steep hill and take a picture of the ancient but still used Catholic Church. We enjoyed the history of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Richmond. We bussed and walked through Gettysburg and Valley Forge.
Retirement Point 4: No gentleman farming in our future; but Mike does like to garden and I enjoy getting out my frustrations by pruning! As we passed through the Amish country I thought of my farming cousins in Illinois with their enclosed, air-conditioned tractors. Yet here I observed the land being tilled by six horses drawing the equipment and guided by the farmer in the manner similar to his ancestors.
Retirement Point 5: Do not even think of travelling with any of your grandchildren. Be firm! Do not get soft- hearted. Philadelphia, our last tour stop, was swarming with bus loads of school children. Oh yes, we did the walking tour near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Retirement Point 6: Remember, it is not always Spring back in friendly Philadelphia! We spent five days in suburban Philadelphia visiting my cousin Thomas Murphy, his wife Rosalie, and his now grown and married children and their children. It is always fun to notice the similarities between the relatives. (My Joe and cousin Tom, Jr. have similar humorous personalities.) We had a wonderful visit. How beautiful the blooming dogwood and fruit trees and the magnificent flowers of DuPont’s Longwood Gardens. We especially enjoyed the multi-hued tulips.
Retirement Point 7: Yes, keep up the bridge games; they’re good for the mind and companionship (and they’re free.)When we weren’t eating or visiting relatives we played bridge.
We had a marvelous vacation and learned a great deal about ideas for our future.
Elaine's Memoirs 