I missed a blog. Because I’ve been away on vacation. There is a common misconception if you are retired you don’t need a vacation. Let me just say, that is quite untrue. Sooo untrue.

Responsibilities continue and even grow during retirement.

I speak, or write, from experience. I am retired. And I work at, and worry about a great many life issues which unfortunately translate to daily stress. Stress that builds to a dire need for vacations.

Have I volunteered for the toy drive? Did I pay the power bill? Have I missed my uncle’s birthday? Is the rent overdue? Obviously, I can worry about these things from anywhere. But it’s so much more beneficial for my mental health to take a vacation. Otherwise known as a change of scenery with purpose.

A vacation for a retired person involves a change in scenery. And let’s be honest here, a change in scenery is the perfect reason to get up off the couch. To explore. To shop.

I love a good change in scenery as long as it’s not too expensive.

Whether you call it, a change of scenery or a vacation, a get-away can do a world of good even for just a few days. For instance, a weekend of being unable to see the terrifying news on television will do wonders. And there is no food shopping or cooking while enjoying a change of scenery. You make dining decisions from a menu.

Often a vacation will offer a new hobby. Just last week, I watched birds dive bombing into the Caribbean Sea. I have no idea what the name of these birds is, but I will by the end of the day. I will research. I may even become a birder.

Meeting new friends is especially wonderful. Like you, so many of my friends have left this good earth. I miss them and they cannot be replaced… but recently I met a woman who had an amazing amount of life in common with me. We laughed as we compared notes. I’m thinking we’ll remain friends and long distance pen pals at the very least.

As our bodies deteriorate bit by bit, we need a vacation from the doctor. Doctors. One doctor is not enough. We are passed from one specialist to another where a twenty minute appointment can - and often does - last a full day. (There’s travel time to account for on these visits.)

Yes, I’ve been away for a change of scenery. And I plainly forgot to schedule a blog in the blogspot. I didn’t mean to forget, forgetful just happens to me now.

My next vacation, er, change of scenery may take me to Europe. I am a fan of a football team scheduled to play in London. I’m also a fan of one of the NFL cheerleaders. I’ve been watching her dance since she was five years old. Ask me how many times I’ve seen her perform The Nutcracker in Miami’s Dade County Auditorium. And then ask me how delighted I’ll be to see her perform in London’s Wembley Stadium as she did last fall.

Retired or no, it may be time for you to plan a change in scenery and enjoy a vacation while still breathing and mobile. Let’s use our time joyfully!