Hello! I’m the old guy behind Old Guys Field Guide – a retired educator, writer, church musician, traveler, chef wannabe, and grampa of two. I’ve worked as a college professor and administrator, a school principal, and an elementary and middle school teacher. I’ve taught just about every level except toddlers.
Actually, I taught my son and daughter quite a lot when they were at that stage, but that never made it into my curriculum vitae.
I’ve also directed church music and youth programs and continue serving as an organist and choir accompanist. I’m now taking jazz piano lessons through our local community college. It’s important to challenge the mind and develop new skills at our age, and trying to learn jazz certainly checks those boxes!
My wife Kathy and I love to travel. Through family vacations, mission/service trips, and guided tours, we’ve visited more than a dozen countries, hiked multiple national parks, toured ten presidential libraries, and spent one very long night in a Paris hospital. Yeah, I’ll definitely post about that experience one of these days.
I’m in surprisingly good health, considering the fact that I’ve had several minor strokes. (I’ll blog about those too.) That experience helped turn my casual approach to exercise and health into an essential part of my daily life. I am living proof that a drop in testosterone – an unavoidable occurrence for us aging men – does not mean you can’t add significant strength, flexibility, and muscle mass in your retirement years.
So I’m writing from the perspective of a seasoned educator/researcher who still loves learning, a man of faith, a somewhat adventurous traveler, and a retiree who truly enjoys his family and this amazing stage of life. Thanks for stopping by. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something you enjoy, and join me as I explore retirement and the great adventure of getting older – one field note at a time.
– Tim
