Lose Yourself in a Good Book

SOME WOULD SAY that curling-up in a comfortable chair with a good book is one of the best ways to spend a rainy afternoon. Or, perhaps others might suggest that packing a paperback along with the suntan lotion is a great idea for a day at the beach. In either case - or any number of other scenarios - a "good read" is hard to beat as a quiet leisure activity. Actually, it is quite possible to become totally absorbed in the narrative - and to lose yourself in a good book.

Reading can carry us to interesting places, introduce us to fascinating characters, take us through intriguing circumstances, and lead us to ponder consuming situations. Reading can lift us out of the ordinary things of daily life, and move our thoughts to new worlds!

It's always fun to read a book that is difficult to put down! When a story stirs the imagination, when characters seem to come alive, or when the ends of chapters are tantalizing cliffhangers, readers often become rapid page-turners. Many readers can easily keep reading into the wee hours. Some readers don't just read books; they devour them! Avid readers quickly discover their favorite authors, and their favorite types of subject matter.

Most often, books which are chosen are enjoyed much more than those which are imposed upon us. Assigned reading material - necessary for a grade or passing a course - is not inherently bad; in fact, it can be enormously engaging. However, required reading material is vastly different than reading material which we select for ourselves.

Reading is fundamental. Moreover, reading can also be informational, educational, inspirational, motivational, and recreational. However, most people would argue that no matter what the subject matter is, reading which is chosen by the reader - and done during our own free time - is the most enjoyable of all.

Flying South for the Winter

MANY OF US who are retired, and who live in colder winter climates, are looking for ways to avoid shoveling snow, slipping on ice, or feeling the harsh wind which can chill to the bone. One answer to this kind of situation is becoming a "snowbird" and flying south for the winter!

Several years ago I experienced my first up-close look into the world of snowbirds. My own parents packed-up and headed to southern Arizona for a month. The following year their stay was extended to three months. The next seven years they wintered in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas from mid-October until early April. During this period, my wife and I visited them on many occasions in their warm and sunny winter locations. The impact of those winters in the south upon my parents was truly remarkable. It was then that my wife and I decided that, when possible, we too would give the snowbird lifestyle a try.

Retirement did arrive for us, and my wife and I have joined the flock of snowbirds flying south! From the first of November through mid-March we nest along the Emerald Coast of northwest Florida. And, we can recommend the experience! The sunny skies, warm sea breezes, roll of the Gulf's waters, white sand beaches, and the view of the palm trees along the coastline all seem to be excellent alternatives to winters in the Midwest.

During our extended stay at our winter home, we have found that leisure activities abound! However, we can be as busy - or as non-busy - as we desire. It seems to be the best of both worlds. For us, the cost of rental housing for the winter is about the same as the cost for a one-week cruise.

New friends, new places to visit, new sights to see, new adventures to experience, new activities to enjoy; all of these things - and even more - are possible for snowbirds! As you ponder your own life situation, your retirement plans, and your leisure choices, you may want to give serious consideration to the idea of flying south for the winter. Most of us who have tried it have made the journey more than once!