July 1, 2023.
My personal “Independence Day,” in a sense.
I am officially unemployed.
The Redhead is calling it “semi-retirement.” A good phrase, but not entirely accurate. I am too young to draw my pennies and not well-off enough to quit work for a life of leisure. My career in forestry has paid the bills, but I did not get rich from it by any stretch of the imagination.
I prefer the term “self-employed,” although I am not entirely sure what that will look like in the days ahead.
There is a story here beyond employment. One I am going to tell only because someone urged me to do so. It will be difficult writing for me because it is about me, and quite frankly there are more interesting things to write about.
It is not a tale to solicit either pity or advice, because I have had plenty of both over these last two years.
Think of it as a cautionary tale, especially if you spend time in the woods and fields of Alabama. It is a story about chronic illness.
I will write this story as a serial, because it is much too long to hold your attention in one sitting.
It starts like this: “Once upon a time, a forester was bitten by a tick.”
Words Not On Paper 
Pack up and move to Mexico. You’ll love it. Doesn’t require much money. I did it when I was 55 … 23 years ago. Best decision of my life by a mile.
Plus, the United States is going to Hell in that proverbial handbasket. Good time to leave. It’s only going to get worse.
Tempting thought, but I have too many folks to leave behind. The ship is sinking. We will keep bailing.
You got one redhead vote, we’ll join you
About time
Didn’t know you were cursed with what I think is coming up. Has always been my fear but too much exposure to keep it from getting you.
I hardly ever sprayed. But I think you’re right. There’s too much exposure for us and it’s endemic.
May you gain strength and resources to share more of your fine words
Thank you, Kim.
Talk about a cliffhanger.
What the heck, Ray?!?
I’m just now seeing this post, read part 3 and then backtracked to this post. I think your posts have been going into Spam, which I seldom check. I’m on board now!
Glad you are back. Some of my posts probably should go to the Spam folder!
Congratulations Ray on your semi-retirement! A new role but another day. Wishing you great success in your next forestry position, if this is your choosing. So glad to see your writings once again. A few went to my Spam folder but it’s corrected now.
Thank you Leisa. I am not sure what my new role will look like, but I am going to concentrate on my health for a bit. The second part will determine the first.