pos...#8
One of the most interesting things to me about People Over Sixty (POS) are their hobbies and the various ways they choose to spend all the extra time retirement gives them.
I approached Dan McDonald, 64, because of the tee shirt he was wearing. It was colorful and depicted a hot road or race car on the front and back of the shirt. I figured he must be an enthusiast and if I was really lucky, possibly a driver on the hot rod circuit.
No, I don't race and I really don't go to races, he countered. I just like the power and I like to hear the engines.
Oh, I thought your tee shirt told a different story. I was totally wrong.
Well, I do love old cars, he conceded. In fact, I've got three right now that I'm restoring.
Are you retired?
No, but, I am on the line, he said. I'm getting pretty close.
What kind of work do you do?
I'm a drug and alcohol counselor, he told me. I've been at it for 18 years and I am about ready.
I can imagine you have some pretty wild stories.
Yes, I do, he grinned. Sometimes I don't believe them myself.
What about those cars you are restoring?
I've got a couple that are drivable, he proudly stated. One is a 1930 Model A that I am putting in a new motor, transmission, new rear end, the whole works. I've also got a '32 Ford and a 1947 pickup.
Do you drive any of the three or are they show cars?
No, I drive the '47 pickup. I love driving it, he smiled. Matter of fact, it's out in the parking lot now.
Which one of those three is your pride and joy?
Oh, the 32, he said quickly,
What makes it so special?
Well, when I was 13 I lived with my grandparents in an apartment, he recalled. A neighbor had a 32 Ford hot rod and I wanted one of those awfully bad. I would watch him drive it out and I just loved it and I've wanted one ever since. Now, I've got one.
Do you have a significant other?
I do, he replied. I am married and my wife and I have a daughter who is 30.
How do you and your wife spend your spare time?
We like to travel, he answered. We've been all over the United States, but, I would like to see more of the west like Montana and Utah.
If you had to name one place you have been that stands out over the rest, where would you pick?
Hawaii, he said quickly. It was our favorite. Just beautiful.
Dan, best of luck restoring those cars.
Thanks a lot.
Fred Marrero is a retired military man.
I was a personnel sergeant for the U.S Army for 22 years, he said.
But, you told me you had what I call an Encore Performance?
Yes, I did, he affirmed. I was a military analyst for the Department of Defense for 21 years when I retired from the army. But, I have been officially retired for a year and a half now.
What about your personal life?
I was married for 38 years and my wife passed away nine years ago, he replied. I met the lady I am with now two years ago. Unfortunately, my wife and I did not have any kids, but, my friend here has enough kids and grandkids to make up for it.
Since you retired, how do you spend your relaxing time?
Believe it or not, I like to shop, he smiled. So does she, so we shop together. That's a big thing we do. I like sports, in particular, football, and, I work out to keep in shape.
Of all the times I have asked that question, you are the first person to tell me you like to shop. For sure the first man to say it.
Well, it's true, I do, he laughed. We also love to go to concerts. We recently saw Chicago, Jim Brickman, you name it, we go to a lot of concerts. We both like all types of music.
What about post work goals. Have you set a goal or goals for yourself?
My main goal is to enjoy every day while I am here like it is my last day, he stated.
Fred, thank you for your service and for your time today.
Anytime.
Coming up: a job$ somebody's gotta do; another oddities, observations & ?'s; dinner with the George Brothers, and; more POS.
And, finally. I believe the American people will regret last Tuesday's decision. However, those same people have spoken and I will not spend another moment denouncing their selection. It is a done deal. Sealed, wrapped, and, delivered.
HUH? What's up with that?
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