So, what's there to a retired gal to do? (Post Falls: environment, real estate)

[esselcue]

This time next year I hope to be buying my retirement place somewhere in the CdA area...Hayden, Rathdrum, Post Falls, Athol, Sandpoint, I really don't know for sure, it will depend on real estate at the time...but I am making the move. I will be 62, an active, retired professional lady who is going to want to meet folks and settle in. Hoping to do volunteer work, that's all to be seen...but for those living in that area, how would you suggest I get started? I have worked all my life...I am a little frightened of being "retired"...I don't know how to not work every day...not sure how to start. Suggestions? Warnings? Crikey!

[cleosmom]

I'm not in the Panhandle, however when it comes to finding ways to occupy your time, that's a cinch

What are your passions? Art? Animals? Environmental causes? Preservation? Whatever your passion is, I'm almost certain you can find a non-profit that needs folks who are hands on and not just funding the cause.

I used to be President on the Board of Directors for a local humane society and I know all too well how difficult it was to find able bodied folks with time on their hands. Having said that, let me warn to not take on too much at once or they will discover that you have the available time and pretty soon you'll be doing everything by yourself

[Huckleberry3911948]

every morning when the sun comes up on the sahara the slowest antalope has
got to outrun the fastest lion, been like that for me the whole time, until i retired.

[esselcue]

Art? Yes...I paint (I am a composite artist now). Animals? Yes, I have several and am involved in our local Humane Society. Also love theater (sets and designs and such)...you have given me a bright, shiny object to look towards

[esselcue]

I'm not sure why it seems scary to me to give up the stress and the rat-race. I should be oh, so happy to think about it, and I am...it's just a whole new chapter for me and these next 9 or 10 months leading up to The Day are going to have me thinking.

[Asthedeer]

Originally Posted by esselcue

Art? Yes...I paint (I am a composite artist now). Animals? Yes, I have several and am involved in our local Humane Society. Also love theater (sets and designs and such)...you have given me a bright, shiny object to look towards

You could sell your art at the Art on the Green and you could set up shop at the local flea markets. That would keep you busy in the warmer months.

Coeur d' Alene has the neatest little theater, called Lake City Playhouse. I was always there growing up, as my sister set up the stage etc. There is also a fairly new place called the Song Bird.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by esselcue

Art? Yes...I paint (I am a composite artist now). Animals? Yes, I have several and am involved in our local Humane Society. Also love theater (sets and designs and such)...you have given me a bright, shiny object to look towards

Oh see, you could combine somethings! You could do composites on the critters for any auctions or raffles that the humane society might hold.

I think you're going to do just fine