Hard to believe we’re now eight years into our “Next 10 Adventure.” This was our idea of how to change things up after the kids were gone. We had been in the same town and the same house for 25 years when we had a conversation. Would we be willing to move to somewhere new before retirement? Much to both our surprises, we were okay leaving the house where we raised our kids. (Read more here.) We were okay with a limited downsizing. It could be exciting to try a new area. But it wouldn’t be a forever home. Just a new, exciting next 10 adventure to last from 55 to 65.
How’s the next 10 adventure going, you ask
Well, it’s going really fast! The Covid-era surely was an unwelcome piece of the adventure. We seem to be missing two years in the middle of our next 10 adventure. But it’s now been eight years of trying new things. And getting involved in ways we never would have known about if we hadn’t embarked on a move.
We have noted some small changes that have made a big difference.
For 11 years I took the train to Boston. Most of the time, I loved it. But the new train line was packed like a sardine can. My husband did not love commuting on this new train. When he found the ferry from the South Shore through Boston Harbor to downtown Boston, he was so much happier. It’s civilized, he says.
In a less congested area where we are now, there is more space for things like malls, big grocery stores, and lots of convenient parking. We’re also closer to pick-your-own apple orchards and blueberry farms.
One thing we didn’t expect was to see chickens roaming around in a few of the neighbors’ front yards! Or roadside cupboards stocked with fresh eggs. Just stop by, put in some cash, and take your carton of eggs.
When your town is governed in an “open town meeting” format
Remember the second Bob Newhart show, “Newhart,” where he and his wife are inn keepers in Vermont? And the characters got together to discuss town business? That’s Hanover. One thing we never thought to consider when moving somewhere for our next 10 adventure? How the town is governed. And how involved we’d have to be.
Here in New England, a small group of elected officials and an appointed Advisory Board govern many towns. But residents vote on all financial decisions in an open town meeting. Quite literally, you yell “Yay” or “Nay” in the high school auditorium and the Town Moderator confirms the decision.
You must attend in person to vote. Hubby or I attend. Mostly the warrants are benign. Everyone agrees to fund the town, pay the snowplow folks, and buy a new firetruck. But there are some heated debates over budget overrides. And, if you can believe it, over the town dump.
It is a fascinating process. Most impressive are the official Town Meeting minutes approving participation in the Revolutionary War in 1774. The townspeople voted to support independence. Gives you chills to see that document.
Becoming election workers was never on our next 10 adventure
Several years ago, we wanted to make a bigger contribution to the elections. We knew they were fair and well-run. But had never seen the inner workings. So when the opportunity came up to become election workers, we both said yes.
This role was simply not one either of us had on our bucket list. Frankly, we hadn’t ever given it much thought. Like most folks, when there was an election day, we’d just show up to vote.
Now, we are very involved in every election. Whether a local election or a state one, we’re at the polls at 6:00 a.m. We get ready to help our friends and neighbors have their opportunity to cast their vote. And sometimes late into the night, we are counting and ticking and tying out every single ballot.
In year eight of the next 10 adventure, are we ready to leave?
We had some unexpected time at home this summer as I had my left knee replaced. A clear sign I’m becoming an aging baby boomer.
The downtime gave us time to look at our retirement plans, our financial picture, and assess the real estate market. We talked about how long we want to keep working in our current roles. And made some key decisions. Among them: we didn’t have to move in the next two years.
It was funny to think that our next 10 adventure is likely turning into a next 15 adventure. There’s no pressure to pick up and leave. Nothing is nipping at our heels to downsize to a two bedroom condo just yet. And we sure aren’t going to close up our businesses and just sit around.
Turns out, we’re having a lot of fun here. Dan’s garden is thriving. We finally have electrical outlets on both sides of the front porch for Christmas lights. And we’ve put in a new furnace and will be putting on a new roof and solar panels later this year. May as well enjoy some of the new infrastructure.
Looking for more new things to do
Now that we know we don’t have to sell off possessions or repaint the hallways, we’re looking for more new stuff to do. I’ve got another knee to replace later this year. Then, the sky’s the limit.
You won’t be looking for either of us running in the Boston Marathon, but we know there is more we can do and more areas we could contribute to. We just need to find them. And that we will do. In our leisure time during the extended next 10 adventure years.
More Resources
You might enjoy a fun podcast I did with Stan the Annuity man about planning for your next 10 adventure
For a perspective about pre-retirement from Australia, check out this newsletter, Epic Retirement
