Volunteering While Retired

syscokid

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I retired from the workforce in October 2014. A decent pension was built up with my years with the Teamsters and working for SYSCO Foodservices. I’m only 61, so I’m not collecting Social Security yet. Before I retired, I did think about what I was going to do when I did retire. I definitely did not want to have the commitments and responsibilities of working for anybody again. Especially after all those years dealing with jackass supervisors. Therefore, volunteering at my pace or discretion is the only option.

After some serious self-procrastination of almost 5 years, and some serious lecturing from my primary physician care, I have found a volunteering cause that makes me want, and a mental and physical need to do this. As of 1 month ago, I now volunteer at the Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary. I never thought picking up Donkey poop could be so relaxing and enjoyable.

In fact, after over 30 years of dealing with jackasses, I am now embracing the new jackasses in my life! The circle of life can be very ironic! Here’s the local TV news article from last June 12 that caught my attention:


Right now there are 8 of them. Here’s Tutti, 6 years old and the mother of Bela:
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Tutti still has a lot of wildness in her, and does not let me get close to her.

Bela Luna, 3 years old:
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She’s friendly and very mischievous. The Sanctuary proprietor sometimes refers to her as The Terrorist!

Henry and Gracie:
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These 2 are the sanctuary’s most recent tenants as of last March. Gracie is slowly warming up to me, but Henry still likes to hide behind Gracie’s butt if I get near him.

Jojo:
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Very sweet, very mellow with me.

Ruby (22 years old?):
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Ruby is a 1500 lb. mule. Very quiet and gentle, but she’s still a little iffy with me.

Bo:
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Super friendly and loyal. I usually call him My Big Buddy Bo.

And… Rosie:
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I’ve learned to be alert for some of her affections. On the second day she gave me a good pinch on my left cheek. Good thing I was wearing some pants. She’s a Whole Lotta Rosie…

Website and other links:
Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary |

https://www.facebook.com/Ranchoburro/
 
As a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, my volunteer time is spent helping veterans.
We hold an annual live music fundraiser for the Manatee Veterans Village.


I happen to be the one that arranges musical logistics.
Getting bands, a sound system, a backline, finding sponsors, and running around like a crazy man on the day of the show putting out fires, etc...

We used to do this at our local VFW post in Ellenton Fl, but we have found Peggys Corral in Palmetto to be a place more suited to our needs.
They have an outside stage, full liquor license, huge weekend draw, parking on & off site and are a great partner for this ongoing project.

 
Very Cool Indeed. I am doing pretty much the same thing.
I am doing work at the USA Clydesdale Preservation Assc.
They have a small barn with 6 horses. Never had a real maintenance person before me so it was a HUGE mess. Now just a mess.
Been doing this since last Sept, I retired last July.
 
Very Cool Indeed. I am doing pretty much the same thing.
I am doing work at the USA Clydesdale Preservation Assc.
They have a small barn with 6 horses. Never had a real maintenance person before me so it was a HUGE mess. Now just a mess.
Been doing this since last Sept, I retired last July.

I remember you talking about this when you, your lovely wife, @chilipeppermaniac , and I got together. I think that’s great!

I think horses are one of the most majestic animals to grace God’s green earth.

I’ve got mad respect for you, Chas!
 
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I remember you talking about this when you, your lovely wife, @chilipeppermaniac , and I got together. I think that’s great!

I think horses are one of the most majestic animals to grace God’s green earth.

I’ve got mad respect for you, Chas!


I remember it too, Smitty.
If you want to really be in awe of horses, Smitty. Watch a movie called BUCK. The actual man in the horse story has quite a way of thinking and way of life that we humans could really benefit from.

 
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