Author: Kathy Merlino

Hello. I'm Kathy, retired, living with my husband of 38 years in Upstate South Carolina on our hobby farm of six acres. Since I found very little information on the emotional and psychological transition from career to retirement, I started Kathy's Retirement Blog in November 2012 to help me and others sort out what retirement looks like for those of us wanting a retirement where we can be mentally challenged, physically active and emotionally satisfied. Retirement takes more than financial preparation. It is more of a journey than an arrival at a life destination. And, it is not an end but a beginning. People are living longer, are more productive than ever. That said, getting to my happy place in retirement was a challenge. But, as I meandered through this life transition, I learned I am far from alone. I hope my story will provide you with insight and encouragement as you make or prepare for your journey. I spent my career working in banking and real estate, both commercial and residential, local and national. Martin and I retired at the end of 2012. As we retired, I started a journey of rediscovery of who I am without my career. I took up new hobbies such as painting and knitting and expanded old ones, planting a vineyard to satisfy my desire to try winemaking. Obviously, I quench my thirst for writing by blogging about my experiences and insights. Martin and I have two daughters, six grandchildren and seven cats. Yes, seven cats, rescued cats, some inside, some outside, some both. While one of our daughters lives in Michigan with her husband and five kids, our other daughter lives nearby so we see one grandchild often. My in-laws also live about 30 minutes from our house. Besides all of the above, I'm a Master Gardener, accomplished cook, bush whacker, watercolor artist, knitter and soon-to-be winemaker. And, I serve on the board of directors for an artists' guild. I also encourage you to visit me on Twitter