I am one of the millions of people who are coping with this bitter cold weather.  Yesterday we stayed home and watched the outdoor hockey game at Citifield with the Rangers facing the Buffalo Sabres.  Out of curiosity I checked tickets for this game and found out that the cheapest ticket went for $119.  There was a complete sellout of hockey diehards who were willing to brave the elements.  The Rangers won 3-2 in overtime.

Today is the first working day of 2018 and I am not going to work.  I worked for over 40 with the last 25 at the same employer, so I think I am entitled to some rest and relaxation.  The summer of 1982 was the last time I was unemployed so I have worked consecutively for 35+ years.  So I don't have to worry about train delays and inconsiderate passengers who block the doors.  No more sitting at a reference desk like a statue and waiting for questions that will not come.  I am no longer caught in the middle of a bitter feud between two managers.  That really made my last months of working very unpleasant.

Today, I am going to the Ridgewood Bank to make arrangements to withdraw money from the IRA that I have there.  Most of my retirement money will come from TIAA whom I will call today to make sure that everything is set.  I need a little more time to determine what volunteer opportunities to pursue.