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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Work is Done

Stix n Brix, NC

This week was my last few days at work.  It felt odd to turn in all my uniforms and other property and walk out feeling naked.  It sure emptied out the closet quite a bit.  Friday was the last day so there was one last bit of formality to tend to.  A party at the Downtown District.  It was a very hot, pretty day.

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I showed a few pics from the stationhouse the other day but I like this one too.  The badge is painted on the wall in the locker room.

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Chief Dolan presented me with my retirement badge (yes he’s 6’8” tall) and Deputy Chief Deck-Brown presented me with a plaque.

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Captain Craghead gave me a nice card that included a very generous collection from the District guys.  The note said it was for RV gas.  It was a heartfelt thanks and a surprise.

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I had an opportunity to express a few words of thanks.  There was more that I wanted to say but I had to make it short and sweet so that I wouldn’t get choked up.  After the formalities, it was time to cut the cake.  It’s neat how it’s decorated with the badge.  I love the bouquet of flowers.

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I’m glad Gin was able to join in on the fun.  She was behind the camera, but she was there along with about 50 folks.  I got lots of hugs and handshakes.

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Those beautiful flowers made it home to our dining room and they smell so good.  Maybe they will bring us luck because Saturday was another house showing.  The house has been on the market since the beginning of June and this was the third showing, two of which look promising.

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Thanks for dropping by, and enjoy each day of your life’s journey by finding beauty in the ordinary.

16 comments:

Dave and Maxine- Wandering Wingers said...

Congratulations Syl. And thank you for your service to your community. Glad Gin could be there and share your day. Hope to see you and Gin on the road soon!

Merikay said...

A job well done. Thank you for your service.

Hopefully now the house will sell quickly and you will be on your way!

Best Wishes!

owensontheroad said...

Congratulations, and good luck! I think the flowers just may do the trick :)

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Congrats Syl! You've reached the goal of retirement, the first step to your new life.

I think it's great that you had a super send off from you friends in the department. I can't believe how cool that cake looked with the badge.

We're pulling for you both on your house showing, let this be the "ONE" buyer you need.

Thanks for all you've done for your city and thanks for your friendship. Looking forward to many visits with you both!

Sherry said...

Congratulations on it all! You've clearly done a great job and received some well deserved appreciation. Loved that cake. Saw it on facebook and hoped you do a blog on it.

You and Paul turning in your gear on just about the same day. And on to your new lives.

I just know one of those two is going to take the house and you'll be off with Wanda to the far corners. Can't wait to hear about your travels.

Congratulations again to you and Gin both on reaching this goal.

ENJOY!!!!

Gail Houle said...

Must add my congrats again. What a wonderful party they gave you. It's so nice to be acknowledged for your service.
Thank you from us, too, for your service. Coming from the neighboring city in NC, it feels particularly close for us.
Hope you are just as successful selling the house!

Karin said...

Congratulations on your retirement and the beginning of your new life.

Nancy and Bill said...

Congratulations on your retirement. It is clear to us that you that you were highly respected officer and will be missed by many!!

But you have earned your "GUSTO" phase of life. We are so glad to have met you and Syl so we now get to share some of the new adventures with you!!

Fingers and toes crossed that one of the showings turns into a selling :o)) Can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead for the two of you.

heyduke50 said...

The passing of the last chapter of the book on the working life... now it is on to the next book of the fulltiming RV'ers book... Congrats on your long career of caring service!

Catherine, Jo Beth and Grace said...

We are very happy for you. Fingers crossed on the house.

Travelwithwhippets said...

A big Texas EEEEE HAW! We won't be back in TX again until October, but I always wanted to do that. Congratulations on your retirement. Those last few days can leave you with an odd and bittersweet feeling, but that will soon pass. You obviously had a great career and gave a lot to your community. Can't wait for one of those house showings to result in an offer. It looks like the spring RV Dreams Rally will probably be somewhere in TX. Dianne and I will probably go, if it is. Maybe we'll see the two of you there?

Mike and Terri said...

Congratulations Syl! It's always nice to feel appreciated, and it looks like you received some well deserved accolades and recognition. Best wishes to you and Gin as you embark on the next phase, and we're keeping our fingers crossed that your flowers do indeed bring you good luck on your house. We look forward to seeing you guys on the road!

cruzin2some said...

O.K Now that you are an old retired person, you guys need to hurry up and get that house sold and join us on the open road!!!!

Happytrails said...

Congratulations on an outstanding career! A huge thank you for all your service through the years....much appreciated!
Love those flowers....really pretty!
Wishing you lots of luck with the house!

Tumbleweed Dee said...

Congratulations!! Thanks for your service in our town of Raleigh.

May you have many happy years together in the RV lifestyle. I hope the house sells fast and you're on your way and no looking back.

We can't wait to see you again.

Margie and Roger said...

What a nice retirement party! Glad you are taking time to just relax (is trimming shrubs relaxing, oh well, you know what I mean) and enjoy your time off. You'll get on the road soon. Sometimes it's best just to unwind before taking off.