I retired 9 years ago after 35 years (mostly graveyards) as a 9-1-1 operator. I don't think I did anything special the first day off, but within a month I'd bought my first tractor. I got my second one (with a backhoe) about 6 months later and used them to clear about 3 acres of eucalyptus trees from my 5 acres. I still wake up early (I've probably only slept until 7 AM once since I retired), but if I wake at 3 AM, I'm likely to just get up rather than try to fight to get back to sleep as it isn't like I have to be awake for work (naps are good!). I don't have any hobbies (other than playing on the computer & reading - no TV and very little alcohol), but still try to putter in the yard (mostly on one or the other tractors) an hour or two every day (now planting a few fruit trees). My retirement party was an informal lunch, which was kind of my gift to my coworkers as they got a break with free food in the middle of a shift. Got rid of the emus, so we are just down to a few chickens, dogs, cats & koi. Health is good & life is good.
