7/1/2007Day one of my retirement has been great. the barbeque last night went well although I didn't know anyone. Worse yet, it was all women.  Now that was not as much fun as you might think. Fragrances and small talk did me in. I started coughing and took refuge in my car. Consoling myself by listening to the ball game I began to feel better. I sat and listened to the game for a few innings just to be sure. No sense rushing things. I did get fed well so it was a good time in my book. My wife had a good time talking with her friends so my absence was hardly noticed.We did leave a little early and went to Forest Park . After a lot of renovations ,the park looks wonderful. We stopped at the boathouse, a restaurant/beer garden that they have in the park, and had a drink and watched a local band perform. the band was OK but the best part of their performance was 2 little girls who were dancing in front of the bandstand. I think they were sisters. One was about 9 and the other appeared to be 6. the older girl tried to teach  the younger one how to move to the various tempos. the younger girl would pay strict attention and then would go back to just jumping up and down with wild enthusiasm and great joy. Soon the older girl gave up and began jumping up and down too. It was sort of like a glorified version of Snoopy's dance in the Peanuts Comic Strip. It was a riot.We might go to the Muny Opera this week. It's an outdoor theater in Forest Park that specializes in musicals. It is huge and the performances are always great.  Currently they are featuring "Grease".I returned my uniforms, badge, ID and equipment to the jail today. It was a little bittersweet but I wasn't as sad as I thought I might be. As a matter of fact I'm relieved that I'm not required to be anywhere for awhile. (Except for doctor appointments.  I can't seem to get clear of them just yet.)I'm currently feeling pretty good and that's the main thing.Be well,tom