It was one year ago today that Tom and I retired and said goodbye to our friends and jobs at the University of Idaho. We left at noon (him hurrying me along as I just HAD to finish that last spreadsheet) and headed home to the refurbished barn we were renting to finish packing and loading up the U-Haul for our trip through Wyoming and Colorado before making our move to Costa Rica.
I remember so well how excited we were when Luke came by to pick up the last of our furniture – our bedroom set and couches – and we settled in with the dogs for our last night in Idaho. The next morning we were up at 4:00 a.m. and took off with the small U-Haul behind us and the dogs in the back of the truck. We had one scary moment when we stopped off the highway to let the dogs out and Kaya got off the leash and ran towards the highway. I got her back by squeezing one of her squeaky toys but it was a scary moment. Other than that it was clear sailing for the next thirteen hours to Casper where we spent five days with mom and my brother Tom and sister in law Shirley 
and had a really wonderful visit.
Then on to Colorado where we spent a few days visiting my aunt and her partner Frank, 
Jason, Shanti,
Tyvon, 
and grandkids in Denver before heading over the mountain to spend a few days with Jordan and Sonya and the grandkids in Gunnison. 
I remember most poignantly burying the ashes of two 
of our dogs – Neo and Bentley – at the pet tree on the ranch outside of Lake City that Sonya and Jordan own. I was so glad to leave them there in that amazingly beautiful country.
The day of our flight, Sonya drove us to Denver where she dropped us off so Shanti and Tyvon could take us to meet our 12:10 a.m. flight. Our friends Rex and Susan 
were already there and once we got the dogs loaded in the hands of the TSA 
we went to meet them and with just a bit of a delay off we flew to our new home!
I have to say that there has not been a day that we have regretted either retiring early or moving to Costa Rica. People at work used to say that I would never be able to retire – that I would get bored. It has turned out that nothing is further from the truth. There are days when I have no idea where the time went. Between bird watching, sloth spying, and monkey maneuvering, as well as yoga and Spanish classes, there just isn’t enough time in the day. I have to work to find that hour or so to hang out in the hammock 
All I can say is Pura Vida!!!
Costa Rica Dog Lover 
Jana, congratulations on your one year anniversary! So glad we had a chance to meet while we were in Puerto Viejo this summer. In all honesty, I have to admit to some jealousy — leaving the simple, uncomplicated life in Costa Rica to return to Washington was difficult. We have some things to get in order but hope to make the move soon afterwards. In the meantime, I will enjoy reading of your adventures and life in Puerto Viejo. Pura Vida!
Congrats Tom and Jana! Whether or not one is “bored” in retirement really depends on the kind of person you are before you retire. If you’re self-motivated and like to be “busy” then it’s not a problem. You just get to pursue *your* stuff instead of someone else’s! Pura vida!
Jana, It’s been a million years since our days on Custer Street, but I am fascinated with your choice to move to Costa Rica. I’ll be following your journey with anticipation. Your mom looks great and you, well, you look the same…just a bit older as we all do these days. Congrats on making such an interesting choice in life.
Laura