I wasn’t prepared for retirement. Bettye pitched in and showed me where the washer and dryer were and how to use them. She taught me how to clean up and to use the dishwasher, too. She trained me in all the household chores except cooking. My stomach wishes she had trained me to cook. Nearly ten years after I retired, Bettye retired. It didn’t dawn on me for a while that she could take some of the chores back, even if I had to train her.
Just kidding, in our 57 years of marriage, we were equal partners and neither of us felt short-changed. Thanks to Candie, a lot of folks shared our marital bliss at our 50th Anniversary Celebration. This was a wonderful party at our church; beautifully decorated with delicious food; it was casual, informal and fun for everyone. Pictures were taken with all guests as they came in and given to them as souvenirs. What made the occasion special was the humor. Everyone raved about how great Bettye was and insulted me in every way possible. And that is what I wanted. So many celebrations are dull or stilted, ours wasn’t.

Most retirees can’t wait to hit the road. Neither of us was crazy about travel. We did some traveling and I encouraged Bettye to go with friends anywhere she liked. In retrospect, I probably should have taken her more places. When we were newlyweds I loved to take her places she had never been.
Volunteer work continued to be important to me in retirement. For 12 years I served in SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives, to help people start a business), I serve on several boards, and joined some new activities such as Senior Neighbors and various UTC sports groups (i.e. Quarterback Club, Moc’s Club, RBI Club and UTC Old Timers).
While Bettye was still operating the Back Stage Playhouse, I played tennis almost every day, sometimes twice a day. It kept me out of trouble. I still enjoy volunteer work and don’t understand people who say, “There’s nothing to do”. I have heard that ever since childhood.
Sometimes I would join other Tennis Nuts for breakfast. One day I noticed that the bill was more than it had been for the same thing I had the day before. When I asked why, they said, “Oh, I forgot to give you the senior discount.” Thanks to Burger King for introducing me to one of the virtues of the Golden Age. I love senior discounts. Remember I am a cheapskate, since the day I was born.
In 1991 we were playing in a Southern Tennis Tournament in New Orleans, the team stopped at a MacDonald’s for lunch. When I asked for the senior discount, they carded me; to be sure I was qualified. I was so flattered that I insisted that we go back the next day.
I meant to do more writing in my Golden Years, but Bettye’s theater work, and my volunteer work filled our time. I enjoy writing but don’t enjoy editing, etc. We both had such limited skills on the computer, writing became a chore. Some of this was written when I first retired.
My best friend, Jack Anderson, lost his wife Kitty, just before I retired. Jack and I believe in staying busy. He’s retired also. We both have been heavily involved with the Senior Neighbors, the Half Century Club, The Saturday Political Luncheon Club, the RBI Club (UTC Lady Mocs softball) and more. I call Jack “my girlfriend” and we date every Friday night.
By the way, The Half Century Club is for men who have lived in the Chattanooga area at least fifty years. I’ve been on their board for 34 years so you can guess my age. Also, the Saturday Political Luncheon Club, after more than 50 years, still meets every Saturday at noon (Wally’s on McCallie Avenue). You are invited. Finally, I encourage you to join The Chattanooga Area Historical Association and learn more about our colorful heritage. Call me if you want to know more about any of these groups or the UTC Old Timers or the Highland Park Mafia. The key to happiness in your golden Years is to stay busy. Get involved.
Jack introduced me to the computer, installed mine and has continued to provide all my technical service. He is a special friend. Jack and the computer have contributed greatly to my Golden Years. When I lost the love of my life, my niece, Judye James, rejuvenated my writing. Blame Judye for this. She makes frequent trips from Knoxville and motivates me and then takes homework back to Knoxville. Ain’t that great?