Licorice

I know that is a strange title, but it has it's reason.  I have Steve Heller to thank for bringing me some black licorice when he came to Uruguay.  He brought me 2 boxes and they were yummy.  I wanted to savor them over a long period of time, but I discovered that was easier said than done.  Once I started on a box I couldn't stop.  Well, I looked up the website of the company that makes that particular brand and they suggested I look into Amazon for distribution, unfortunately they do not ship internationally.  Then someone suggested homemade licorice.  Well, I wasn't sure that I could buy Anise here until the other day.  So I am getting ready to make homemade licorice and I don't think I can buy syrup here.  So I looked up a recipe for that.  It is simple enough.  Once I get started on this, I figure it has to be about the same as making peanut brittle without the peanuts and not using brown sugar.  Just add the anise and I should be set.  I would say pray for me but that would be an incorrect application of prayer.  How about cross your fingers, that works.  

As far as any other "addictions" I might have, I am getting used to Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, it's not Sailor Jerry but it will have to do.  It's not like I drink on a regular basis, either. A friend of mine told me he could get me a cigar but I really don't think I want one that badly, besides I probably wouldn't like it since I got to be very particular about the cigars I smoked.  I even had a Cuban when I visited the Eastern Carribbean once.  They are over rated.  Anyway, just thought I would toss this in as a blog and see what happens.

I was going to write about retirement, but I figure no matter what input I have about that subject it has probably been written about ad nausium.  Just make sure when you are ready to retire that you can live on your retirement.  If not, make plans for investments, or don't retire and die at work.  Some of you will probably have to die at work anyway or at least think that is what you need to do.  Retirement is a scary thing.  It's almost like getting on a roller coaster if you have never ridden one before.  It is a fear of the unknown.  Unlike me, I was very ready to not have to work for money any longer.  I am thankful that I am living in South America, where my retirement money means something.  I can support a family of 4 on the $2700 per month I get, and I still buy electronic books to read on a regular basis.  I might even get a new tattoo next month if I am a good boy....lol.  I worked for 48 years, that is probably longer than most of you have been alive, those of you in my age group know what I am talking about.  I think Glen and Lynda have a great idea about touring the US in an RV. Sell your house because you can't afford the payments anyway, move to a retirement community and sit on benches and talk about your ailments.  Play shuffle board and play Bridge on Tuesday nights.  Seriously, retirement is meant to be a time in your life to relax and have fun.  So when you get ready to retire, do just that.

Until later, partners, keep your powder dry and may fair winds keep your sails ever full.

Doc, Jonathan, Aba