| I am now into my second week of retirement. This pretty well sums up the pension plan offered by Sun Life. Fortunately, I knew well in advance, and instituted a 401k plan. It was nice that those contributions were not taxed. The problem, however, is that as soon as I redeem them, they are subject to tax (which the government cleverly withholds). |
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Retirement hasn't been quite this boring. I am finding it difficult to plan, and spend much more time anticipating than in actually doing. |
| In a move combat the encroaching boredom, I made a mistake. I purchased an ultralight aircraft, a Quicksilver MX Sport. Like me it is an old beast (serial number 0021 [I have an inquiry into the company concerning it's date of manufacture]), but unlike me, it has seen few miles, having only been flown twice. It is powered by a 45 horsepower Rotex 447 that has 7.2 hours on it (recommended time between overhauls is 250 hours). And, unlike the one in this photo, mine is in pieces with no fabric covering the control surfaces. I have re-discovered something that I learned in the 70's--aircraft ownership is expensive. The fabric is dacron and needs protection from ultra violet light. Hangers at the San Manuel Airport rent for $164/month, none are available, and there is a waiting list. Benson Municipal offers them for $325/month, but is also full. Marana has the closest available hangers, for only $272/month (plus tax...). Google maps puts that at 40.6 miles and 58 minutes away. A second option is to build a trailer in which to transport and store it, then reassemble it before each flight. I don't recall fun being quite this convoluted... |
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As every happily married man knows (or will eventually learn), it is wise to involve your spouse in all expensive decisions. In an effort to do that with Barbara, I offered to let her choose the color scheme. The three shown here are high on the list of what I would pick. Anyone want to offer Barbara advice? |
| I have a son-in-law (Zeke Ellis) who makes his living working on aircraft and (at a college in Tulsa) teaching others how to do the same. The last time I considered purchasing an ultra light project, I solicited his input, and his reply was informative. In essence he said that if I wanted to kill myself, I should just go jump off a cliff. It would be much cheaper and easier, and the results would be about the same. |
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This time I didn't consult him, and I fully expect to catch some static from that direction. Zeke has a good point, and I agree that safety is important. But the FAA has barred me from flying real airplanes, and somehow I just can't see myself installing seat belts on my rocking chair... |