Newly retired to Michigan

**A Hay** · 11th October 11, 04:54 PM

As the title says, I'm newly retired, after 31+ years as a soldier and civilian employee of the Army. And my wife and I have settled in southwest Michigan, near the town of Watervliet, not far west of Kalamazoo.

I put this message in the Newbie forum because we are starting a new chapter in our life. I've been a member of Xmarks the scot for several years though.

We arrived in our new home on 1 October and the fall weather here has been gorgeous! I look out the backwindow at the woods beginning 50 feet away and it's like a painting that changes with the light and time of day.

It has been busy getting settled in. We came from Southern Germany where I worked for the Army at a small base in Garmisch-Partenkirchen the last 2 years of my career. (4 years early on as an active duty soldier, about 10 years in the reserves, and the last part of my career as a Department of the Army Civilian) We had been in Germany all but a couple of years since 1985. We are still waiting for most of our stuff to be delivered, but our daughter, who lives nearby, has set up a bed and other necessities.

Today we got our phone, internet, and TV hooked up so this is my first message from the new place.

I'm looking forward to meeting some Kilties in the area and would be interested in any Burn's Night suppers being planned. Next year I know I'll be at some of the Highland Games here in the Mid-west, too.

When my stuff gets here, I am looking forward to restarting my hobby of leatherworking. I have one sporran in progress now and a couple of more planned.

Glad to be here.

Regards,

Tom

**Sammac** · 11th October 11, 05:15 PM

Welcome to Michigan! There is a Burns Dinner in Grand Rapids every year, near the bards b-day. I will post info when it gets closer. There are Highland Games in August in Kalamazoo and Livonia. Alma on Memorial Weekend. I don't remember when the Saline games are, July I think. A few things going on.

**Keith A** · 11th October 11, 05:20 PM

Good for you, I envy you. I will be able to retire in 3 yrs and 4 months, after 20 yrs in Law Enforcement cant wait. Good Luck with the next chapter of your life and enjoy the fruits of you labor.

**Father Bill** · 11th October 11, 05:41 PM

Welcome to the Great Rabble!

**piperdbh** · 11th October 11, 05:51 PM

Welcome home, Tom!

I only have 20 years and 29 weeks until I can retire.

**A Hay** · 11th October 11, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Sammac

Welcome to Michigan! There is a Burns Dinner in Grand Rapids every year, near the bards b-day. I will post info when it gets closer. There are Highland Games in August in Kalamazoo and Livonia. Alma on Memorial Weekend. I don't remember when the Saline games are, July I think. A few things going on.

Thanks!
I know there are several opportunities for Highland Games in the midwest.
Also on my list are Estes Park CO, St. Louis MO, and Springfield MO.

Went to Ft. Wayne a couple of years ago also.

Yes, please let me know when you hear more about RB dinner in Grand Rapids.

Tom

**2a5t2f7** · 11th October 11, 07:02 PM

Tom,

Welcome to the rest of your life. I sincerely hope you and the Mrs. find new ways to give meaning and purpose to your lives along with the blessing of family. Thank you for your years of service and for your contributions to the security of our country. Also, I always receive many favorable comments about the Celtic Cross sporran you made for me whenever I wear it.

The third Saturday each September is the Charleston SHG. Please put it on your schedule if you can. I'd love to take you out to dinner as a small token of appreciation. A lot of wonderful history and great restaurants here in the Lowcountry. You can probably become an honorary member of Clan McBubba while you are here as well........

Best,
Doug

**Peter Crowe** · 11th October 11, 07:09 PM

Welcome Tom, From a Scottish expatriate in Massachusetts. I hope you find fulfillment in this new stage of life.

**Spartan Tartan** · 11th October 11, 07:30 PM

Welcome back to Michigan! I'm still on active duty, but miss being home. Congratulations on your retirement!!

**macwilkin** · 11th October 11, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by A_Hay!

Thanks!
I know there are several opportunities for Highland Games in the midwest.
Also on my list are Estes Park CO, St. Louis MO, and Springfield MO.

Went to Ft. Wayne a couple of years ago also.

Yes, please let me know when you hear more about RB dinner in Grand Rapids.

Tom

Hi, Tom!

Our clan society's Michigan convenor lives in Kalamazoo; I just saw him and his wife at our society's annual meeting at the St. Louis games two weeks ago. If you'd like, I could put you in touch with him and see if he has any suggestions for possible events in MI.

Keep in touch, and do let me know when you're down in this "neck of the woods".

Todd