Cowpuncher said:
After a couple of years, we sold our ranch this week. Lock, stock and barrel. Buyer took cattle, equipment, employees.
It has been enjoyable reading Ranchers.net. I do believe that there are some here who thrive in adversity and seem to hope that the world caves in.
I had back surgery the day after the sale. It surely was one of the best things I have ever done - no pain anymore - even from the surgery.
I hope you all continue to prosper. I will have to satisify myself with managing the proceeds of the sale to keep Uncle Same from getting more than his share. The capital gains taxes are more than we paid for the ranch and the government took no risk at all. Such is life.
Cowpuncher-
I am having a little tough time writing this to you tonight! One the one hand, I want to congratulate you for the successful sale of your Ranch, if in fact, that is what you really wanted to do. As a Chiropractor, I understand FULLY what kind of painful circumstances you have been undergoing for many years! I know!
On the other hand, I know that there is a possibility that you are on the edge of despair - that you are not looking forward to a different life other than that which you have been experiencing for ??? many years.
Therefore, I will take a chance and stick my nose in your business when perhaps you would prefer that I bug out! But because of 35 years of being in Practice and dealing with a LOT of patients who either HAD to retire, or who were looking forward to it eagerly, I would hope that you would bear with me for a few minutes and let me suggest a few things which may help you make a transition.
One positive aspect of this situation is that apparently you have eliminated the pain syndrome - and that is a positive. I am sure that you have given a lot of thought to what you are going to do with the rest of your life. I don't know your age, but you probably have 25 -30 years left of a comfortable living situation. The critical decision right now is - what are you going to do with those years??
From a Health point of view, I can tell you that if you decide to "kick back and relax, go fishing, loaf and let someone else worry about all that other stuff - you won't last three years! My suggestion is for you to converse with your family, - Wife particularly, - and make some hard, strong, comfortable plans to keep busy! Doing SOMETHING! Don't just plan to sit and watch TV (although that should be a part of your activities if you so desire), read some good books, (also should be part of your plans). Travel, to some extent, should enter into your agenda. It doesn't have to be long expensive trips, maybe just up to the mountains here in Colorado to someplace you have not been before. Or plan to visit some of the ranchers you have met either personally or here on the Forum. The critical factor is - DO a series of THINGS, because that will keep your mind active, and your vital juices flowing. It will also help heal the surgery on your back by keeping the muscle system functioning and the Circulation System refreshed! Do the re-hab activities that they recommend, and be diligent in following directions.
And I would suggest that you NOT totally divest yourself from the CattleToday Forum(s). Keep reading the posts, and replying when you deem it appropriate. You undoubedly have lots of information and suggestions that others may benefit from, and by keeping your mind active, your entire future will take on an entirely different appearance!
These are just a few suggestions which I gave to a lot pf patients when I was practicing, and which my wife and I capitalized on when we retired 18 years ago. And I thank God that we did what we did. We bought a Motorhome, moved into it Full Time, and visited every state in the country for about 10 years. We Wintered in Deep South Texas, Square Danced and I played top line Table Tennis for 15 years. We carefully managed our Financial Investments, lived within our budget, and planned our work, and worked our plan! It took a lot of thought, and dedication, but our lives have been happy and rewarding as a result.
I hope that you can have a great retirement, and enjoy all the rest of your life.
I hope I haven't spoken out of turn.
DOC HARRIS
