As we look back at our life, it seems to break down into three chapters.  Childhood, Chapter One, actually lasted for us well into our 20s.  Chapter Two was our adult career years, The Rat Race, nearly 45 years spent, in various proportions, earning, spending, and saving money, along with sundry romantic entanglements that never seemed to result in a satisfying conclusion for us.  Long story.

Today was the first full day of Chapter Three, Retirement.  We're not sure yet how this chapter will read, although we do know how it will end.  But before the close of this chapter, will it be years of relaxation and quiet enjoyment, or soul-crushing loneliness and isolation?  Will it be spent pursuing our various interests, or a slow decline into depression and alcoholism?  Will it's length be measured in decades or years?  Or months or even weeks?

There's really only one way to find out, so here we go.

Our first morning of Chapter Three was spent, as we suspect many mornings will be spent, in bed with a cup of coffee and the Times crossword puzzle.  We read one full chapter of the current book we're working on (Demonic Males, more about that, we're sure, in a later post).  A little time playing video games and then a quick run to the supermarket before today's Red Sox/Yankees game in London.  The Sox are playing so awfully today that we could only watch the game for a few innings before we had to avert our eyes. Right now, after only four innings, Boston trails by 8, 14-6. Disgusting.  Tonight, we're off to Eddie's Attic in Decatur to see Seattle singer-songwriter Damien Jurado.

These little diversions and modest entertainments will probably tide us over for a few days, at least through the July Fourth holiday.  After that we'll likely start in earnest some of the yard work and home improvement chores with which we've tasked ourselves.  And beyond that, well, is anybody's guess.  We'll just have to see how it all unfolds.

While we were writing this, the Yankees scored three more runs in the top of the fifth and now lead the game 17-6.  An 11-run lead, and the game's only half over.  At least they play again tomorrow, giving the Sox a chance at some measure of, if not redemption, then at least revenge.