I 'retired'...
from the Army (after 24 years and a bit) in 1993. Since that time, I've been busy doing things I've enjoyed (not to say I didn't enjoy my Army career: I did, but outlived it) - making barrels, building rifles, managing a retail gunstore, shooting sometimes, and, of course, the never-ending chores which come with home ownership and marriage. My boys are now independent (one in the Army, in Kuwait, and one working his own way through college). Retirement is very good, if it gives you the chance to do interesting things - nothing is the hardest of all things to do, day after day, and I hope I never come to that.
Color me lucky and grateful for it.
Merry Christmas to you all, and the wish for a better, happy New Year!
mhb - Mike