Mr. Webster has been a friend and helper to me for many years. I probably first met him when I was in grade school and we were friends through high school and whenever I needed some advice. Also introduced him to my sons when they needed some advice. Sometimes he even joined us at the dinner table when we played verbal word games but as the boys got older, they rolled their eyes heavenward when I even mentioned Mr. Webster. As I consider myself to be a fair speller and my husband to be next to pitiful, we kept in touch with our friend.

The other day I was thinking about consulting my friend on the word "retire" or "retirement". Mr. Webster gives the following definition:

Retire: To withdraw from action or danger.. to retreat. To withdraw for the sake of privacy, seclusion, protection, or the like. To withdraw from office, a public station, business or the like. To go to bed. To withdraw from the enemy.

Now Mr. Webster was always one who liked words and he also goes on and on. Most of the rest of his explanations were similar. Now this required some thinking. Am not sure that I exactly agree with the old boy. Could he be getting a bit senile?

When I retired, I had as usual made a mental list of things that I wanted to do. Things that I was unable to enjoy when I was working.

Just a partial list...concerts, plays, museums, etc. Maybe making several meals each week completely from scratch using good china and crystal that I have spent years collecting. Remember Mr. Webster says retire from action. Who does he think is going to cook the meal from scratch, was the good china and glass by hand, all after the table has been set with things that I normally don't use? This guy hasn't got a clue about retirement, at least not at my house.

Shopping.....Now shopping and I have not been too compatible in the years past. Never enough time, hate to try on things, etc. Retirement shopping...don't think so.

Still have a good relationship with Mr. Webster but am thinking that maybe since he has become a mogul and CEO of his big word company that he has lost touch with normal people.

Am really thinking of writing to Mr. Webster and challenging him on the definition of RETIRE.

Jo Asterman

The Eclectic Pen - Mr. Webster

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